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EPA Postdoctoral Fellowship in Water Research and Cross-Office Research Collaboration

*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: Postgraduate research opportunities are currently available at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Water (OW), Office of Science and Technology (OST) located in Washington, DC

The Office of Water (OW) ensures drinking water is safe, and restores and maintains oceans, watersheds, and their aquatic ecosystems to protect human health, support economic and recreational activities, and provide healthy habitats for fish, plants and wildlife. Among other activities, OW is responsible for implementing the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act. OST provides ecological and human health science support for decisions and policies that implement the Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and a variety of other water related statutory programs that protect water quality, aquatic life and human health.

Research Project: The focus of this learning opportunity is twofold:
  • 1. The participant will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the coordination between research and water-focused environmental programs and policies. The coordination activities will provide exposure to a broad range of water environment science, research, activities to evaluate water related environmental challenges, and to identify the scientific studies that need to be done to address them.
  • 2. The participant will develop a research plan to use existing data to examine responses to nutrients and other environmental stresses in streams or lakes. The participant will have the opportunity to connect their research to relevant environmental programs and policies.

Learning ObjectivesWith guidance from the mentor, the research participant may have the opportunity to be involved in any or all of the following training opportunities:
  • Communicate technical, scientific information
  • Analyze existing data to examine responses to nutrients and other environmental stresses in streams or lakes
  • Collaborate with other staff to connect their research to relevant environmental programs and policies
  • Publish results of original research
  • Contribute to processes promoting transparency and accessibility of scientific products
  • Develop and form partnerships with those striving toward similar goals
  • Participate in water quality-related research conferences
  • Understand EPA programs to protect water quality and manage water resources

This educational opportunity will expose the participant to regulatory, policy, technical, and research experiences related to water programs at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The fellow will develop a sound understanding of water resources management including the critical challenges facing the U.S.

Mentor(s)/CoordinatorThe mentor for this opportunity is Amina Pollard (pollard.amina@epa.gov) and the Program Coordinator is Octavia Dixon (dixon.octavia@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s) or program coordinator.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Spring 2022.  All start dates are flexible and vary depending on numerous factors. Click here for detailed information about start dates.

Appointment LengthThe appointment will initially be for one year and may be renewed upon EPA recommendation and subject to availability of funding.

Level of ParticipationThe appointment is full-time.

Participant StipendThe participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The current stipend for this opportunity is $74,950/year. Click here for detailed information about full-time stipends.

EPA Security ClearanceCompletion of a successful background investigation by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is required for an applicant to be on-boarded at EPA.

ORISE InformationThis 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.

ORISE offers all ORISE EPA graduate students and Postdocs a free 5 year membership to the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA).

The successful applicant(s) will be required to comply with Environmental, Safety and Health (ES&H) requirements of the hosting facility, including but not limited to, COVID-19 requirements (e.g. facial covering, physical distancing, testing, vaccination).

Questions: Please see the FAQ section of our website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email ORISE.EPA.OW@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.