Environmental Chemistry Research Opportunity

The Environmental Laboratory (EL) provides relevant, value-added technology supporting the environmental mission of the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Nation. Headquartered in Vicksburg, Mississippi, EL’s interdisciplinary staff of over 220 engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel plans and executes all phases of the technology development process, from basic research to field implementation to commercialization. The EL staff consists of problem solvers who use research, development, experimentation, special studies, and technical support to address the needs of national and international business development partners. Partnering with Federal and State agencies, academia, and the private sector, the EL uses its distinctive technical capabilities to resolve complex, multi-disciplinary environmental sustainability problems.

Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will collaborate with federal employees and contractors on research projects utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and instrumentation to investigate and solve challenges in the in environmental chemistry and geochemistry. The research involves development, optimization, and application of advanced analytical methodologies to ultra-low detection of compounds of interest and potential degradation products in complex environmental media, with an emphasis on understanding the biogeochemistry of metals and target organic compounds in natural systems. Instrumentation the incumbent should be familiar with during their appointment include HPLC and GC with UV, MS, and MS/MS detectors, ICP-AES, ICP-MS, GF-AAS, and Colorimetry/UV-vis, among others. Knowledge in method development, complex matrix analysis, and interference reduction/removal methods is beneficial. The results from the research projects will be presented at national conferences, detailed in peer-reviewed manuscripts, and final reports to funding sponsors.

This appointment is a 12-month research appointment, with the possibility to be renewed for additional research periods. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.

Participants will receive a stipend to be determined by ERDC-EL. Stipends are typically based on the participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other benefits may include the following:

The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOD, or any other office or agency. Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.

 

The candidate should be currently pursuing or received a Masters or Doctorate degree in Chemistry, Geochemistry, or a closely related field, with emphasis on analytical and environmental chemistry preferred. Prior experience with instrumentation or the chemistry-related fields listed in the project description will be considered.