Employment

You Can Make a Difference

At EPA’s National Homeland Security Research Center (NHSRC), your skills and knowledge will make a difference.

What do drinking water systems and public buildings have in common? Both are known terrorist targets, yet their safety is often taken for granted. As part of the Office of Research and Development, NHSRC’s team of biologists, chemists, engineers, risk assessors, and numerical modelers take nothing for granted and are dedicated to understanding the terrorist threat, communicating the risks, and preventing attacks. Although prevention is a goal, preparation and planning are critical. Research is performed to provide state-of-the-science knowledge and technology to emergency responders, building owners, water utility operators, health departments, and others to enhance their ability to quickly detect contamination and respond effectively.
NHSRC specifically investigates and researches ways to safeguard the environment against a terrorist attack that could harm our water or our indoor or outdoor environments. Research is performed for chemical, biological, and radiological terrorist agents, with an additional emphasis on:

• Prevention and protection
• Detection
• Containment and mitigation
• Remediation (decontamination, treatment, and disposal)

Research efforts are determined by envisioning various circumstances under which contamination may occur. These circumstances, or threat scenarios, are analyzed to determine which could have the greatest consequences. Research is directed to address these high-consequence scenarios to ensure that the government gets the most valuable information within an appropriate time frame. Research is prioritized by seeking the advice of experts. EPA personnel routinely meet with representatives from the water and building industries, security specialists, public health officials, and other government agencies to understand their research needs and technical challenges. EPA is dedicated to solving real-world problems and putting technology in the hands of those who need it.

Reach for More

Careers at EPA’s NHSRC span a wide range of disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physical science, ecology, applied mathematics and statistics, computer science, engineering, and management.

Career Balance

At EPA, there are opportunities to participate in the important work of preventing and managing the environmental consequences of biological, chemical, and radiological attacks. Join us and make a difference in the world. In return, EPA will make a difference in your career. It’s what we call career balance. It’s an opportunity to contribute in areas of interest to you, through a work style that makes sense for you, and with rewards and benefits that will enhance your life. Find your career balance at www.epa.gov/careers, where information is provided on benefits, salary, and much more.

Post-Doctoral Research

NHSRC has an active post-doctoral research program with vacancies anticipated during the year. More

Additional Information

Learn about specific vacancies that fit your background and interests at www.epa.gov/ezhire.

Employment Opportunities

USAJOBS.gov