*Applications may be reviewed on a rolling-basis and this posting could close before the deadline. Click here for information about the selection process.
EPA Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is available at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD) and Region 2, Water Division located in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Research Project: Communities around the Caño Martín Peña (CMP) portion of the San Juan Bay Estuary (SJBE) in San Juan, Puerto Rico are subjected to frequent flooding of sewage-enriched urban runoff. This water floods their homes, schools, businesses, and streets. EPA researchers are working to quantify the flooding, link it to precipitation and estuarine hydrodynamics, and develop quantitative models that will allow the communities to better prepare for natural hazards and extreme weather events. Previous work has revealed that the microbial communities in this canal, and adjacent mangroves, may be doubling the bioavailable nitrogen loads from the canal to the SJBE. The adjacent lagoon is known for having anoxic and hypoxic bottom waters, fish kills, and nuisance algal blooms. The biogeochemical processes that are adding nitrogen are also causing the high sulfur concentrations in the air.
The participant will assist the EPA research team to develop a research project. The EPA research team includes science staff from Region 2 and researchers from the Office of Research and Development (ORD), and both groups will provide guidance, instructions, and support for the participant. The participant will conduct field work, collect samples, and then analyze samples in the lab under the guidance of EPA researchers and regional staff. The research performed will help to document the ecosystem processes in the CMP and the SJBE that are causing the localized ecological disturbances to occur, including microbial characterization, to allow for improved decision-making in the region. Prospective research will include microbial characterization of mangrove peat soils and/or water column particulate matter. The participant may use analytical techniques like qPCR and experimental approaches like nitrogen fixation assays, as well as perform general water quality analyses.
While the participant will be mentored, and be based at, the EPA's Region 2 Caribbean office in Puerto Rico, they must also be willing to travel to EPA ORD offices in Narragansett, Rhode Island and Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, as appropriate and permissible by the agency (as pertains to COVID-19), for training, sample analysis, and the presentation of results.
Learning Objectives: During the course of this project, the participant will have the opportunity to contribute to and collaborate on EPA research products, including: published research articles in journals, outreach materials for stakeholder and community engagement, and presentations at national and local scientific meetings. There will also be opportunities for the participant to independently present research at scientific meetings, academic institutions, and to local stakeholders.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Autumn Oczkowski (oczkowski.autumn@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: September 2020. All start dates are flexible and vary depending on numerous factors. Click here for detailed information about start dates.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year and may be renewed three to four additional years upon EPA recommendation and subject to availability of funding.
Level of Participation: The appointment is full-time.
Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Click here for detailed information about full-time stipends.
EPA Security Clearance: Completion of a successful background investigation by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is required for an applicant to be on-boarded at EPA.
ORISE Information: This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and EPA. Participants do not become employees of EPA, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.
Questions: Please see the FAQ section of our website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email EPArpp@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
The qualified candidate should have received a bachelor's degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date. Students currently enrolled in a Master's degree program in the same fields are also eligible candidates.
I have received a bachelor's degree within the last five years or will receive a bachelor's degree by September 1, 2020, or I am currently enrolled in a master's program.
The ORISE GO mobile app helps you stay engaged, connected and informed during your ORISE experience – from application, to offer, through your appointment and even as an ORISE alum!
You gave a rating of 0 star(s)
SECURITY/PRIVACY NOTICE
By continuing to use this system you indicate your awareness of and consent to the following terms and conditions of use. LOGOUT IMMEDIATELY if you do not agree to the conditions stated in this warning.
SECURITY NOTICE
This system is part of a Federal information system. This system is monitored for security purposes to ensure it remains available to all users and to protect information in the system. The system employs software programs to monitor network traffic to identify unauthorized activities. By accessing this system, you are expressly consenting to these monitoring activities. Unauthorized attempts to defeat or circumvent security features; to use the system for other than intended purposes; to deny service to authorized users; to access, obtain, alter, damage, or destroy information; to upload or change information; to otherwise cause system or information damage; or otherwise to interfere with the system or its operation, is prohibited. Evidence of such acts may be dis-closed to law enforcement authorities and result in prosecution under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986 and the National Information Infrastructure Protection Act of 1996, or other applicable laws.
PRIVACY NOTICE
This system is for authorized use only. Use of this system constitutes consent to security monitoring and testing. All activity is logged with your host name and IP address. Users (authorized or unauthorized) have no explicit or implicit expectation of privacy. Any or all uses of this system and all files on this system may be intercepted, monitored, recorded, copied, audited, inspected, and dis-closed to authorized site and law enforcement personnel, as well as authorized officials of other agencies, both domestic and foreign. By using this system, the user consents to such interception, monitoring, recording, copying, auditing, inspection, and disclosure at the discretion of authorized site or law enforcement personnel. Unauthorized or improper use of this system may result in administrative disciplinary action and civil and criminal penalties.
You have been inactive on this page for . You will be logged out after 03:00:00.
Select an icon below to visit the website and download an appropriate browser.
For help, please email Zintellect@orau.org.
Question: What is the deadline for submitting an application?
Answer: Not all opportunities have application deadlines. Some opportunities remain open until they are filled. If an opportunity has an application deadline, then it will be listed in the opportunity details or in the opportunity catalog.
Question: How do I reset my password?
Answer: If you have forgotten your password or wish to reset your password, use the "Forgot password or username?" tab on the login to reset it.
Question: I forgot my username. How do I retrieve it?
Answer: Use the "Forgot password or username?" tab on the login. You will receive an email containing your username.
Question: What do I need to submit an application?
Answer: Typically, applicants are required to submit a resume or CV, an official copy of their transcripts or academic record, and a minimum of two references at the time they apply. Additional requirements such as a writing sample, thesis or dissertation, etc. may be required. Review the opportunity details for additional information about the requirements for applying for an opportunity.
Question: Where do I upload my transcripts?
Answer: If required, you will be asked to upload your transcript as a part of the application process.
Question: Where do I submit a writing sample?
Answer: If required, you will be asked to upload a writing sample as part of the application process.
Question: Can a family member serve as a reference?
Answer: No; family members may not serve as references. References must be able to speak to your educational and/or professional experience. At least one academic reference is preferred.
Our Zintellect A.I. is constantly learning how to Match you to our opportunities! So, we want to know when we get it right or when we get it wrong. This will help us make our better! Plus, as a potential applicant to one of our many opportunities across the country, we value you and want to help you on your career path!