*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 Measurement & Modeling (CEMM), Air Methods and Characterization Division (AMCD), located in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

Research Project: An ORISE research training opportunity is available with participation in a project to scientifically evaluate household energy technologies for cooking, heating, and lighting. 

ORD CEMM AMCD helps provide the basis for the formulation of EPA's environmental policies and programs by playing a vital role in the scientific research mission of the Agency. CEMM/AMCD helps develop and evaluate solutions to environmental problems faced by EPA, local and state agencies, and the public. This research project seeks to provide information and tools that enable the Agency to develop the cost effective and sustainable approaches to protecting human health and the environment. This research supports EPA's environmental protection goals by providing direct support to Agency's regulatory and voluntary programs and by developing and evaluating emissions measurement, emissions control and cost effective risk management strategies. 

The research participant will collaborate with a team of scientists and engineers on activities that may include (but not be limited to) the following: 

• Measuring air pollutant emissions in the laboratory and/or in the field.
• Evaluating emissions of gases and particulate matter that affects human health.
• Evaluating emissions of greenhouse gases and aerosols that affect the environment.
• Measuring energy efficiency and fuel use in the laboratory and/or in the field.
• Technical capacity building and training in developing countries.
• Biomass fuels research.
• Combustion research.
• Testing protocols and standards development.

Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor, the research participant will learn specialized air pollutant emissions measurement techniques, analyses of experimental data, and effective presentation of results. The research participant will be mentored in data interpretation, presentation, organization, and communication of scientific findings.

Mentor(s): The mentor(s) for this opportunity is Jim Jetter (jetter.jim@epa.gov) and Chris Owen (owen.chris@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: December 16, 2024.  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: This 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.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields or be currently pursuing with degree completion before the appointment start date. Degree must have been received within the past five years.

Preferred skills/experience:

• Direct experience in research on the technical evaluation of household energy technologies for cooking, heating, and lighting.
• Experience in measuring air pollutant emissions from combustion sources.
• Experience analyzing efficiency and emissions data for health and environmental implications.
• Experience with biomass fuels research.
• Experience working in developing countries.
• Ability to effectively work in a team environment.
• Ability to integrate science, engineering, and social science research.
• Ability to effectively communicate technical issues in English language.
• Ability to write and publish scientific articles demonstrated by publication record.

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.