• An application
• Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. All transcripts must be in English or include an official English translation. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
• A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
• Two educational or professional recommendations. Click here for detailed information about recommendations.

*Applications may be reviewed on a rolling-basis. Click here for information about the selection process.

EPA Office/Lab and Location: A technical position is currently available at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT) located in Washington, D.C. This opportunity is with the Data Gathering and Analysis Division (DGAD), specifically in the Safer Choice Program Branch (SCPB). 

Research Project: Safer Choice helps consumers, businesses, and purchaser find products that perform and contain ingredients that are safer for human health and the environment. Safer Choice is an EPA Pollution Prevention (P2) program, which includes practices that reduce, eliminate, or prevent pollution at its source, such as using safer ingredients in products.

Safer Choice is looking for a candidate to lead on label misuse compliance. The candidate will identify label misuse compliance issues from partners and non-partners. In addition, the candidate will develop a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that will outline the compliance work for all levels of misuse.

The candidate will learn about grant work occurring under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law related to the Safer Choice program. The candidate will collaborate with other Safer Choice staff to liaise with and build capacity at organizations that may be recipients of or benefit from BIL grants.

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

Appointment Length: The appointment initially may be for one year and may be renewed 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. The current stipend amounts for this opportunity are $50,643 per year for bachelor's level candidates and $61,947 per year for master's level candidates. 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.

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

The qualified candidate should have received a bachelor's or master's degree in one of the relevant fields (Chemistry, Environmental Science, Environmental Health, Public Health, Engineering, Physical Sciences, Mathematics), or be currently pursuing one of the degrees with completion by August 31, 2022. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

• Skills or the ability to learn and apply:
  • How toxicology, chemistry, and related fields can be used to populate the Safer Chemical Ingredients List
  • The role of anticipating and addressing the needs and concerns raised by diverse stakeholders, e.g., industry (chemical & product manufacturers, distributors, retailers), municipal and civic organizations (e.g., state governments, NGO’s), and consumers
  • Excellent writing ability and the desire and ability to work in teams

• Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 8/31/2022 11:59:00 PM.
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
  • Communications and Graphics Design (6 )
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (17 )
  • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
  • Engineering (27 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (48 )
  • Mathematics and Statistics (11 )
  • Physics (16 )
  • Science & Engineering-related (1 )