EPA Analysis of Community Recycling Markets and Science of Statewide Recycling Measurement Fellowship

*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: Two research training opportunities are currently available at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA), Office of Land and Emergency Management (OLEM), Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery (ORCR) located in Washington, DC.

Research Project: A circular economy keeps materials and products in circulation for as long possible. The Save Our Seas 2.0 Act refers to an economy that uses a systems-focused approach and involves industrial processes and economic activities that are restorative or regenerative by design, enables resources used in such processes and activities to maintain their highest value for as long as possible, and aims for the elimination of waste through the superior design of materials, products, and systems (including business models). It is a change to the model in which resources are mined, made into products, and then become waste. A circular economy reduces material use, redesigns materials and products to be less resource intensive, and recaptures “waste” as a resource to manufacture new materials and products.

Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will research reducing plastics pollution, measurement and analysis of recycling data, and how EPA can help promote a circular economy. The participant will have the opportunity to collaborate with peers at EPA, as well as other federal agencies and non-profit and academic institutions. They will collaborate with scientists in environmental and social sciences. This appointment is at EPA Headquarters and is not in a laboratory.

Learning Objectives: The participant may be involved in one or more of the following research areas:

• Compilation and evaluation of statewide measurement data on recycling rates, amounts of various materials recycled, contamination rates, and other relevant metrics.
• Measurement of various materials that comprise municipal solid waste and how they are managed through landfilling, recycling, and other management pathways.

Quantifying and valuating the business markets and economic conditions for recyclable and recycled materials and commodities in communities throughout the country.

Analyzing end markets for commonly recycled materials (glass, paper, aluminum) as well as hard-to-recycle materials like electronics and textiles.

Studying ways to improve recycling infrastructure in various communities including rural, urban, and communities with environmental justice concerns.

Evaluating the effectiveness of the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grant program and measuring its resulting outputs and outcomes.

Advising on the implementation of the National Recycling Strategy.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Chris Carusiello (Carusiello.Chris@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor directly.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: August 26, 2024. All start dates are flexible and vary depending on numerous factors. Click here for detailed information about start dates.

Appointment Length: The appointment initially may be for one year and may be renewed up to three 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. At this time stipends levels for Master’s ~$68,405 and PhD ~$82,764. 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.

Questions: Please see the FAQ section of our website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process, please email ORISE.EPA.REG@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a master's or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields, or currently be pursuing one of the degrees with anticipated completion before December 31, 2024. Degree must have been received within the past five years. 

Preferred skills/experience:

• Knowledge of science related to municipal solid waste management such as material recovery, sorting, mechanical recycling, and/or other related processes.
• Knowledge of environmental science and policy, public health, municipal/local government, or interdisciplinary science policy.
• Strong analytical skills and oral and written communication skills.

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
• Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 12/30/2024 11:59:00 PM.
• Academic Level(s): Postdoctoral or Post-Master's.