Project # EPA-ORD/NRMRL-STD-2014-06 Green Infrastructure Research in Urban Systems (see attachment)
Project Description: A postdoctoral research project training opportunity is currently available at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) National Risk Management Research Laboratory (NRMRL). The appointment will be served with the Sustainable Technology Division (STD) in Cincinnati, Ohio. STD research staff focus on advancing the scientific understanding, development, and application of technologies to address a variety of areas related to sustainability, including systems analysis, environmental management, clean processes, green chemistry, and green engineering. Using a multidisciplinary approach that integrates the abilities and interests of ecologists, hydrologists, economists, social scientists and lawyers, EPA Office of Research and Development and Regional scientists study the ecological, social and economic aspects of how to better manage wastewater flows in urban systems historically lacking in both environmental quality and ecosystem services. This project will study the implementation of green infrastructure (GI) at multiple spatial scales in various urban systems throughout the U.S., and address residential- and street-level GI in vacant lots, parks, and other green spaces, and will utilize concepts in adaptive management as a mechanism for implementation, and ongoing maintenance and improvement in GI performance. The research participant may be involved in: Design and undertake interdisciplinary research involving GI as implemented in urban systems in the U.S. Fieldwork collecting ecological, hydrologic and other environmental data. Modeling, analyzing data and conducting research on quantifiable estimates of ecological, social, and economic impacts of GI to understand its implications for sustainability in water resources management, stormwater runoff control, and ameliorating system conditions that lead to undesirable combined sewer overflows. The research participant will be exposed to and interact with a large team of researchers from a variety of backgrounds across EPA and other government and non-government institutions. S/he may also have the opportunity to present research findings at conferences and collaborate on project-related manuscripts. Qualifications: Applicants must have received a doctoral degree in ecology, geography, hydrology, environmental science, economics, soil science, or a similar field within five years of the desired starting date, or completion of all requirements for the degree should be expected prior to the starting date. 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. U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status is preferred (but a candidate also may hold an appropriate visa status; an H1B visa is not appropriate). Guidelines for non-U.S. citizens may be found at http://orise.orau.gov/epa/applicants/immigration.htm. 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. Funding may be made available to reimburse the participant's travel expenses 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 must show proof of health and medical insurance. The participant does not become an EPA employee. Technical Contact: The mentor for this project is Dr. Ahjond Garmestani ([email protected]). How to Apply: An application can be found at http://orise.orau.gov/epa/applicants/application.htm. Please reference Project # EPA-ORD/NRMRL-STD-2014-06 when calling or writing for information.
