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EPA Postgraduate Research in Underground Water Protection

Employer
Oak Ridge Institute of Science and Education
Location
San Francisco, California
Salary
annual stipend for master's degree ~$68,000/year and doctoral degree ~$82,000/year
Closing date
Dec 18, 2021

A postgraduate research opportunity is currently available at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 9 Water Division located in San Francisco, California. This research opportunity is with the Underground Injection Control (UIC) Program in the Groundwater Protection Section.

The Groundwater Protection Section is responsible for administering the Underground Injection Control (UIC) Program under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Program responsibilities are mainly related to the protection of underground sources of drinking water. This opportunity will focus on the implementation of research and planned activities related to UIC Class VI injection wells. Class VI wells are used to inject carbon dioxide (CO2) into deep rock formations. This long-term underground storage is called geologic sequestration. Geologic sequestration refers to technologies to reduce CO2 emissions to the atmosphere and mitigate climate change.

The selected participant will research, compile, analyze and summarize information and data related to Class VI carbon dioxide (CO2) geologic sequestration permit applications. The selected participant will be involved in the Region’s analysis of multiple Class VI CO2 permit applications to determine best practices for evaluation of permit application modules, including geologic site characterization, plume modeling, well construction and operation, testing and monitoring, well plugging, and post-injection.

Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will gain a broad understanding of EPA’s Underground Injection Control (UIC) program and the nexus with climate change mitigation through geologic carbon sequestration. The participant will have an opportunity to conduct research and analysis to support EPA’s role in geologic sequestration (GS) permitting and collaborate with EPA Regions, researchers, states, and local stakeholders to improve EPA's abilities in evaluating Class VI permit applications and overseeing GS projects. The participant will learn first-hand about the interaction between the various levels of government and the private sector on these issues. This opportunity will provide the participant with exposure to a broad range of technical and policy issues surrounding carbon sequestration and groundwater protection.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Winter 2021/2022

Participant StipendThe participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. At this time the annual stipend for master's degree ~$68,000/year and doctoral degree ~$82,000/year. A travel allowance will be provided for pertinent conferences, meetings, and/or trainings, with approval of the project coordinator or mentor.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 12/31/2021

To apply; Zintellect - Climb Higher

If you have additional questions about the application process please email ORISE.EPA.REG@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

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