NATIONAL CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (NCEA) U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
Project # EPA-NCEA-RTP 2009-03 Assessment of Environmental Effects from Exposure to Criteria Air Pollutants A postdoctoral research project is currently available at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Center for Environmental Assessment (NCEA) Environmental Media Assessment Group (EMAG) in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. Project Description: The National Center for Environmental Assessment (NCEA) in the EPAs Office of Research and Development are responsible for scientific assessment activities related to the effects of the criteria air pollutants (particulate matter, ozone, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and lead). Such assessment activities are very broad and typically have significant implications for national and international environmental policy development and implementation. The participant will be involved in the review and evaluation of currently available scientific information for the purpose of developing integrated science assessment documents and communicating scientific information to other EPA program offices. Specific Tasks: The participant may be involved in (1) critically reviewing scientific literature on the impacts of air pollutants on ecosystems across a broad range of scales (i.e. from organism to watershed); (2) assist in writing portions of the NOx and SOx (topics include: acidification, N fertilization, & eutrophication) and ozone (topics include: oxidative damage to photosystems and plant growth) documents (3) conducting database management activities related to the NOx and SOx and ozone reviews, including running queries and modifying data structure as needed; and (4) performing data analyses that address key scientific issues. The participant may continue to interpret his/her own data obtained in his/her own research as a means to incorporate these results into the above projects. There is also opportunity to collaborate with research scientists on projects focused on data gaps or uncertainties associated with the environmental effects of criteria air pollutants. Background and expertise in one of the following disciplines is required: • biogeochemistry • ecotoxicology • ecophysiology • ecology Expected Results: The results from this project could be an important component of the scientific assessment of environmental effects from exposure to a criteria pollutant. The participant will have the opportunity to publish findings and results in suitable, high-quality scientific journals and to present his/her research in a scientific forum. The results from assessment activities would include drafts ready for internal and/or external review. Qualifications and Skills: Candidates should have received a doctoral degree in a field relevant to environmental science, such as ecology, biology, statistics or earth sciences within at least three years of the desired starting date, or completion of all requirements for the degree should be expected prior to the starting date. Experience in conducting literature reviews, interpreting scientific study results and preparing summary reviews is highly desirable. 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. Tenure: The appointment is full time at NCEA in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, for one year and may be renewed for up to two additional years upon recommendation of NCEA and subject to availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend. The participant must show proof of health and medical insurance. This can be obtained through ORISE. The participant does not become an EPA employee. The Research Participation Program for EPA-NCEA-RTP is administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education. Please reference project #EPA-NCEA-RTP 2009-03 when calling or writing for information. For further information and application materials contact: Internship Program/EPA-NCEA, Attn: Betty Bowling, Science and Engineering Education, MS 36, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, P.S. Box 117, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831-0117, Phone: (865) 576-8503 FAX: (865) 241-5219 For more information on the scope, daily activities and research opportunities associated with this postdoc please contact: Jeff Herrick, email: [email protected] phone (919)541-7745. See general announcement here: http://orise.orau.gov/science-education/internships-scholarships-fellowships/description.aspx?JobId=380 An application can be found at http://www.orau.gov/partform/EPA/EPA_Application.pdf Jeffrey D. Herrick, Ph.D. Ecologist National Center for Environmental Assessment U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Mail Drop B243-01, 109 TW Alexander Dr. Research Triangle Park, NC 27711 Phone (919) 541-7745 Fax (919) 541-0237 [email protected] for FEDEX, UPS, Airborne other shipping: 4930 Old Page rd Room D366 RTP, NC 27709
