• 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 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 post-master's research opportunity aims to engage Tribal communities across multiple projects related to environmental health. The research participant will primarily engage with Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina members and neighboring community stakeholders around community science and culturally-relevant education initiatives. The research participant  will collaborate on the development of an culturally-relevant educational and community science initiative for youth members of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. Environmental topics addressed in these initiatives include air pollution (measurement and interpretation), flooding (risk, resilience, and mitigation strategies), and culturally-relevant topics as indicated by Lumbee Tribe members.

As a secondary component to this research opportunity, the research participant will also be provided the opportunity to collaborate with an EPA team of investigators that have developed the Environmental Qualitative Index (EQI) and Tribal Cumulative Impacts (TCI) project. The research participant may participate in literature reviews, data management, research planning, and Tribal community engagement activities related to the EQI and TCI projects.

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

• Culturally-relevant curriculum design
• Project coordination with multiple partners
• Community-based participatory research
• Development of qualitative research instruments
• Analysis of qualitative data

Learning Objectives: This research projects may focus on the following general areas where the research participant will learn: curriculum design; community-based participatory research; decolonizing methodology; case analysis; thematic coding; project coordination experience; community outreach; experience applying qualitative research methods; and developing publications and presentations.

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

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Winter/Spring 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 full-time.

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.

The qualified candidate should have received a master's degree in one of the relevant fields, or be currently pursuing the degree with completion by the appointment start date. The degree must have been received within the past five years of the anticipated appointment start date.

• Knowledge of qualitative research methods is preferred, including: stakeholder interviews; interview guides; thematic coding; within-case analysis; data management; community-based participatory research; project planning and coordination.
• Familiarity with Indigenous research concepts, including: decolonizing methodology, integration of multiple knowledge systems, the Four Rs of Indigenous Research, Two-Eyed Seeing, and bi-directional learning.
• Skills and experience in oral and written communications; health communication and community outreach; and environmental/public health.
• Experience working with Tribal communities.
• Experience with and knowledge of education and/or curriculum development.
• Knowledge of environmental health and familiarity with the EQI is welcome, but not required.
• Experience managing, cleaning, and analyzing qualitative datasets using current software packages.

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Master's Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
• Discipline(s):
  • Communications and Graphics Design (2 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (5 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (6 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (9 )