EPA Epidemiology 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 opportunity is available at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD), Center for Public Health Environmental Assessment (CPHEA), Public Health and Environmental Systems Division (PHESD) in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. 

Research Project: This research training opportunity aims to conduct research across multiple projects related to long-term health effects of air and other environmental pollution and disproportionate impacts among disadvantaged groups. Under the guidance of a mentor, the research participant will participate in research linking electronic health records (EHRs) to environmental and socioeconomic data and systematic reviews. 

Under the guidance of a mentor, potential research activities may include the following:

• Conducting statistical analyses for epidemiological research, such as time-series, cluster analysis, meta-analysis, longitudinal data analysis, causal modeling, and multi-variable regression models.
• Utilizing spatial statistical methods to develop maps and interactive graphics and conduct statistical spatial analyses.
• Conducting systematic reviews.
• Management and documentation of large (>100,000 observations) datasets to investigate associations between environmental exposures and adverse health outcomes.
• Researching and summarizing information relating to environmental quality and health outcomes.

Learning Objectives: Potential research projects may focus on the following areas where the participant will learn:

• Environmental epidemiology.
• Air pollution measurement and modeling.
• Systematic review methods.
• Meta-analyses.
• Data management and documentation.
• Scientific writing.
• Scientific presentation skills. 

Mentor(s): The mentors for this opportunity are Anne Weaver (weaver.anne@epa.gov) and Kristen Rappazzo (rappazzo.kristen@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Fall/Winter 2024. 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 upon EPA recommendation and subject to availability of funding.

Level of Participation: The appointment is part-time, 10 hours per week.

Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. A travel/training allowance will be provided to the candidate to present project-related research data and results at scientific meetings (e.g., conferences and workshops). 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.

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.ORD@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a master's degree in one of the relevant fields or be currently pursuing. Candidates pursuing a doctoral degree will also be considered. Degree must have been received within 60 months of the appointment start date. 

Preferred skills/experience:

• Epidemiologic and statistical methods.
• Advanced statistical analyses.
• Programming using R and/or SAS.
• Proficiency in critical review and synthesis of epidemiology literature.
• Strong communication skills (e.g., written, oral, presentation abilities). 
• Experience conducting spatial statistical analysis in ArcGIS, QGIS, and/or R. 
• Experience with causal inference techniques.
• Experience extracting, cleaning, and analyzing data from large (>100,000 observations) datasets.

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.