A complete application consists of:

• An application

• Transcripts – 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 references

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

If you have questions, send an email to EPArpp@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.

The Assessment, Listing and TMDL Section, within the EPA Region 6 Water Division, is providing a research opportunity for the successful candidate to evaluate and compare the range of State water quality assessment methodologies in the absence of numeric water quality criteria; and, the use of narrative water quality standards in both assessment  and water quality restoration plan development. Appointment activities include, but are not limited to, conducting literature research; conducting interviews with state water quality practitioners; developing databases and spreadsheets for compiling collected data; developing and evaluating water quality assessments and associated Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs); and, preparing relatively simple water quality models The overarching learning objectives for the successful candidate is to develop an understanding and appreciation of the nuances of the Clean Water Act, especially Section 303(d), as well as how all of the various parts of the Act work together from a highly technical, science based perspective.

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. The initial appointment is for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of EPA and is contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. The appointment is full-time in the Dallas, Texas area. Participants do not become employees of EPA, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.

The mentor for this project is Taimur Shaikh (shaikh.taimur@epa.gov).  The anticipated start date of the appointment is October 1, 2018.

The successful candidate will have bachelors and possibly masters/doctorate in environmental science, biology, chemistry, or engineering or related fields. The degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

The successful candidate will have the demonstrated ability to learn new concepts, technical methodologies and software. The candidate must be able to "think on their feet" and be comfortable engaging in both highly technical discussions as well as relaying more "big picture" concepts. 

Skills/Experience: Water quality monitoring, water quality modeling, toxicology, risk assessment,

Software: GIS, Microsoft Office, Python, Matlab, etc.

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
  • Communications and Graphics Design (1 )
  • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
  • Engineering (27 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (45 )
  • Other Non-Science & Engineering (2 )
  • Physics (16 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (27 )