*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 Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response (CESER), Water Infrastructure Division (WID) located in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Research Project: Industrial wastewaters (e.g., oil and gas produced water or food processing wastewaters) contain diverse contaminants that must be considered during beneficial reuse. Likewise, the level of treatment required may vary with reuse applications ranging from water supply augmentation to potable water. It is therefore necessary to characterize potential contaminants of concern in different industrial source waters and to assess their respective fit-for-purpose reduction needs using a risk-based approach. With a primary focus on two industries (oil and gas production and food processing), this appointment aims to develop chemical risk characterizations and risk assessments necessary to inform treatment and reuse decisions. The research participant will have the opportunity to learn about EPA’s water reuse activities and to contribute to the further development of these efforts.
Research activities may include:
- Reviewing scientific and gray literature to synthesize meta-analyses of oil and gas produced water quality
- Analyzing and interpreting chemical and effects-based measurements of food processing wastewater quality
- Conducting chemical risk assessments of relevant water reuse pathways, including potential treatment guidance
- Developing frameworks for utilization of effects-based measures (e.g., bioassays) in water reuse risk assessments
- Participating in stakeholder meetings to inform research activities and communicate results
- Preparing guidance documents and scientific journal manuscripts
Learning Objectives:
- Understanding how to characterize and model chemical risks for industrial water reuse
- Applying critical-thinking and analysis skills to complex environmental systems
- Developing translational modeling approaches for real-world applications
- Gaining experience in public service and government research environments
- Further developing technical and science communication skills
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Michael Jahne (jahne.michael@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Spring 2021. 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 up 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.
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 (EPA-ORD-CESER-WID-2021-02).
