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EPA Fellowship in Biosolids (Sewage Sludge), Human Health, and Ecological Research

*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: Postgraduate research project training opportunities are currently available in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Water (OW). The appointments will be served with the Health and Ecological Criteria Division (HECD) of the Office of Science and Technology (OST) in Washington, D.C.

The Office of Water (OW) ensures drinking water is safe, and restores and maintains oceans, watersheds, and their aquatic ecosystems to protect human health, support economic and recreational activities, and provide healthy habitats for fish, plants and wildlife. Among other activities, OW is responsible for implementing the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act. OST provides ecological and human health science support for decisions and policies that implement the Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and a variety of other water related statutory programs that protect water quality, aquatic life and human health.

Research Project:  The goal of this project is for the participant to conduct research on the potential risks associated with pollutants in biosolids (sewage sludge), including researching and developing scientific risk assessments, potential risk mitigations, and environmental policy options. The participant will coordinate with EPA scientists and risk managers to develop methods and assessments of potential human and ecological risks associated with land application of sewage sludge for use in development of standards under the Clean Water Act.

Learning ObjectivesUnder the guidance of a mentor, this research project will provide the participant the opportunity to learn about the implementation of EPA's Biosolids Program, designed to protect public health and the environment from the effects of chemical and microbial pollutants in sewage sludge. The participant will have the opportunity to conduct research with EPA scientists and leaders in environmental science and policy, and collaborate with other federal agencies and external groups.

Through this project, the participant will develop a sound understanding of the framework that requires EPA to establish standards for proper treatment, use and disposal of sewage sludge. The participant will be exposed to regulatory, policy, technical, and research experiences related to water quality and sewage sludge.

Mentor(s)/CoordinatorThe mentor for this opportunity is David Tobias (tobias.david@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s) or program coordinator.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: July 2022.  All start dates are flexible and vary depending on numerous factors. Click here for detailed information about start dates.

Appointment LengthThe appointment initially may be for one year and may be renewed upon EPA recommendation and subject to availability of funding.

Level of ParticipationThe appointment is full-time.

Participant StipendThe participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The current stipends for this opportunity are $50,640/year (BS), $61,940/year (MS), and $74,950/year (Ph.D.). Funding may be made available to reimburse the participant’s travel expenses to travel to workshops, trainings, or conferences related to their participation with the EPA. Click here for detailed information about full-time stipends.

EPA Security ClearanceCompletion of a successful background investigation by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is required for an applicant to be on-boarded at EPA.

ORISE InformationThis 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.

ORISE offers all ORISE EPA graduate students and Postdocs a free 5 year membership to the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA).

The successful applicant(s) will be required to comply with Environmental, Safety and Health (ES&H) requirements of the hosting facility, including but not limited to, COVID-19 requirements (e.g. facial covering, physical distancing, testing, vaccination).

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