*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 Public Health and Environmental Assessment (CPHEA), Public Health & Integrated Toxicology Division (PHITD) in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. 

Research Project: This research project is with the Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division (PHITD), located at the U.S. EPA Human Studies Facility on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. PHITD investigators are evaluating interventional approaches that can ameliorate the human health effects of exposure to ambient air pollutants. Of specific interest is the efficacy of physical barriers and/or dietary supplements that may confer protection against cardiovascular and respiratory effects in populations exposed to air pollution and woodsmoke exposure. These goals are being pursued through a combination of experimental and observational approaches to identify intervention strategies, and identify the range of pollutants (e.g., gaseous versus particulate) against which these regimens may be effective.

Under the guidance of a mentor, the research participant will have the opportunity to create and implement analysis plans, author publication of the results of their research in peer review journals, and present study findings at national and international conferences. Additionally, the participant will conduct research activities in collaboration with a team of clinicians, environmental exposure scientists, toxicologists, and geneticists, and will foster skills leading to a career as an independent investigator. The research participant will be part of the Clinical Research Branch and have the opportunity to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of investigators, medical personnel, engineers, statisticians, and support staff to execute clinical studies, analyze data, present study findings at scientific meetings and prepare manuscripts for publication in peer reviewed journals. 

Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor, research learning objectives may include:

• Writing study protocols, study questionnaires, consent forms, and other documents required to obtain IRB and EPA approval and conduct the studies. 
• Executing study protocols, including obtaining informed consent from study volunteers, running the study protocol and the collection of clinical and physiological data. 
• Participating in collaborative interactions with on-site and extramural scientists working on side projects of mutual interest related to the study objectives. 
• Conducting specific clinical tests such as spirometry and measurement of minute ventilation.
• Contributing expertise to conduct statistical analyses in consultation with staff statisticians. 
• Leading the identification and characterization of risk factors that determine human susceptibility to environmental exposures.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this project is Haiyan Tong (tong.haiyan@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Spring/Summer 2024. 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.