Partnerships for Innovation
A postdoctoral research training opportunity is available at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD), National Risk Management Research Laboratory (NRMRL). The appointment is with the Air Pollution Prevention and Control Division (APPCD) in Research Triangle Park (RTP), North Carolina.
Project Description: Investigators from the Air Pollution Technology Branch (APTB) are engaged in research to characterize stationary and mobile source emissions. Currently, these include emissions from diesel engines as well as laboratory-scale and pilot-scale combustors simulating stationary combustion of fossil fuels, biofuels, and wastes. Specific interests include the characterization and control of particulate emissions from combustion sources with both climate and health effects in mind. The participant will have the opportunity to propose, develop, and conduct research in the areas of combustion generated air pollution emissions measurement, characterization, and control. The EPA/RTP laboratories are well equipped for both fundamental and practical research involving combustion emissions.
The participant will be mentored by Bill Linak of APTB. The specific research project will be defined by the successful candidate and the EPA mentor. Generally, the research will involve a project or projects related to the formation, characterization and mitigation of soot and fly ash including measurements of particle size, morphology, black carbon, organic and inorganic species, and size dependent chemical compositions. Projects may include examination of the environmental impact of developing mitigation technologies including particle control, oxy-fuel combustion, and biomass co-firing as well as the characterization of alternative fuels. The participant will be strongly encouraged to publish the results of his/her research in peer reviewed journals and present data at national and international conferences.
Qualifications and Skills: Applicants must have received a doctoral degree in mechanical, chemical, or environmental engineering, or a closely related 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. Applicants should have a strong combustion background and a strong background in basic bench-, lab-, and/or pilot-scale experimental research. The ideal applicant will have experience with soot production, black carbon measurement techniques, diesel engines, laser-based spectroscopic methods for measurements of particulate compounds, and methods and measurements used for integrated filter sampling from combustion sources. The ideal applicant will also have hands-on experience with aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ATOFMS). Candidates must have excellent verbal and written English skills.
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 will be selected based on academic records, recommendations, research interests, and may be renewed for up to two additional years upon recommendation of NRMRL/APPCD and subject to availability of funds.
Stipend and Length of Appointment: The appointment is full-time, at NRMRL/APPCD in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, for one year and may be renewed for up to two additional years upon recommendation of NRMRL/APPCD and subject to availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend up to $5,808, depending upon background and experience. The participant must show proof of health and medical insurance. 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 interviews, relocation costs, costs of tuition/school fees, or a participant’s health insurance. The participant does not become an EPA employee.
The Postdoctoral Research Program for EPA is administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education. Please reference Project # EPA-ORD/NRMRL-APPCD-2010-01 when calling or writing for information. For additional information and application materials contact: Research Participation Program/EPA, Attn: Betty Bowling, MS 36, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, P.O. Box 117, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831-0117, PHONE: (865) 576-8503 FAX: (865) 241-5219 or email: betty.bowling@orau.org.
An application can be found at www.orau.gov/orise/edu/EPA/app-gugrgpd.pdf