A complete application consists of:

• An application
• Transcripts – 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 references

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

If you have questions, send an email to EPArpp@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.

A postgraduate research opportunity is currently available at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Water (OW). This appointment will be served with the Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watershed (OWOW) in Washington, DC.

OWOW’s marine pollution control programs are responsible for the development of polices, guidances, and regulations, and for the implementation of programs to protect ocean and coastal resources. The participant will be involved in the following marine pollution control programs:

• Trash Free Waters program - potential research efforts would include measures of project success/progress to reduce trash entering waterways, costs associated with managing aquatic trash, and identification of research/data gaps pertaining to human health impacts of aquatic trash.
• Ocean Acidification and Coral Reef Protection program - potential research areas include valuation of lost ecosystem services, evaluation of mitigation options, and identification of approaches for public engagement and communication.
• Vessels, Marinas, and Ports Program - potential research efforts related to assessing the environmental impacts of vessel discharges, developing regulatory standards for vessel discharges, and developing education and outreach tools for the vessels, marinas, and ports communities.
• Ocean Dumping Management Program - potential research efforts relate to ocean dumping monitoring, assessment and evaluation of wastes and other materials, and development of tools and outreach materials to support the national regulatory program.

The participant will be involved in a range of research activities related to maintaining the health, resilience, and sustainability of the oceans and coasts. Research efforts could involve interaction with representatives of federal, state, and local agencies; members of the academic community; representatives of non-governmental organizations; and members of the private sector. 

This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and EPA.

Applicants must have received a master's or a doctoral degree in the fields of engineering, physical science, biological science, environmental science or closely related areas within five years of the desired starting date, or completion of all requirements for the degree should be expected prior to the starting date. Familiarity with web authoring tools is desired.

The appointment is full time for one year and may be renewed upon recommendation of EPA and contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend. The annual stipend will range from $53,435 to $76,378 based on level of education. Funding may be made available to reimburse the participant’s travel expenses to present the results of his/her research at scientific conferences. No funding will be made available to cover travel costs for pre-appointment visits, relocation costs, tuition and fees, or participant’s health insurance. The participant must show proof of health and medical insurance. The participant does not become an EPA employee.

The mentor for this project is Brian Rappoli (rappoli.brian@epa.gov). The desired start date is March 1, 2016.

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
  • Earth and Geosciences (3 )
  • Engineering (4 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (6 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (5 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (1 )