EPA Perfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS) Analyses in Drinking Water Co-op Internship

*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 opportunity is available at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD), Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response (CESER), Water Infrastructure Division (WID) located in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Research Project: The research participant will learn about ongoing EPA research related to the analysis and treatment of perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) and will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of challenging and rewarding activities, such as:

• Operating, sampling, and data analysis of bench scale experiments related to PFAS treatment studies
• Preparing solutions and samples for analysis, including preparation of quality assurance/quality control samples
• Participating in operation of analytical instrumentation including but not limited to liquid chromatography/mass spectrometric systems, in conjunction with EPA mentors
• Performing data analysis using spreadsheets, graphical software and simple modelling
• Contributing to developing outputs, including presentations and technical manuscripts

Learning Objectives:

• Understanding how to sample and analyze PFAS in drinking water samples
• Understanding how to remove PFAS from drinking water through anion exchange or activated carbon adsorption
• Understanding how to conduct quality assurance/quality control during sample analyses

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Jonathan Pressman (pressman.jonathan@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Fall 2024/Winter 2025  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 three to four additional years upon EPA recommendation and subject to availability of funding.

Level of Participation: The appointment is full-time during co-op semesters and part-time (at least 15 hours per week) during school semesters.

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.

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.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing a bachelor's degree and in an engineering co-op program with alternating semesters of co-op and undergraduate education.

Preferred skills:

• Coursework or familiarity with drinking water treatment, aquatic microbiology and chemistry, and public health
• Demonstrated education and/or experience in chemistry, chemical engineering, and/or environmental engineering
• Knowledge of environmental, biological, or chemical systems
• Experience in a laboratory setting
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (i.e., Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Outlook), desktop publishing, and the Internet (including developing and maintaining SharePoint sites)
• Strong written, oral and electronic communication skills

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree.