Connect with ORISE...on the GO!  Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond!

• 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: Two postgraduate research opportunities are currently available at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the Office of Water (OW), Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds (OWOW). The appointments will be served in the Watershed Restoration and Protection Division (WRAPD) in the Nonpoint Source Management Branch (NSMB) located in Washington, D.C.

Research Project:  EPA's Nonpoint Source (NPS) Management Branch has a robust and exciting portfolio. The specific project will vary based on candidate experience and may include: (1) research and analysis to support the Clean Water Act Section 319 NPS Program, including national-scale research on state NPS management strategies, watershed-scale conservation practices, and evaluating water quality results in proposed NPS success stories, (2) support for EPA's work with partners to manage nutrient pollution in the Mississippi River Basin, including research and outreach related to the Hypoxia Task Force efforts, (3) programmatic and technical research to support EPA's Healthy Watersheds Protection Program, and (4) research and data analyses to support partnership work between EPA's Nonpoint Source and State Revolving Funds programs. 

• Conduct programmatic/technical research and/or data analyses.
• Communicate research findings through written reports, presentations, etc.
• Participate in water quality-related research conferences.
• Collaborate with and support convening of EPA staff and outside partners.
• Support education and outreach activities to support the national program.

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 yearly stipends for this opportunity are ~$64,957 (MS) and ~$78,592 (Ph.D.). 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.OW@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

The qualified candidate should have received a master's or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields (e.g., Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Soil Science), or be currently pursuing one of the degrees with completion before the appointment start date. Degree must have been received before June 16, 2023 and within the past five years.

Candidates with strong communication, writing, and analytical skills preferred. 

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 6/16/2023 3:29:31 PM.
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (1 )
  • Communications and Graphics Design (2 )
  • Earth and Geosciences (9 )
  • Engineering (6 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (16 )
  • Mathematics and Statistics (11 )
  • Other Non-Science & Engineering (1 )
  • Physics (2 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (4 )