Research Area (s): Water
Project Description: The project focuses on research and technology transfer on the use of HRMS and NTA surface and groundwater for the discovery of novel per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS). One or more of the following research topics could be included: wastewater discharge; groundwater and surface water monitoring studies; fate and transport studies; remediation studies; and contaminants of emerging concern in surface water and groundwater. The project supports the EPA’s CEMM’s strategic goal of developing applied scientific and engineering solutions, technologies, and cutting-edge innovations to protect and remediate our air, land, and water resources, and critical infrastructure challenged by systemic and acute environmental contamination.
Lab, Region/Center, Office: Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling (CEMM), Office of Research and Development
Opportunity Location: Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
Opportunity Funding (Duration): National Science Foundation Non-Academic Research Internships for Graduate Students (INTERN) Supplemental Funding Opportunity (6 months maximum)
Fellowship Goal and Learning Objectives
Goal: The fellow will learn the use of high-resolution mass spectrometry and non-targeted analysis techniques to identify novel PFAS contaminants in water samples.
Learning Objectives:
- Characterize PFAS in water samples using in-house developed workflows and OEM and open-source software.
- Conduct experiments, analyze data, and write peer-reviewed journal articles.
- Learn the use and operation of different analytical instruments (e.g. LC coupled to ion mobility, QTOFMS) and methodologies
Preferred Skills and Qualifications
Preferred Skills:
- Strong verbal and writing skills.
- Ability to work both as a part of a team and independently.
- Basic knowledge of analytical instrumentation related to analysis of organic contaminants water including, but not limited to: solid phase extraction (SPE), liquid chromatography (LC) and mass spectrometry (MS).
Qualifications: Graduate student or Ph.D. in one of the relevant fields (e.g., Environmental Engineering, Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geochemistry, Biogeochemistry, Geo-environmental Engineering, Soil Science).
Point of Contact or Research Lead: Mark Strynar (Strynar.mark@epa.gov)
Click here for the original posting. For more information about EPA Research Fellowship opportunities, visit: https://www.epa.gov/research-fellowships/graduate-research-fellowship-program-grfp-intern