Partnerships for Innovation
A postdoctoral research project training opportunity is currently available at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERL) in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. This appointment will be served in the Atmospheric Modeling and Analysis Division (AMAD). The individual will join an EPA team involved on a collaborative research project between the EPA and the University of Colorado in Boulder.
Project Description:
The research project is part of the larger EPA research program focusing on developing atmospheric modeling tools to better understand the impact of short-lived pollutants on radiative forcing and climate. Specifically, the participant will focus on extending the GEOS-Chem global atmospheric chemistry model with adjoint sensitivity calculations to include radiative transfer modeling for aerosols and gases. These modeling tools will be applied toward finding emission control strategies that help mitigate climate change and improve air quality.
Specific Tasks:
In collaboration with an AMAD mentor and other EPA team members, the participant may be involved in the following training activities:
The participant will have latitude in exercising independent initiative and judgment in the research commensurate with the level of training.
Qualifications and Skills:
Applicants must have received a doctoral degree in environmental engineering, atmospheric science, computer science, or related field within five years of the desired starting date. Applicants should have experience in using chemical transport models, knowledge of atmospheric aerosols and chemistry, and strong communication skills. The applicant will be encouraged to publish peer-reviewed journal articles and effectively communicate with both scientists and environmental policy decision-makers.
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 can also hold an appropriate visa status, however, an H1B visa is not appropriate). The participant does not become an EPA employee.
The appointment will be full-time for up to one year and may be renewed for an additional two years upon recommendation of EPA and subject to availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend. The participant must show proof of health and medical insurance. Funding may be made available to reimburse the research 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 interviews, relocation costs, costs of tuition/school fees, or a participant's health insurance.
The Research Participation Program for EPA is administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education. Please reference Project # EPA-ORD/NERL-AMAD-2010-01 when calling or writing for information. For additional information and application materials contact: Research Participation Program/EPA, Attn: Betty Bowling, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, P.O. Box 117, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831-0117, Phone: (865) 576-8503 FAX: (865) 241-5219 e-mail: betty.bowling@orau.org.
An application can be found at www.orau.gov/orise/edu/EPA/app-gugrgpd.pdf.