Innovative Research Approaches in Climate Change, Next Generation Air Sensors, and Citizen Science
Research Participation Program
Office of Research and Development
Immediate Office
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, DC
EPA-ORD/IOAA-2014-01
Project Description:
A postgraduate or postdoctoral research project training opportunity is currently available at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD). This appointment will be served with the Immediate Office (IO) in Washington, DC.
Joining ORD’s Chief Innovation Officer, the participant will be involved in analysis of research gaps and synthesis of new innovative research approaches to science and technical issues including next generation environmental sensors, climate change, and citizen science. The research participant may be involved in the following activities:
- Analyzing gaps in current technology for low cost, portable air sensors for ozone, fine particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds, among others. Following the analysis phase, s/he will synthesize new research approaches for development and deployment of next generation air sensors.
- Analyzing the effectiveness of new innovation tools, including challenges and prizes, and adapting the most effective tools for use in maximizing ORD’s climate change research.
- Assessing citizen science approaches at the national level, focusing on the feasibility of incorporating data collected and analyzed by citizen scientists into ORD’s research programs and future projects. Research will also include identifying and quantifying gaps in application or implementation of citizen science products and conducting research directed at uncovering innovative solutions that remedy the deficiencies in the citizen science approach.
The research participant will have latitude in exercising independent initiative and judgment in conducting the research. EPA will review completed research for adherence to EPA principles and policies, quality, and soundness of scientific conclusions. S/he will have the opportunity to collaborate with peers at EPA, as well as other federal agencies and non-profit and academic institutions. S/he will collaborate with scientists in all fields of environmental sciences, but will interact heavily with climate change and air sensor scientists.
Qualifications:
Applicants must have received a master’s or doctoral degree in geosciences within five years of the desired starting date, or completion of all requirements for the degree should be expected prior to the starting date.
U.S. citizenship is required. The program is open to all qualified individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, or status as a Vietnam era or disabled veteran.
The appointment is full time for one year and may be renewed upon recommendation of EPA and contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend. The participant must show proof of health and medical insurance. Funding may be made available to reimburse a research participant’s travel expenses to support field studies and to present the results of his/her research at scientific conferences. No funding will be made available to cover travel costs for pre-appointment visits, relocation costs, tuition and fees, or a participant’s health insurance. The participant does not become an EPA employee.
Technical Questions:
The contacts for this project are Peter Preuss (preuss.peter@epa.gov) and Kevin Kuhn (kuhn.kevin@epa.gov).
How to Apply:
An application can be found at http://orise.orau.gov/epa/applicants/application.htm. Please reference Project #EPA-ORD/IOAA-2014-01 when calling or writing for information.