Research and Development Job Opportunities for Students and Recent Graduates

Pursue Environmental Careers while working at EPA through our Student Services Contracting Authority

Academic Incentives

Specialized research within your field of work/study
Professional mentors complementing student’s academic studies
Contacts with fellow scientists in various technical fields
Professional training and potential career opportunities in numerous fields
Flexible scheduling with emphasis on your academic degree
Academic credit (where applicable)

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) relies on sound science to safeguard both human health and the environment. The Office of Research and Development is the scientific research arm of EPA, providing the leading-edge science and technology for the Agency. Our research on ways to prevent pollution, protect human health, and reduce risk helps improve the quality of air, water, soil, and the way we use resources. Applied science builds our understanding of how to protect and enhance the relationship between humans and the ecosystems of Earth.

Scientific / Professional Benefits

"Real-world" laboratory experience
Access to cutting-edge equipment and supplies to complete experimentation or studies
Scientific mentors and teams providing technical advice
Ability to explore and gain greater access to scientific careers in various fields
Competitive salary based on training and experience
Travel in support of the EPA’s scientific initiatives

The Research and Development team offers a unique and exciting career opportunity for students seeking scientific or administrative services experience in support of our mission. This opportunity is open to individuals at least 18 years old who are currently enrolled in a degree program at a recognized educational institution or are recent graduates (within one year of graduation for BS and MS degrees and two years of graduation for post docs). By means of flexible Personal Services Contracts, students are hired as Student Services Contractors to work with our various laboratories, research centers and offices located across the country. Student contractors partake in an intensive hands-on employment experience over a 12 month period (with an option for an additional 12 months) working side-by-side with EPA mentors and/or scientists, who will provide day-to-day direction and oversight.

Student contractors engage in specialized research/activities within their field of study/work, form contacts with fellow scientists/co-workers in various technical fields, gain professional training, explore potential career opportunities and receive academic credit where applicable. Student Services Contracts offer the flexibility (full/part-time) students require while providing comprehensive benefits (i.e. competitive salary based on training/experience, travel expenses, training, workers’ compensation and equipment/supplies).

Student Services contracting positions are located throughout our laboratories, centers and offices nationwide. If you are interested in helping us protect the global environment for this and future generations, we invite you to explore this opportunity. For more information on this opportunity to expand your academic potential, please contact ord-studentservices@epa.gov. Note, this program is not a job placement service and this e-mail address will not accept unsolicited applications or inquiries for positions not posted on this Web site.

Frequent Questions

Student Contractor Testimonials

Student Contractor Fact Sheet (PDF) (1 pg, 211K, About PDF)

Current Openings

The Epidemiology and Biomarkers Branch (EBB), Human Studies Division (HSD) of the National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL), Office of Research and Development (ORD) at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking an individual to provide services under a contractual agreement in support of biomarker and epidemiological studies of environmental effects on human health outcomes.

Details: Under the section entitled “Student Services for RTP - RFQ-RT-08-00169AB (PDF)” (3 pp, 29KB, About PDF), read all of the attached documents. Responses to this Announcement will be accepted through November 14, 2008, 12:00 p.m., ET.
The Atlantic Ecology Division (AED) National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL) of the Office Research and Development (ORD) at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Narragansett, RI is seeking one individual who is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in the field of chemistry or environmental chemistry at a recognized educational institution to provide services under a contractual agreement in support of the Agency’s nanotechnology program.

Details: Under the section entitled “Student Services for RTP - RFQ-RT-09-00016 (PDF)” (3 pp, 30KB, About PDF), read all of the attached documents. Responses to this Announcement shall be accepted through November 28, 2008, 12:00 p.m. ET.
The Atlantic Ecology Division (AED) National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL) of the Office Research and Development (ORD) at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Narragansett, RI is seeking one or more individuals, at least 18 years of age who have completed a bachelors’ degree program to provide services under a contractual agreement in support of AED’s wet laboratory aquarium facility.

Details: Under the section entitled “Student Services for RTP - RFQ-RT-09-00025 (PDF)” (2 pp, 21KB, About PDF), read all of the attached documents. Responses to this Announcement will be accepted through November 28, 2008, 12:00 p.m., ET.

Please note: We do not accept unsolicited applications or job inquiries for positions not posted on this or other valid relevant EPA (ORD) websites.

Additional postings can be found at OAM's RTP website.

Other Opportunities

For other EPA job opportunities, please visit www.epa.gov/careers/.
For other Office of Research and Development job opportunities, please visit www.epa.gov/ord/jobs.htm.
For other Federal job opportunities, see USA Jobs at www.usajobs.opm.gov/ or visit FedBizOpps.gov at www.fedbizopps.gov/.

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