Research Project Description

Research Participation Program
Office of Research and Development
National Risk Management Research Laboratory
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, NC

EPA-ORD/NRMRL-APPCD-2010-04

Project Description:

A postdoctoral/faculty research project training opportunity is currently available at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Risk Management Research Laboratory (NRMRL) in Research Triangle Park, NC. This project is with the Emissions Characterization and Prevention Branch which is part of the Air Pollution Prevention and Control Division (APPCD). The participant will learn the implementation of three different methods for the determination of black carbon using a laboratory soot generator and wind tunnel system which include: (1) filter sampling with carbon burn-off (i.e., NIOSH 5040); (2) multi-angle absorption photometry (MAAP); and (3) laser induced incandescence (LII). The laboratory experiments are designed to compare the three methods against the standard Teflon filter gravimetric technique to support the development of an Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) for the determination of non-volatile particulate matter (PM) from aircraft gas turbine engines which is being conducted through the SAE E-31 Aircraft Emissions Measurement Committee. This training program will provide the participant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to measure black carbon by the three methods described above which can be subsequently used in future studies to assess its impact on both local air quality and the global climate.
The selected individual will be trained in tasks related to the measurement of black carbon PM using time-integrated filter sampling and analysis as well as real-time instrumental methods. The selected individual will also learn by interactions with other investigators and teams currently measuring black carbon in ambient air, near major roadways, and various emission sources of environmental concern using a variety of techniques including those included in the current research. With guidance from the mentor, the participant may be involved in the following training activities: 

• Preparation of Standard Operating Procedures using EPA guidelines
• Operation of the Mini-CAST soot generator and catalytic stripper
• Filter sampling of black carbon using Teflon and pre-fired quartz filters
• Operation of the Thermo Scientific 5012 Multi-Angle Absorption Photometer (MAAP)
• Operation of the Artium LII 300 laser induced incandescence instrument
• Analysis and reporting of experimental data

The participant will be mentored by Mr. John Kinsey. The participant will have latitude in exercising independent initiative and judgment in the research commensurate with the level of training. EPA will review completed papers for adherence to EPA’s Office of Research and Development principles and policies, quality, and soundness of scientific conclusions.

Qualifications:

Applicants must have received a doctoral degree within five years of the desired starting date or be a full-time faculty member at an accredited U.S. college or university. Applicants should have knowledge of black carbon instrumentation as well as communication and project management skills. Projects usually involve knowledge of applicable engineering or science disciplines (e.g., environmental engineering, environmental science, physics, chemistry, etc.), selecting the approaches and methods to use, analysis/interpretation of experimental data, and reporting of experimental results.
The program is open to all qualified individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, or status as a Vietnam era or disabled veteran. U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status is preferred (but can also hold an appropriate visa status, however, an H1B visa is not appropriate).
The appointment may be part- or full-time for one year and may be renewed for up to two additional years upon recommendation of NCEA and subject to availability of funds. Faculty members are to be compensated solely based on their college or university salary. The participant will receive a monthly stipend. The participant must show proof of health and medical insurance. Funding may be made available to reimburse a participant’s travel expenses to present the results of his/her research at scientific conferences. No funding will be made available to cover travel costs for interviews, relocation costs, costs of tuition/school fees, or a participant’s health insurance. The participant does not become an EPA employee.

How to Apply:

The Research Participation Program for EPA is administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education. Please reference Project # EPA-ORD/NRMRL-APPCD-2010-04 when calling or writing for information. For additional information and application material contact: Research Participation Program – EPA-ORD, Attn: Betty Bowling – MS 36, ORISE, P.O. Box 117, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831 Phone: (865) 576-8503 Fax: (865) 241-5219 email: betty.bowling@orau.org. 
An application can be found at http://www.orau.gov/partform/EPA/EPA_Application.pdf.