Postgraduate Research Opportunity with the Hypoxia Task Force

Organization
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Reference Code
EPA-Water-2019-0044
How to Apply

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

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.

Application Deadline
9/3/2019 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

A postgraduate research opportunity is currently available at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Water (OW) located in Washington, DC.

The selected participant will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through analysis and research with the Gulf Hypoxia Team, the Hypoxia Task Force and SERA-46 (a committee of research and extension specialists at land grant universities) in the Watershed Restoration, Assessment and Protection Division, within the Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds. Research and analysis experience will focus on supporting and quantifying nutrient pollution and hypoxia reduction efforts in the Mississippi River Basin and the Gulf of Mexico. The participant will be trained in opportunities for evaluating, improving and communicating metrics that track the progress of nutrient reduction efforts through point source and nonpoint source measures, social indicators, and other tools developed by and for diverse partnerships.

Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant may enhance his/her educational background by learning:

  • How to communicate technical, scientific information to the public, stakeholders, partners, and HTF members
  • The translation of complex information to decision-makers and using technical information and analysis to inform policy.
  • Environmental and policy issues related to reducing nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in the Mississippi River Basin
  • How to develop and use quantification tools and other indicators of progress
  • How to develop and form partnerships with a wide variety of partners and stakeholders striving toward similar goals
  • Agricultural science, monitoring and modeling efforts that can help strengthen efforts to reduce nutrients in the Mississippi River Basin
  • Municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, reporting, and compliance through EPA’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
  • EPA and Clean Water Act programs to protect water quality and manage water resources

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: September 2019

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. The initial appointment is for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of EPA and is contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The annual stipend will range from $47,016 up to $57,510, depending on degree level. No funding will be made available to cover travel costs for pre-appointment visits, relocation costs, tuition and fees, or a participant's health insurance. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program.  The appointment is full-time at EPA in the Washington, DC area.  Participants do not become employees of EPA, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a bachelor's or master's 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:

  • Classwork and experience on communicating science to policy makers and the public
  • Strong interpersonal relationship skills
  • Skills for analysis, critical thinking and problem solving
  • Excellent written communication and oral presentation skills
  • Literature review and synthesis
  • GIS

The program is open to all qualified individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, or status as a Vietnam era or disabled veteran.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 9/30/2019 11:59:00 PM.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Communications and Graphics Design (2 )
    • Earth and Geosciences (1 )
    • Engineering (7 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (10 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (10 )
    • Other Non-Science & Engineering (1 )
    • Social and Behavioral Sciences (8 )
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