EPA Avian PFAS Exposure Heterogeneous Landscapes

Organization

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

EPA-OCSPP-OPP-IO-

To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.

A complete application consists of:

• An application
• Transcripts – click for detailed information about acceptable transcripts
• A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
• Two educational or professional recommendations. The application will be considered incomplete if a recommendation is not submitted.

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

7/17/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone (applications may be reviewed on a rolling basis; posting may close before the deadline)

A research opportunity is currently available at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP), located in Duluth, Minnesota.

Per‑and poly‑fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a complex class of chemicals of potential concern in terms of ecological effects. Monitoring studies indicate that a wide variety of avian species are exposed to PFAS. This research project aims to investigate the potential effects of PFAS exposure on avian embryos at observational and experimental sites in Duluth, MN. The ongoing project will involve collection and analysis of data on egg exposure and any possible effects on egg hatching success.

Experimental methods will include study of exposure resulting from widespread use of aqueous film‑forming foams (AFFF) at the Duluth Air National Guard Base as well as designed exposures of eggs to PFOS at experimental sites. Potential measures of effect may include hatching success, developmental rate, and nestling growth post‑hatch.

The research participant will also develop their own complementary research with guidance from the mentor and research team.

Responsibilities include:

• Collection and analysis of avian samples (eggs and nestlings)
• Performing studies and statistical analyses on data resulting from nest monitoring and radio telemetry
• Fitting and applying lifecycle models to exposure scenarios; analysis and interpretation of results
• Presenting research results at regional, national, and/or international conferences and workshops
• Contributing to the preparation of peer‑reviewed journal articles and disseminating research results to project partners and stakeholders

The research participant can expect to learn skills in applied ecotoxicology, ornithology, toxicology, and biology, and how methods in toxicology can be applied to support environmental decision‑making. The participant will gain experience in multiple aspects of research project planning, communication, coordination, implementation, modeling, and analysis, and will interact with internationally recognized leaders. Opportunities include publishing original research, presenting at local and national meetings, and developing collaborations.

The mentor for this opportunity is Matthew Etterson (etterson.matthew). Questions about the research may be directed to the mentor.

June 1, 2026 (start dates are flexible)

The appointment will initially be for one year and may be renewed three to four additional years upon EPA recommendation and subject to availability of funding.

Full‑time

The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience, with an anticipated annual range of $52,000–$62,000.

U.S. citizens only.

Completion of a successful background investigation by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is required for onboarding.

This program is administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE). Participants do not become employees of EPA, DOE, or the program administrator, and there are no employment‑related benefits. Proof of health…