Deadline: Wed, 06/21/2023 - 12:00pm Employer: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Job Field: Water and Soil Resources Other Job Type: Seasonal, Temporary, Internship Location: Ohio Location Detail: Cincinnati, OH Job Description: EPA Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is available at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD), Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response (CESER), Water Infrastructure Division (WID) located in Cincinnati, Ohio. Research Project: These research projects will investigate biological and chemical treatment of drinking water and the integrity of water quality in drinking water distribution systems. Ongoing studies on the following research topics will include: Aerobic biological treatment of drinking water contaminants such as manganese Anoxic biological treatment of drinking water contaminants such as nitrate Impact of water quality changes on drinking water distribution systems Violations of the nitrate maximum contaminant level are a concern, and biological treatment offers benefits but remains uncommon in the US. Manganese is undergoing regulatory review. Installing new treatment processes or changing source waters can impact water quality in the distribution system and potentially disrupt existing relatively stable conditions that have developed over several years. Therefore, it is important to understand how such changes impact biofilms on pipe walls and water quality. Bench- and pilot-scale approaches will be utilized, such as bench-scale distribution system biofilm reactors, bench-scale biofilters, and pilot-scale biofilters. Research activities will include lab activities, data analysis and interpretation. Lab activities may include media preparation, sample collection, water quality analyses, and biofilm analyses. Instruction and guidance will be provided to teach new techniques and ensure ongoing quality assurance. Learning Objectives: Research learning objectives will include: Understanding how reactor design and operation impact microorganisms for the biological treatment of drinking water. Learning how interactions between water chemistry and microbial biofilms impact water quality in drinking water distribution systems. Developing skills analyzing and interpreting data and communicating results. Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Michelle Angel (angel.michelle@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s). Qualifications: The qualified candidate should have received a bachelor's degree in one of the relevant fields (e.g. Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Microbiology, Environmental Science, Chemistry), or be currently pursuing the degree with completion by the appointment start date. Degree must have been received within the past five years. Preferred skills: Courses in or familiarity with drinking water treatment, aquatic microbiology, water chemistry, and public health. Coursework and lab work related to chemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, genetics and/or civil/environmental/chemical/biological engineering principles or related fields; Ability to analyze data using Microsoft Excel, R, or other tools; Experience writing technical documents or journal articles; Experience preparing and delivering PowerPoint presentations. Eligibility Requirements Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only Degree: Bachelor's Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing. Discipline(s): Earth and Geosciences (geochemistry) Engineering (bioengineering and biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, and environmental engineering) Environmental and Marine Sciences (environmental sciences, environmental studies, hydrologic sciences, and soil science) Life Health and Medical Sciences (biochemistry, bioinformatics, biology, biophysics, and microbiology) Other Physical Sciences (chemistry and environmental chemistry) How to Apply: https://zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/EPA-ORD-CESER-WID-2023-01?utm_source=opportunity_digest&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=epa Connect with ORISE...on the GO! Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond! A complete application consists of: An application Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. All transcripts must be in English or include an official English translation. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts. A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list Two educational or professional recommendations. Click here for detailed information about recommendations. All documents must be in English or include an official English translation
