Postgraduate Research Opportunity in Big Data Analytics

APPLICATION DEADLINE: August 30, 2019 3:00PM ET

https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/EPA-OTAQ-2019-0027

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

A research opportunity in big data analysis and modeling on aircraft emissions inventory and regulatory impacts is available at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ). This appointment will be served with the Assessment and Standards Division (ASD) at the National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory (NVFEL) in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The participant will be involved in research and development of databases and modeling methods to improve EPA’s aircraft performance and emissions models. It includes researching data, measurements and models to improve emission inventories, conducting rigorous analysis of aircraft and engine emissions data and flight activities to support modeling or regulations, researching methods to improve post-processing of emissions data for air quality models, and researching methods to improve validation of emission inventories compared to ambient air quality measurements and satellite monitoring data.

Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant may have the opportunity to be involved in the following team activities:

• Developing algorithms, data, and software for new aircraft emissions inventory models by programming in Java, database SQL, Python, R, VBA, or some other code
• Researching and evaluating methods to improve the database (including "big data") and software tools used in emissions inventory development and air quality modeling
• Evaluating the methods used to construct and quality assure the National Emissions Inventory databases by examining trends, scripting code, process flow, and conducting other quality checks

Through this project, the participant will have the opportunity to:

• Observe how science is used in policy decisions within Office of Transportation and Air Quality
• Learn how EPA constructs emissions inventories and conducts air quality modeling of future emission scenarios
• Receive input on projects from EPA experts on emissions modeling and emissions measurement
• Learn about tools used by EPA in emissions modeling
• Develop skills to analyze large datasets
• Develop skills in scientific writing and public presentations
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The participant will engage with engineers and scientists at the NFVEL, aircraft and aircraft engine manufacturers, and other government agencies and research laboratories (such as FAA, DOT/Volpe Center, EASA, NASA, Wright-Patterson AFRL, and SwRI) that collaborate with NVFEL personnel. There may be opportunities to present and publish results at conferences and in professional journals.

The mentor for this opportunity is Dr. David Yen (yen.david@epa.gov).

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree in computer science, engineering, environmental sciences, natural resources, mathematics, a physical science or a closely related field, or be currently pursuing a master's or doctoral degree and will reach completion by May 31, 2020. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

For a full description of this opportunity and to submit your application, visit https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/EPA-OTAQ-2019-0027.

If you have any questions, send an email to EPArpp@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity (EPA-OTAQ-2019-0027) in your email. 

National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) – Environmental, Safety, and Geographic Information Science

Albany, OR

Apply by 8/30/19

Through the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), this posting seeks a qualified candidate to contribute to a multidisciplinary team on an environmental, safety, and geospatial project. The learning objective of this project is to accurately identify and locate engineering and facilities utility equipment systems and processes that have environmental and safety considerations. 

The successful candidate will have a strong background in these elements (but not necessarily all):

·         Geographic information systems (GIS)

·         Cartography

·         Surveying

·         Computing systems including ArcGIS software and AutoCAD platforms

·         Excellent teamwork, communication, and writing skills for producing presentations and technical reports is also desired.

Program information: Detailed information about the program can be found at http://www.orau.gov/netl/. Please send a CV to Ronald Herriott at Ronald.herriott@netl.doe.gov.

How to apply: Information in regard to the opportunity and a link to the application can be found at https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/NETL-2019-PIP-Herriott-1.

Water Quality, Watershed Protection and Restoration Programs at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: September 9, 2019 3:00PM ET

https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/EPA-REG-10-2019-01

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

A postgraduate research opportunity is currently available at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA), Region 10, Water Division. The appointment will be served in Seattle, Washington.

The mission of the Water Division is to restore, maintain, and enhance the overall quality of the Region 10's water resources to protect the health and diversity of the environment for present and future generations.

This opportunity will provide the participant with exposure to a broad range of technical and policy issues surrounding watershed protection and restoration programs. The participant will be trained in the various components of EPA's water quality programs, observe how the programs fit together to support EPA's water quality goals and reporting requirements, learn how EPA informs and engages with its broad range of stakeholders, and gain experience in program development and implementation.

The participant will learn about TMDLs (watershed restoration plans), the nonpoint source pollution control program (Clean Water Act 319), impaired and threatened waterbodies (Clean Water Act 303d list), and coastal nonpoint pollution control program (Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments, Section 6217). The participant will also learn about water quality standards, drinking water, water quality permits, watershed restoration and protection, and tribal relations with respect to water quality.

Under EPA mentorship, the participant may:

• Review and make recommendations on various documents or plans for consistency with regulations, EPA policy and/or accepted technical practices
• Participate in technical support for agency decisions or actions
• Review data using appropriate data analytics to make recommendations on agency actions or decisions
• Conduct research or investigations on technical topics to support agency actions or decisions
• Contribute to the preparation of technical and scientific documents related to litigation

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: October 1, 2019 or earlier

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received master's degree in one of the relevant fields, or be currently pursuing the degree and will reach completion by the appointment start date. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

Preferred skills:

• Experience or familiarity with databases, R, Excel, ACCESS, GIS and/or modeling
• Knowledge of Clean Water Act Programs and nonpoint source pollution
• Interest, knowledge and/or experience with environmental policy, law and regulations
• Strong oral and written communication skills

For a full description of this opportunity and to submit your application, visit https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/EPA-REG-10-2019-01.

If you have any questions, send an email to EPArpp@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity (EPA-REG-10-2019-01) in your email. 

National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) – Combustion Engineer/Scientist (Applied Laser Diagnostics)

Pittsburgh, PA

Apply by 9/1/19

Through the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), this posting seeks a qualified individual for a postgraduate opportunity in the area of applied laser diagnostics in high-speed, reacting flows. The learning objectives of this opportunity will focus on the development and application of advanced laser diagnostics techniques including PLIF, PIV, and TDLAS in highly dynamic environments such as an RDE. Application of developed techniques to other energy conversion technologies within the RIC portfolio may also be of interest (oxy-combustion, MHD/DPE, sCO2).

The successful candidate will have a strong background in these elements (but not necessarily all):

·        Thermodynamics

·        Fluid mechanics

·        Combustion

·        Specialized experience in the area of applied laser diagnostics

Program information: Detailed information about the program can be found at http://www.orau.gov/netl/. Please send a CV to Clinton Bedick at clinton.bedick@netl.doe.gov.

How to apply: Information in regard to the opportunity and a link to the application can be found at https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/NETL-2019-PGRP-Bedick-1.