*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 currently available at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD), Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response (CESER), Land Remediation and Technology Division (LRTD) located in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Research Project: The assessment of impacts across a chemical’s life cycle is essential to protect human health and the environment. Therefore, it is critical to track the chemicals and environmental releases during chemical manufacturing, use, and end-of-life (EoL) stages. Data and process systems engineering approaches, coupled with multi-criteria decision-making models can enhance chemical assessment for developing safer and more sustainable circular economy paths. The research participant will learn how to design, model, and assess pathways and technologies to help transform chemical manufacturing and use from the traditional linear production paradigm (raw material extraction, manufacturing, usage, and disposal) to an emerging emphasis on circular economy. The participant will be provided with state-of-the-art knowledge and networking opportunities to exchange experiences and information in estimating chemical flows, energy consumption, and environmental releases during various scenarios for manufacturing, use, and end-of-life life cycle stages.

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

• Prepare peer-reviewed manuscripts, reports, and technical conference presentations from the conducted research. 

• Broadly research manufacturing, use, recycling, recovery, and disposal options for chemical substances and their products.
• Evaluate and determine chemicals present in manufacturing, usage, recycling, and disposal options.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Gerardo J. Ruiz-Mercado (ruiz-mercado.gerardo@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: July 1, 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 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.