EPA Fellowship to Develop Indoor Air Quality Research and Guidance

*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 project is available in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Radiation and Indoor Air (ORIA), Indoor Environments Division (IED) located in Washington, DC.

This project is in the Environmental Protection Agency's, Office of Radiation and Indoor Air, Indoor Environments Division (IED) located in Washington, DC. The Indoor Environments Division (IED) is a non-regulatory program addresses the significant public health risks that are related to the indoor environment. IED develops, synthesizes and translates indoor air quality (IAQ) science to inform policy and programs; provides technical guidance and assistance, public information and education; and partners with industry, non-governmental organizations, states, tribes and communities to raise awareness and facilitate risk reducing actions. 

Research Project: A new indoor air chemistry model is being developed to understand the effects of human behaviors, building and product emissions, outdoor air pollution, weather and other factors on the air we breathe indoors, where we spend most of our time. This project will focus on searching and analyzing the scientific literature and other sources to develop a database of model inputs for activities such as cooking or vacuuming, volatile organics emissions from building or consumer products, fixture light spectra, historical weather data, etc. from which model users can select to best approximate the indoor environments they are interested in understanding. This understanding can help develop guidance for different environments, to reduce exposures, deploy consumer air quality monitors, and ultimately improve public health. 

In addition to collaborating on model development, this fellowship will offer many opportunities to explore other activities in the division, including: emergency preparedness and response related to indoor air quality, building specifications, infectious disease transmission in the indoor environment, radon exposure reduction, indoor air in schools, and indoor environmental epidemiology.

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

• Develop analytical skills and gain a deeper understanding of the science related to indoor air quality (IAQ), including indoor chemistry, epidemiology and IAQ, and emerging issues in IAQ.
• Gain experience collecting, compiling, and analyzing literature.
• Learn how to evaluate cutting edge science on IAQ.
• Publish results of literature analysis in the peer reviewed literature and present findings at public meetings and/or conferences.

Mentors: The mentor for this opportunity is Vito Ilacqua (ilacqua.vito@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Fall 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 three to 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.

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. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date. 

Preferred skills/experience:

• Experience searching and analyzing the scientific literature
• Knowledge of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) relevant disciplines, including knowledge of chemistry, microbiology, epidemiology, and/or building science
• Knowledge of the R statistical and programming language

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
• Academic Level(s): Postdoctoral or Post-Master's.