EPA Aquatic Ecosystems Chemical Condition Fellowship
*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 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) 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 research participant will have the opportunity to interact with a group of ca. 20 principal investigators and post-docs in the NARS team.
The research participant will have the opportunity to learn about EPA's research programs focused on the National Aquatic Resource Surveys (NARS), and research efforts aimed at improving the ecological assessments that NARS produces. The research participant will have opportunities to plan their research, analyze data, and write peer-reviewed publications in cooperation with NARS PIs. The candidate will be mentored by EPA's Pacific Ecological Systems Division (PESD).
Learning Objectives:
- model of expected water quality in the absence of major anthropogenic disturbance;
- set threshold values to separate aquatic systems in least disturbed condition from those in disturbed condition;
- use ancillary landscape and watershed data to diagnose probable cause of impaired aquatic condition;
- link chemical conditions to economic valuation;
- establish approach to identify remaining high-quality waters in each region of the conterminous U.S; and
- plan their research, analyze data, and write peer-reviewed publications in cooperation with NARS PIs.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Steve Paulsen (paulsen.steve@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Spring 2021. 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 four 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.