EPA Fellowship in Demonstrating Reliable, Cost-Effective Technologies to Identify Lead Service Lines
*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 currently 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 Edison, New Jersey. If selected for the opportunity, the participant will need to relocate to the appropriate EPA facility. The relocation costs are not reimbursable. The opportunity is not 100% remote, but limited remote participation may be considered at the mentor’s discretion.
Research Project: The Office of Research and Development (ORD) at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) completes high-quality research to provide the scientific basis for decisions on national environmental issues and help EPA achieve its environmental goals.
Lead Service Lines (LSLs), the pipes connecting homes to the water main, can be the primary source of lead exposure to individuals. Millions of LSLs that remain in place across the United States pose a health risk to those who drink water distributed from municipal water systems. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides funding to help communities remove LSLs and reduce their residents' exposure to lead.
CESER is conducting applied research to evaluate technologies that help communities quickly, affordably, and reliably identify and locate LSLs. This research helps determine the cost-effectiveness, accuracy, and ease of use of alternate techniques. The results will help states, communities, and Tribal Nations quickly identify and remove lead service lines. The research focuses on providing data and information to help small, disadvantaged, or undeserved communities.
This ORISE opportunity allows the participant to learn about and develop new skills in data collection and analysis, tools, communication and outreach, and information related to the applied research program.
Under the guidance of the mentor, the research participant activities may include:
- Collecting data at field and controlled sites.
- Designing, maintaining, and using databases and spreadsheets.
- Developing and formatting reports, peer-reviewed journal articles, presentations and contributing to the development of technical manuscripts.
- Independently locating, organizing, and analyzing material in a clear sequence to help with decision making.
- Reviewing and editing reports and presentations to ensure final versions are clear, concise accurate, consistent. and suitable for intended audience.
Learning Objectives: Learning objectives will cover a wide range of activities that connect science and society. Common goals of science communication include informing non-experts about scientific findings, raising the public awareness of and interest in science, influencing people's attitudes and behaviors, informing public policy, and engaging with diverse communities to address societal problems. Specific learn objectives include effectively presenting research results to various audiences at conferences and workshops and communication as related to public health and drinking water quality.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Michael Borst (borst.mike@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: January 27, 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.
Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The current stipend range for this opportunity is $70,448-$102,163 per year plus a travel/training allowance. 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.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should have received a master's or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within two years of the appointment start date. Candidates currently pursuing either degree must complete all degree requirements before the appointment start date.
Preferred Skills:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Strong record keeping skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work with minimal direct guidance, work independently, and collaborate both as a part of a team.
- Experience with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
- Experience with data statistical analysis
- Knowledge of Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Teams, Planner, Forms, Project, or similar applications.
Point of Contact
Eligibility Requirements
- Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 24 months or anticipated to be received by 1/27/2025 12:00:00 AM.