EPA Postdoctoral Fellowship on Coastal Climate Change Linkages to Human Health and Well-being Endpoints

EPA Office/Lab and Location: A research training opportunity is available at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD), Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment (CPHEA), Pacific Ecological Systems Division (PESD) located in Newport, Oregon at the Pacific Coastal Ecology Branch. The Pacific Coastal Ecology Branch is a recognized leader in advancing the scientific knowledge needed to assess the effects of natural and anthropogenic stressors (e.g., pollution, climate change) on the status and condition of coastal and estuarine ecosystems, and how environmental condition connects to human health and human well-being (One-Environment/One-Health).

Research Project: The research participant will have the opportunity to collaborate with a team of EPA and external researchers conducting One-Environment/One-Health research (https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/26602/transforming-epa-science-to-meet-todays-and-tomorrows-challenges) on climate linkages to health endpoints complementary to current Branch and Division research portfolio. The focus will primarily be on Pacific coastal communities (potentially including working on Alaska, Hawaii, US territories, indigenous communities), but using approaches designed to be transferable to other locations.

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

Learning Objectives: The research participant will have the opportunity to gain knowledge by collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of EPA and external researchers. The research participant will gain experience operating in a collaborative science project, gathering and synthesizing large datasets, preparing presentations and scientific papers, conducting research on climate change climate change impacts and adaptation solutions, and scientific communication with stakeholders. The research participant is encouraged to collaborate on the writing of manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications and developing presentations for the project.

Mentor(s): The mentors for this project are Matthew Harwell (harwell.matthew@epa.gov) and Cheryl Brown (brown.cheryl@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: October 1, 2023. 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. 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 doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields, or be currently pursuing the degree with completion before the appointment start date. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.  

Preferred skills/experience: