EPA Fellowship in Particulate Matter Measurement and Sampling Methods

*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: A research training opportunity is available with the National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory (NVFEL) at the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ) located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Research Project: The selected participant will contribute to the development of improvements to a reference method for measurement of particulate matter (PM) from combustion and turbine engine exhaust streams. This research will include use of multi-physics software to model fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and chemistry of particulate matter evolution in exhaust and sample flow streams, as well as developing and testing the sampling system and measurement instrumentation.

This participant will have the opportunity to perform hands-on research at the EPA's National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory (NVFEL) which will include testing the sampling system and measurement instrumentation and use of multi-physics software to model fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and chemistry of particulate matter evolution in exhaust and sample flow streams.

Learning Objectives: The participant will contribute to the modeling of a particulate matter and gaseous emissions sampling system for a particulate matter number reference system. The model development tools include fluid dynamics, thermal properties, and chemistry of the sampling system and PM transport in the sampling system. This participant will also gain hands-on experience with internal combustion engine emissions sampling system components.

The participant will have opportunities to present and publish results at conferences and in professional journals.

Additionally, the participant will benefit by having an opportunity to learn how national laws and policies are implemented and will become familiar how EPA informs and engages with stakeholders.

The participant will also gain a deeper knowledge of these techniques through collaborations with engineers and scientists at the NVFEL, vehicle manufacturers, aircraft gas turbine engine manufacturers, compression and spark ignition engine manufacturers, and the associated laboratories (such as federal, state, universities, and private) that collaborate with NVFEL personnel.

Mentor(s): The mentor to contact for questions about this opportunity is Bob Giannelli (giannelli.bob@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: January 2023. All start dates are flexible and vary depending on numerous factors. Click here for detailed information about start dates.

Appointment Length: The appointment may initially be for one year and may be renewed 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.REG@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.