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The Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) and the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) is offering a postdoctoral fellowship.

Why should I apply and what will I be doing?

As an ORISE participant, you will join an organization within the Department of Defense (DoD) that is leading the effort to develop research and technologies to better understand and manage per- and polyfluororalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment. SERDP and ESTCP currently fund over 200 active projects addressing PFAS in the environment with additional work expected over the next few years.

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will engage in assessment and evaluation of the active projects, making connections and summarizing results from various projects, as well as developing strategic paths forward for future research. You will contribute to consolidating research efforts and developing communicative tools for decision-makers within the DoD. You will gain additional experience in PFAS management and treatment, science communication, and policy development. Finally, there may be several opportunities to contribute to academic publications to support your academic and professional goals.

Where will I be located?

The SERDP and ESTCP office is located in Alexandria VA, but relocation will not be necessary. Occasional travel to Alexandria VA will be necessary as well as travel to key scientific meetings.

What is the anticipated start date?

Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and internships or fellowships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.

What is the appointment length?

Appointments are initially for one year with the option to extend the appointment for up to four additional years, contingent upon project needs and funding availability.

What are the benefits?

You will receive a stipend to be determined by SERDP and ESTCP; however, the anticipated stipend range is $100,000-$104,000 for this 12-month appointment. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location.

Other benefits may include the following:

  • Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
  • Training and Travel Allowance

About SERDP and ESTCP:

SERDP and ESTCP are the DoD’s environmental technology research programs, utilizing the latest science and technology to improve DoD’s environmental performance, reduce costs, and enhance and sustain mission capabilities. The Programs respond to environmental technology requirements that are common to all of the military Services, complementing the Services’ research programs. SERDP and ESTCP promote partnerships and collaboration among academia, industry, the military Services, and other Federal agencies. They are independent programs managed from a joint office to coordinate the full spectrum of efforts, from basic and applied research to field demonstration and validation. 

About ORISE:

This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and DoD. Participants do not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DoD or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. For more information, visit the ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate will have a Ph.D. in a relevant field (or will reach completion by the start date of the appointment). Degree must have been received within 5 years of the appointment start date.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with some aspect of PFAS in the environment.
  • Specific experience can include PFAS ecotoxicology, chemistry, or treatment technologies.

Application Requirements:

  • Zintellect Profile Educational and Employment History Essay Questions (goals, experiences, and skills relevant to the opportunity)
  • Resume (PDF)
  • Transcripts/Academic Records – 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.  Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts
  • 1 Recommendation

Submitted documents must have all social security numbers, student identification numbers, and/or dates of birth removed (blanked out, blackened out, made illegible, etc.) prior to uploading into the application system. All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

If you have questions, send an email to STEM-WORKFORCE@orise.orau.gov.  Please list the reference code of this opportunity (SERDP-ESTCP-2022-0001) in the subject line of the email.

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