Funder: NRC Research Associateship Programs
Due Dates: May 1, 2025 | August 1, 2025 | November 1, 2025 | February 1, 2026
Funding Amounts: $65,000 stipend plus supplements; typical award duration 2-3 years.
Summary: Supports development of numerical models to predict fate and transport of PFAS contaminants in subsurface formations, aiding environmental management and risk assessment.
Key Information: Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents; postdoctoral and senior researchers eligible; requires contacting EPA adviser prior to applying.
Description
This fellowship opportunity, offered through the NRC Research Associateship Programs in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), focuses on developing advanced mathematical and numerical modeling tools to predict the fate and transport of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) contaminants in subsurface environments. PFAS are persistent and toxic chemicals that pose significant environmental risks, especially in aquifer systems beneath waste management units.
The research aims to simulate complex multi-phase and multi-component processes involving gas, water, and Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids (NAPLs) in the vadose zone and saturated aquifers. Key modeling aspects include:
- Flow and transport dynamics in gas/water/NAPL systems
- Application of Gibbs adsorption isotherm to PFAS mixtures
- Characterization of physical and chemical status of PFAS mixtures (including long-chain and short-chain species)
- Validation of the numerical model against observed data
The resulting innovative modeling tool is intended to provide site managers with detailed spatial and temporal insights into PFAS contamination, supporting improved environmental management and remediation strategies.
Due Dates
- May 1, 2025 (5 PM ET)
- August 1, 2025 (5 PM ET)
- November 1, 2025 (5 PM ET)
- February 1, 2026 (5 PM ET)
Note: If a deadline falls on a weekend or federal holiday, it is moved to the next business day.
Funding Amount
- Base stipend: $65,000 per year
- Supplements: $1,365 for medical screening exams; additional $10,000 supplement for senior applicants
- Duration: Typically 2-3 years
- Additional benefits include relocation assistance for awardees living more than 50 miles from the host lab and health insurance coverage for awardees and dependents.
Eligibility
- Citizenship: Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents
- Applicant Level: Postdoctoral researchers (doctoral degree earned within last 5 years) and senior researchers (doctoral degree held for 5+ years or permanent appointment with significant research experience)
- Prior or current employment or postdoctoral fellowship at the EPA or related contractors may disqualify applicants
- Applicants must have a Ph.D., Sc.D., M.D., D.V.M., or equivalent research doctorate before starting tenure
- Applicants must contact the EPA Research Adviser prior to applying to discuss research fit and funding availability
Application Process
- Identify the research opportunity and contact the EPA Research Adviser (Junqi Huang: huang.junqi@epa.gov, 580-436-8915) to discuss the project and confirm support
- Prepare application materials including:
- Profile information (contact, education, transcripts, employment, honors)
- Research proposal (up to 10 pages) detailing problem statement, background, methodology, expected results, and significance
- Letters of recommendation (minimum 3, including dissertation adviser for postdocs)
- Submit application via the NRC RAP online system before the deadline
- Letters of recommendation must be uploaded by letter writers through the online system by the deadline
- Applications are reviewed by expert panels; scoring above 70 typically recommended for award
- Applicants receive reviewer feedback approximately one week after review finalization
Additional Information
- Awardees must maintain health insurance coverage during tenure
- Relocation assistance is available for those moving more than 50 miles to the host lab
- Annual travel allowance provided to support conferences, meetings, or fieldwork
- Applications with incomplete or missing materials will not be reviewed
- Previous NRC Research Associateship holders may apply again after a two-year gap from prior award end date
External Links
Contact Information