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.

Two postgraduate research project training opportunities are available at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Water (OW). These appointments will be served with the Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water/Water Security Division in Washington, DC.

The Water Laboratory Alliance (WLA) is a nationwide network of laboratories that provides the water sector with analytical support during drinking water and wastewater contamination events. This network helps water utilities and laboratories respond to incidents involving chemical, biological and radiochemical contamination. The participants will learn about resources developed to enhance the nation’s ability to provide adequate analytical and technical support in response to water contamination incidents.

The research participants will be trained to conduct activities designed to improve the ability of the WLA to support the water sector’s preparedness and incident response efforts. The participants will be involved in the development of technical documents, and will have the opportunity to collaborate with representatives from other federal agencies. In addition, the participants will be exposed to and collaborate on the development and programming of internet-based tools to enhance both the knowledge and response level of the nation’s utility sector.

The participants will gain technical experience by observing the manner in which federal agencies design and manage projects, conduct strategic planning, develop technical guidance and training courses to enhance the water sector’s preparedness and response capabilities. The participants will also have the opportunity to explore ways to optimize outreach and communication efforts to connect the water utility sector to the analytical support they need during incident responses.

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. The appointments are full time for one year and may be renewed upon recommendation of EPA and contingent on the availability of funds. The participants will receive a monthly stipend. Funding may be made available to reimburse the participants’ travel expenses to present the results of their research at scientific conferences. No funding will be made available to cover travel costs for pre-appointment visits, relocation costs, tuition and fees, or health insurance. The participants must show proof of health and medical insurance. The participants do not become EPA employees.

The mentor for this project is Latisha Mapp (mapp.latisha@epa.gov). The desired start date is May 1, 2018.

Applicants must have received a bachelor's or master’s degree in information technology, biology, chemistry, environmental science, engineering, or a closely related field within five years of the desired starting date, or completion of all requirements for the degree should be expected prior to the starting date. 

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (2 )
  • Communications and Graphics Design (3 )
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (3 )
  • Engineering (3 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (6 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (2 )