EPA Children's Environmental Health Program

*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 Postgraduate research opportunity at the Office of the Administrator (OA), Office of Children’s Health Protection (OCHP) with the Regulatory Support and Science Policy Division (RSSPD) located in Washington, DC.

OCHP has the fundamental goal to ensure that all EPA actions and programs address the unique vulnerabilities of children. RSSPD’s work addresses the potential for exposures, hazards, health effects, and health risks after early life exposures (i.e. during gestation/pregnancy, childhood, reproductive years) during agency’s development of actions, regulations, assessments, methods and policies. For more information, see: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-office-childrens-health-protection-ochp and https://www.epa.gov/children.

Research Project: This research provides a unique opportunity to contribute to OCHP efforts by utilizing environmental and health data to highlight key environmental issues to children (see: https://www.epa.gov/americaschildrenenvironment). Further, the project provides training in current and emerging children’s environmental health issues with an opportunity to develop projects to contribute to the resolution of one or more of these issues. 

The selected candidate may be involved in the following training activities:

• Reviewing statistical analysis and data of children’s environmental health surveys and research
• Reviewing GIS data and familiarity with major GIS software systems (e.g., ArcGIS)
• Assessing demographic variables and different environmental health exposures and associated health outcomes
• Researching and analyzing children’s environmental, health and biomonitoring indicator data
• Attending and presenting at scientific conferences related to CEH
• Developing one or more individual projects to address an emerging or current CEH issue based on professional training and interest

The participant will have access to a team of experts collaborating within the agency and across the government, as well as with outside experts and stakeholders, on issues related to children’s environmental health. OCHP will review all completed research products for adherence to principles and policies, quality, and soundness of scientific conclusions.

The research at RSSPD is “secondary research,” in other words, OCHP performs systematic literature searches and reviews. OCHP does not conduct laboratory research. 

Learning Objectives: With guidance from an OCHP mentor and other team members, the participant will gain experience in children’s environmental health (CEH), the use of scientific evidence to inform EPA decision-making, principles of risk assessment and EPA laws and regulations.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Rebecca Dzubow (dzubow.rebecca@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

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

Appointment Length: The appointment may initially be for one year and may be renewed for three or four additional years depending upon education level, 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.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 be currently pursuing one of the degrees with completion by appointment start date. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

Preferred skills:

• Excellent scientific and analytical skills
• Ability to research complex concepts
• Ability to communicate well both orally and in writing to diverse audiences
• Ability to work both independently and in teams

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.