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*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 training opportunity is available at the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ) located in Washington, DC. This appointment will be served in the Transportation and Climate Division.
During COVID-19 restrictions, the participant will be allowed to perform their research remotely. However, when the facility reopens, the participant will be required to perform their research in the EPA building, and telework will not be allowed except in special situations, such as closure due to extreme weather.

Research Project: The project entails research related to greenhouse gas emissions from crops grown for biofuel production, specifically focusing on soil carbon. This project will involve analyzing existing soil carbon stock datasets and researching the state of knowledge related to soil carbon stocks and emissions.

The participant will have an opportunity to analyze a soil carbon dataset (using tools such as GIS, R, and/or Python) and prepare the data for eventual inclusion in an integrated assessment model. The participant may contribute to a literature review on topics such as the merits and drawbacks of various soil carbon datasets, the areas of scientific uncertainty related to soil carbon, and the state of knowledge on the impact of agricultural practices (such as tillage and cover crops) on soil carbon stocks and emissions. Other similar areas may be identified and pursued by the participant.

Learning Objectives: The participant will learn about soil carbon, interactions between agriculture and the transportation sector, integrated assessment modeling, and greenhouse gas emissions impacts. The participant will also gain an understanding of how scientific data can be used in a government setting. The participant will be mentored in data interpretation, presentation, organization, and communication of scientific findings. The participant will collaborate with a group of environmental professionals with diverse areas of expertise and may be given opportunities to communicate their findings to Agency personnel and non-Agency partners through presentations and/or reports.  

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Lauren Rafelski (rafelski.lauren@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: June 7, 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 four additional years upon EPA recommendation and subject to availability of funding.

Level of Participation: The appointment can be full-time or part-time (no fewer than 20 hours per week), based upon the participant's schedule.

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.