The EPA National Student Services Contract has an immediate opening for a full time Microplastics Laboratory Specialist at EPA position with the Office of Research and Development at the EPA facility in Narragansett, RI.

The Office of Research and Development at the EPA supports high-quality research to improve the scientific basis for decisions on national environmental issues and help EPA achieve its environmental goals. Research is conducted in a broad range of environmental areas by scientists in EPA laboratories and at universities across the country.

What the EPA project is about

Responsibilities will include:

• Extraction and analysis of environmental samples for microplastics;
• Assistance with experiments in assessing marine benthic communities and toxicity tests;
• Data compilation;
• Maintenance of algal cultures; and
• Routine laboratory maintenance including ordering and receiving supplies.

Communications-related responsibilities will include:

• Participating as a member of a multi-disciplinary research team;
• Interacting with other members of the research team as well as other U.S. EPA scientists; and
• Presenting results at local and national scientific conference as needed.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Work Experience, and Education

• Working knowledge of general laboratory equipment including microscopy and algal culture;
• Research experience in benthic ecology, biology, and chemistry;
• Proficiency in microplastics extraction and identification in environmental samples;
• Extensive experience and working knowledge of Raman spectroscopy for microplastics analysis in environmental media; and
• Experience working independently as well as part of a group.

• Field experience in sample collection, the ability to swim, and familiarity (or at least not fear) of small boats.
  

Location: This job will be located EPA’s facility in Narragansett, RI.

Salary: Selected applicant will become a temporary employee of ORAU and will receive an hourly wage of $33.29 for hours worked.

Hours: Full-time.

Travel: Occasional travel may be required.

Expected start date: The position is full time and expected to begin May 2023. The selected applicant will become a temporary employee of ORAU working as a contractor to EPA. The contract renews each May through 2025.

For more information, contact EPANSSC@orau.org. Do not contact EPA directly.

• Be at least 18 years of age and
• Have earned at least a MS degree in one of the following: benthic ecology, biology, chemistry, environmental engineering and/or environmental sciences, policy or management or closely related field from an accredited university or college within the last 24 months and
• Be a citizen of the United States of America or a Legal Permanent Resident.

EPA ORD employees, their spouses, and children are not eligible to participate in this program.