EPA Gulf of Mexico Environmental Management Research Fellowship

Organization
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Reference Code
EPA-REG4-GMD-2021-0001
How to Apply
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A complete application consists of:
  • An application
  • Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. All transcripts must be in English or include an official English translation. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
  • A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
  • Two educational or professional recommendations. Click here for detailed information about recommendations.
All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.
Application Deadline
1/8/2021 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

*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), Region 4, Gulf of Mexico Division (GMD) located in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Research Project: Exciting opportunity to collaborate with a team of interdisciplinary scientists and engineers to research the microplastics in the Gulf of Mexico, expand the reach of current efforts, research new efforts for aquaculture in an education setting, and investigate harmful algal blooms in the gulf and its watershed. This research will apply new and existing samples and information to evaluate potential impact of these issues on the Gulf of Mexico and inform stakeholders and decision-makers how environmental management actions may affect environmental condition and the health and well-being of coastal communities.

Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor, the selected candidate(s) will contribute within one or more areas of knowledge on moderately complex aspects of a project, solving a range of straightforward problems, completing a range of atypical assignments and proposing possible solutions using standard procedures. The learning objectives of this appointment are intended to increase the participant's understanding of the ways in which scientific research efforts influence and support scientific policy and EPA scientific activities. The participant will be part of an interdisciplinary research team and be engaged in project planning, communication and coordination, research implementation, and analysis in a community science laboratory. The research participant may interact with internationally recognized leaders, both within and outside EPA. The research participant will evaluate data quality, trouble shoot research results, and apply statistical methods for data analysis and interpretation.

The participant will also assist in collection, analysis and interpretation of quantitative and qualitative data on the biological, chemical and physical character of water and sediment samples.  Research will support the development of future efforts that will assist in improvement to water quality, habitats, community resilience, and outreach for the Gulf of Mexico Division.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Tripp Boone (boone.tripp@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: ~January 2021.  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 up to three 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.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields, or be currently pursuing the degree and will reach completion by the appointment start date. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.  

Preferred skills:
  • Ability to work independently with guidance and coordination of their ORISE mentor, and provide regular updates on project status to project team members
  • Strong foundation in science training and problem-solving
  • Good written/oral communications skills and ability to produce formal reports and give presentations for both internal and external purposes 
  • Experience conducting statistical analyses and interpreting data within a context of ecosystem variability to give insight into possible correlative agents of change and relevant ecological interactions with implications for ecosystem resiliency and stability

 

Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 1/1/2021 11:59:00 PM.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Earth and Geosciences (1 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (46 )
  • Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).
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