Description

A research opportunity is available with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA), Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA), National Enforcement Investigations Center (NEIC) located in Lakewood, Colorado.

The research project at EPA’s environmental forensics laboratory may include developing data processing approaches, leading method development activities, and creating instrument specific libraries for Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS).  This project could include:

• Developing automated data processing tools to increase sample throughput and productivity. Data acquisition is through instrument manufacturers' software (Agilent or ThermoFisher). The participant will utilize Excel, R Studio, or other programs and development tools to automate data processing and quality checks. The automated data processing should include streamlined data entry from acquisition to the laboratory information management system (Promium Element). 
• Leading the development and validation of methods for analysis of PFAS compounds in soil, water, and air.
• Creating mass spectral instrument specific libraries for PFAS compounds (which may present collaboration opportunities with EPA’s Office of Research and Development).
• Developing expanded uncertainty approaches which encompass quality control results (calibration verifications, replicates, spikes) for overall methodology and/or individual batches

Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree.