EPA Aquatic Contaminants Science Technician Fellowship

EPA Office/Lab and Location: A research project training opportunity is available at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD), Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling (CEMM), Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division (ACESD) located in Narragansett, Rhode Island.

ACESD conducts research to enhance the understanding of the effects of human activity on land and waters of the Atlantic seaboard. Researchers collect and analyze data to provide tools for diagnosing and predicting the effects of this activity on aquatic resources and wildlife. ACESD provides research support to EPA Program & Regional Offices and state & local governments. For additional information regarding the Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, visit the home page at https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-atlantic-coastal-environmental-sciences-division.

Research Project: This research project develops and applies standard and novel approaches that integrate biological and chemical information from ambient waters and marine organisms to predict the ecological risks to marine and aquatic resources from contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), particularly per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The research participant will be involved in field and laboratory studies to collect samples and data for analysis. The research participant will have the opportunity to conduct research utilizing sophisticated instrumentation that generate analytical data to advance our understanding of how CECs enter and affect organisms in the marine environment. 

Learning Objectives: The research participant will learn the proper techniques for collecting, preparing and measuring CECs in water, sediments and marine organisms. The research participant will also have the opportunity to receive training in standard and novel testing procedures to assess the effects of stressors on organisms and will require tissue preparation for chemical endpoints. The research participant will have the opportunity to collaborate with teams of scientists from EPA and collaborating academic organizations who are trained in biology, ecology, chemistry and marine science.  

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Mark Cantwell (cantwell.mark@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: November 1, 2022. 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 four 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.

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.ORD@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

The qualified candidate should have received a bachelor's or master's degree in one of the relevant fields (e.g. Marine Science, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science), or be currently pursuing one of the degrees with completion before the appointment start date. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

Preferred skills: