EPA Pyrolysis and Advanced Recycling Research Internship

Organization

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Air and Radiation (OAR), Office of Clean Air Programs (OCAP), Industrial Processing and Power Division (IPPD), located in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

EPA-OAR-

August 28, 2026 3:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

The selected participant will complete their research internship with the Refining and Chemicals Production Branch (RCPB) within OCAP/IPPD.

• Compile summaries of available literature and other studies on advanced recycling technologies such as gasification and pyrolysis.
• Visit facilities and meet with stakeholders and regulators to gather information.
• Evaluate studies and develop inventories of sources.
• Analyze air quality data and synthesize evidence.
• Develop and present findings to diverse audiences.

• Current and emerging advanced recycling processes.
• The resulting products of gasification and pyrolysis.
• Potential emissions of air pollutants from these processes (source, type, amount) and public health implications.
• Cost and feasibility of emission control devices and practices.
• Whether these sources may already be subject to existing air regulations and how those regulations might present barriers to advanced recycling technology development.
• Lifecycle analysis of plastic wastes and comparison of landfill or incineration disposal versus advanced recycling.
• Current scientific gaps in the understanding of these technologies.
• Prevalence of each type of technology.
• Future market outlook of the sector.

Under the guidance of the mentor, you will learn about Clean Air Act regulations, conduct research, synthesize technical and policy information, observe and collaborate with staff, and potentially produce conference presentations or peer‑reviewed publications.

Johanna Klein (klein.johanna)

Anticipated appointment start date: 2026 (flexible). Duration: initially one year, with potential renewal for up to four additional years.

Level of participation: full time.

$52,693–$77,983 annually (depending on educational level and experience).

• U.S. citizenship required.
• Completion of successful background investigation by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) required.

The candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in one of the following fields:

• Chemistry and Materials Sciences (including analytical chemistry, bio‑inorganic chemistry, bio‑organic chemistry, biophysical chemistry, environmental chemistry, inorganic chemistry, polymer chemistry, theoretical chemistry, etc.)
• Earth and Geosciences
• Engineering (environmental, mechanical, chemical, etc.)
• Life, Health and Medical Sciences
• Mathematics and Statistics
• Physics

• Strong interest and relevant coursework in atmospheric science, air quality research, chemistry, chemical engineering, environmental engineering, industrial engineering, or public policy.
• Ability to evaluate and synthesize information from literature, regulations, stakeholder input, and other sources.
• Experience with quantitative data analysis.
• Proficiency in writing and communicating scientific information to technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Skill in coordinating with multiple stakeholders and understanding contrasting perspectives.
• Enjoyment of independent research and collaborative work with multidisciplinary teams.