Fate of Emerging Contaminants (EDCs, Pharmaceuticals Fluorinated Chemicals) in Municipal Waters

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Description

This fellowship opportunity, offered through the NRC Research Associateship Programs in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), supports research focused on emerging contaminants in municipal waters. The research aims to:

• Develop standardized analytical techniques and reliable extraction procedures for detecting emerging contaminants such as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), fluorinated chemicals (e.g., PFOA and its precursors), and pharmaceuticals (both prescribed and over-the-counter).
• Investigate the role of municipal wastewater treatment (WWT) systems in the environmental fate of these contaminants.
• Characterize the mechanisms responsible for the transport and fate of these compounds in the environment.
• Identify and explore precursors in treatment systems to assess their potential for biotransformation and management in wastewater treatment sludge systems.

The research outcomes will assist the EPA in performing risk assessments by identifying primary environmental sources of these emerging contaminants.

The fellowship is based at the EPA's Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response, Land Remediation & Technology Division in Cincinnati, OH.

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Due Dates

• Application Deadline: May 1, 2025 (5:00 PM ET)
  Note: This deadline is closed as of May 17, 2025.

The NRC Research Associateship Programs have multiple annual review cycles; this opportunity aligns with the May 1 deadline.

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Funding Amount

• Base stipend: $65,000 per year
• Medical screening supplement: $1,365
• Senior researcher supplement: $10,000 (if applicable)
• Typical award duration: 2 to 3 years
• No travel allowance specified for this opportunity
• Additional benefits include relocation assistance and group health insurance coverage for awardees and qualifying dependents.

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Eligibility

• Citizenship: Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents only.
• Applicant Level: Postdoctoral researchers (within 5 years of doctorate) and senior researchers (doctoral degree held for at least 5 years or permanent appointment with significant research accomplishments).
• Affiliation Restrictions: Applicants with current or recent prior affiliation/employment with the EPA or contractors at EPA may be ineligible.
• Degree Requirements: Applicants must have completed their doctoral degree before beginning tenure.
• Other: Applicants must not have held a previous NRC Research Associateship at the same agency within the last two years.

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Application Process

• Step 1: Review eligibility criteria on the NRC RAP website and confirm eligibility with the EPA contact if needed.
• Step 2: Identify this research opportunity (Research Opportunity number: 22.09.03.B6941) and contact the Research Adviser, Marc A. Mills (mills.marc@epa.gov), to discuss the research proposal and funding availability.
• Step 3: Prepare application materials including:
  • Research proposal (max 10 pages) detailing problem statement, background, methodology, expected results, and significance.
  • Curriculum vitae, transcripts (postdocs only), list of publications and presentations.
  • Letters of recommendation (minimum 3, including dissertation adviser for postdocs).
• Step 4: Submit application through the NRC RAP online portal before the deadline.
• Step 5: Monitor application status and ensure all letters of recommendation are submitted on time.

Applications are reviewed by expert panels in relevant scientific disciplines. Scores above 70 are typically recommended for awards, subject to funding availability.

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Additional Information

• Awardees residing more than 50 miles from the host laboratory and remaining for at least six months are eligible for paid relocation assistance.
• Health insurance is available through a group plan shared between the awardee and sponsoring agency.
• No travel allowance is specified for this opportunity, but NRC Research Associates generally receive an annual travel allowance depending on the sponsoring agency.
• The fellowship provides access to EPA facilities and mentorship from EPA scientists.
• The research is expected to produce publishable results contributing to environmental science and public health policy.

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External Links

• NRC Research Associateship Programs Home
• EPA Research Opportunity Details
• NRC RAP For Applicants
• NRC RAP Application Portal

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Contact Information