Agency

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Location

Corvallis, Oregon

Job Category

Internships

Salary

Monthly Stipend TBD

Last Date to Apply

10/03/2022

Website

https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/EPA-ORD-CPHEA-PESD-2022-02

Description

EPA Office/Lab and Location: A research training opportunity is available at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD), Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment (CPHEA), Pacific Ecological Systems Division (PESD) located in Corvallis, Oregon. Research Project: The research participant will have the opportunity to utilize existing and on-going national datasets on the biological, chemical and physical characteristics of streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands from the National Aquatic Resource Surveys (NARS; https://www.epa.gov/national-aquatic-resource-surveys), as well as landscape/watershed data (e.g., from StreamCat; https://www.epa.gov/national-aquatic-resource-surveys/streamcat) to conduct research relative to improving assessments of ecological condition. The participant will have the opportunity to interact with a group of ca. 20 principal investigators and post-docs in the NARS team. Learning Objectives: Research activities may include: (1) creation of biological indices to assess the condition of streams, lakes and wetlands; (2) setting threshold values to separate aquatic systems (or assemblages) in least disturbed condition from those in disturbed condition; and (3) using ancillary landscape and watershed data to diagnose probable cause of impaired aquatic condition. Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is John Stoddard (Stoddard.John@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s). Anticipated Appointment Start Date: September 1, 2022. All start dates are flexible and vary depending on numerous factors. Appointment Length: The appointment will 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. 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 (e.g. Ecology). Most recent degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date. Preferred skills: 1. Knowledge/experience with benthic diatom taxonomy and ecology; 2. Proficiency with large databases, preferably at the national scale; 3. Familiarity/experience with data analysis software (i.e., R, Python, SAS); 4. Good communication and writing ability; and 5. The ability to collaborate with a team of scientists to plan, analyze and produce technical publications.

Contact Person

ORISE.EPA.ORD@orau.org

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