EPA Sustainable and Healthy Communities Internship

*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), Sustainable and Healthy Communities (SHC) Branch located in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

Research Project: This ORD research program aims to provide relevant and applicable science-based knowledge to inform effective State, local, regional or federal decision making that affects community health, wellbeing, environmental quality, resilience, and economic vitality. Community stakeholders have especially requested assistance minimizing potential adverse consequences of decisions, capturing multiple benefits, and maximizing long term cost-effectiveness of actions.  

This research project will explore, document, and develop metrics to assess science communications, translational science, and social science approaches for delivering science to decision makers and other stakeholders and understanding the use and impacts of that science. Under the guidance of a mentor, the research participant will have the opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of an environmental science research portfolio addressing high priority environmental contaminants affecting children and vulnerable groups to determine: how responsive this research portfolio is to risk assessors, risk managers; how these parties are using this research; what similar or complementary science is being developed or used; what other practitioners could and would use this kind of science; where are critical knowledge or data gaps; and, ultimately, who are potential collaborators and users of this science. The research participant may use this information help develop criteria and metrics for the effective evaluation, prioritization, and translation of a research program.

Learning Objectives: The research participant may develop an understanding of the various SHC and ORD research projects and research planning efforts, both at the program level and project levels, and how they have been developed in response to stakeholder input, and how they have been communicated and translated to practice. The research participant will learn how EPA research can effectively support the development of policy, updated rules, and implementation of EPA’s programs in EPA’s regions and states, communities, and tribes.

The participant will collaborate with a multidisciplinary research team including EPA scientists and other partners. The research participant will have latitude in exercising independent initiative and judgment in the research commensurate with the level of training. There may be opportunities to develop peer-reviewed publications and present research findings at national meetings, as well as to develop a network of contacts in this science and practice arena.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Andrew Geller (geller.andrew@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Fall 2020. 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 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.

Questions: Please see the FAQ section of our website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email EPArpp@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.