Fate and Transformation of Organic Materials in Polymer Consumer Products and Environmental Media
*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 learn how to conduct research on the characterization and quantification of anthropogenic organic materials to understand their chemical behavior, fate, transport, transformation, and adverse effects on environmental and human health. The research participant will be conducting research experiments, analyzing data, and writing peer-reviewed journal articles. This research project will be to study the transformations of nano- and microplastics, pesticides, and persistent organic pollutants. The primary focus of this research project will be on nano- and microplastic environmental contamination. Secondary focus will be on organic pesticide interactions with nano-fertilizers and nano-pesticides. There may be future learning opportunities involving halogenated persistent organic pollutants (POPs). 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 – Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS-MS), Liquid Chromatography – Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS-MS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), microwave technology, X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and single particle - Inductively Coupled Plasma with Mass Spectrometry (spICP/MS).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Spring/Summer 2020
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 master's or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields, or be currently pursuing one of the degrees 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-2019-08-A) in your email.