EPA Fellowship on Scientific/Environmental Data Science, Management and Statistics

Organization
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Reference Code
EPA-ORD-CESER-BIL-2024-07
How to Apply
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A complete application consists of:
  • 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.
All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.
Application Deadline
12/6/2024 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

*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 LocationA research opportunity is currently available at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD), Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response (CESER) located in Cincinnati, Ohio.  If selected for the opportunity, the participant will need to relocate to the appropriate EPA facility.  The relocation costs are not reimbursable.  The opportunity is not 100% remote, but limited remote participation may be considered at the mentor’s discretion.

Research ProjectMillions of Lead Service Lines (LSLs) remain in place across the United States, posing a health risk to those who drink water that is distributed from municipal water systems through LSLs and into homes. The Center for Environmental and Emergency Response is conducting applied research to evaluate technologies that help communities identify where LSLs are located, and data is being collected to determine their cost-effectiveness, accuracy and ease of use.  Information about this research will be provided to states, communities, and tribal nations to help them rapidly identify LSLs and remove them. This research is particularly focused on providing the science data and information that small, disadvantaged, or undeserved communities may need to remove these sources of lead.

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

  • Obtaining knowledge and experience with science data management tools, data analysis methods, statistical analyses, data user interfacing, and other data management tools.
  • Generating manuscripts, presentations and other outputs related to drinking water research projects including lead service line identification projects through collaboration on informational resources in support of clear technical communications and project management.
  • Creating science data display designs such as info-graphics, data output graphics, and other data outputs for the purpose of  developing technical project presentations (e.g., posters and slide shows).
  • Gaining knowledge of the science behind drinking water treatment and chemistry.
  • Contributing to developing presentations and technical manuscripts.

Learning Objectives: The research participant will learn to display data by collecting and processing the pertinent historical data applying appropriate analytical techniques. The research participant will learn to manage data sets through various technologies and systems, as well as corresponding statistical tools. The research participant will collaborate with community members and other researchers to understand the systems and support needs captured through participatory research. An important part of this research project is disseminating results and findings. The research participant will be provided an opportunity to disseminate production of outputs related to drinking water research. This will include lead service line identification projects through collaboration on informational resources in support of clear technical communications and project management. The research participant will learn basic science behind drinking water treatment and chemistry. 

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Christina Devine (devine.christina@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Summer/Fall 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 three 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.

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 or Doctoral Degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within two years of the appointment start date.

Preferred Skills:

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Strong record keeping skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Strong computer, mathematical and statistical skills.
  • Ability to work both as a part of a team and independently.
  • Experience with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
  • Knowledge of Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Teams, Planner, Forms, Project, or similar applications.
Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
  • Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 24 month(s).
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (2 )
    • Communications and Graphics Design (1 )
    • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (5 )
    • Earth and Geosciences (1 )
    • Engineering (7 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (3 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (8 )
    • Mathematics and Statistics (11 )
    • Other Non-Science & Engineering (1 )
    • Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 )
Affirmation

I have lived in the United States for at least 36 out of the past 60 months. (36 months do not have to be consecutive.)

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