*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), Land Remediation and Technology Division (LRTD) located in Cincinnati, Ohio. ORD is the scientific research arm of the US EPA. Its leading-edge research informs Agency decisions and supports the emerging needs of EPA stakeholders, including the Agency's state, territorial, tribal, and community partners. 

Research Project: Under the guidance of a mentor, the research participant will conduct research on emerging contaminants characterization, quantification, and fate to understand adverse effects on environmental and human health. The research project will involve conducting research experiments, analyzing data, and writing peer-reviewed journal articles. A major component of the research will be to study the detection, characterization, and transformations of nano- and microplastics.  The primary focus of the research will be on nano- and microplastic environmental contamination and associated additives to the plastics such dyes, other halogenated persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as PFAS and inorganic metals. Secondary focus will be studying volatile organic compounds and particulate from emission related to Li-ion batteries fires and management. 

Learning Objectives: The research participant will have access to a large array of analytical/physical technologies in their research activities, including, but not limited to:

• Gas Chromatography – Pyrolysis Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS-MS)
• Liquid Chromatography - Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS-MS)
• Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) -VP/BSE/X-ray Analysis/Mapping
• Dynamic Light Laser Direct Infra-Red, particle counters, Nano Tracking Analyzer (NTA), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and single particle - Inductively Coupled Plasma with Mass Spectrometry?

Additionally, the research participant will have the opportunity to interact and apply the research to understand find solutions to real life environmental problems and propel their knowledge and experience to prepare them for future endeavors. 

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Souhail R. Al-Abed (al-abed.souhail@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: January 2, 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 up to three or 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.

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 doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years.

Preferred Skills/Experience:

• Strong verbal and writing skills are required for presenting research to a variety of audiences and for preparation of manuscripts.
• Basic knowledge of analytical instrumentation related to analysis of organic compounds in environmental media including, but not limited to:
  • Gas chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS-MS)
  • Laser Direct Infra-red (LDIR)
  • Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)
  • Raman spectroscopy.