Fate and Effects of Oil and Spill Response Agents
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
A research opportunity is currently available at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD), National Risk Management Research Laboratory (NRMRL), Land Materials Management Division (LMMD) located in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The research participant will gain state of the science knowledge on the environmental behavior and toxicity of oil spill treating agents by engaging with EPA experts on the environmental fate and effects of petroleum. The research participant will be given opportunities to conduct research on oils treated with chemical agents and to study how in situ burning changes the chemistry and toxicity to aquatic organisms. The research participant will learn about the biodegradation of oils exposed to spill treating agents under polar conditions as part of EPA research using cultures of high latitude microbial communities. The research participant will receive guidance from international oil spill scientists on state of the science challenges, including determining which oil-water mixing approaches provide the greatest environmental realism. This learning opportunity will enhance the education of the participant by providing hands-on experience, and providing opportunities for presenting research results at scientific conferences, and publishing research articles in peer reviewed science journals.
Research activities may include:
- Experimental study design and problem-solving
- Performing toxicity experiments with oil and chemical agents such as dispersants and herders, and various using oil-water mixing systems
- Performing environmental fate experiments with oil and chemical agents using biodegradation and other fate testing systems
- Training in petroleum ecotoxicology and chemistry. The research participant will collaborate with other scientists to process and analyze the results.
- Developing oral and written summaries to inform mentors and collaborators about activities and results concerning research progress (e.g., presentations, posters, and manuscripts)
- Communicating scientific findings by presenting results at scientific meetings
- Publishing results in peer reviewed science journals
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. The initial appointment is for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of EPA and is contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. The appointment is full-time at EPA in the Cincinnati, Ohio, area. Participants do not become employees of EPA, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields, related to the environmental chemistry and toxicology of petroleum, or be currently pursuing the degree and will reach completion by June 1, 2020. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.
This opportunity is available to US citizens only.
If you have questions, send an email to EPArpp@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity (EPA-ORD-NRMRL-LMMD-2019-05-A) in your email.