Understanding EPA's AIM Act and Clean Air Act Programs and Related Domestic and International Activities

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 58,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) seeks a participant for EPA CCPD in Washington, DC, to gain hands-on exposure to environmental policy and communications related to ozone-depleting substances and HFCs.

The fellow will observe regulatory processes, analyze data, and develop outreach materials, with opportunities to present findings to interagency groups and conferences. The appointment is full-time, with a stipend aligned to education and experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field within the last five years or expected by 6/2/2031.
• Strong writing abilities and excellent communication of scientific information.
• Experience with web-based multimedia and social media communications.

Responsibilities

• Observe EPA CCPD operations and coordinate with stakeholders.
• Develop and present research findings to internal and external audiences.
• Create outreach materials and infographics to support CCPD programs.

Skills

Strong writing

Scientific communication

Climate-science research

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field

Tools

Web-based multimedia tools

Social media platforms

Job description

Organization

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Reference Code

EPA-OAR-2026-0001

Description

Applications may be reviewed on a rolling basis and this posting could close before the deadline.

EPA Office/Lab and Location

A research opportunity is currently available at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Air and Radiation (OAR), within the Office of Clean Air Programs’ Chemicals, Coatings, and Products Division (CCPD) located in Washington, DC.

This research opportunity is within the Office of Clean Air Programs’ Chemicals, Coatings, and Products Division (CCPD) under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Air and Radiation (OAR). CCPD is responsible for developing and implementing national and international programs related to ozone‑depleting substances (ODS), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), ODS and HFC substitutes, hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and criteria air pollutants (CAPs) from coatings and consumer products, and volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) in a variety of sectors and end uses. CCPD implements programs under the Clean Air Act (CAA) and the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act. It fulfills United States obligations with international treaties including the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (Montreal Protocol) and facilitates US participation in international air pollution agreements and programs.

Research Project

The selected participant will gain an understanding of EPA’s AIM Act and Clean Air Act programs, and related domestic and international activities by observing how EPA coordinates with other federal agencies and states to meet domestic and international goals related to ODS, HFCs, ODS and HFC substitutes, HAPs, CAPs, and VOCs.

The fellow will learn how to generate, handle, and dispense related information, which may include analysis and the development of documents and outreach material. The participant will learn how EPA protects air quality via regulatory and non‑regulatory approaches. They will also learn the organizational processes, tools, and strategies to effectively communicate CCPD’s message and will have opportunities to submit/present research and project results to internal and external stakeholders, interagency groups, and conferences, where appropriate.

Specific Projects Could Include The Following

• Updated compendium of domestic (e.g., local, state, federal) and international actions on HFCs.
• Summary reports based on research and submissions to EPA documenting areas of potential non‑compliance with CAA Title VI and AIM Act regulations.
• Summaries of relevant atmospheric science or relevant policy papers.
• Other research related to the phasedown of HFCs under the AIM Act and the phaseout of ODS under CAA Title VI.
• Infographics, social media outreach, and other communication and outreach products to support CCPD’s programs.

Learning Objectives

• Review and analyze federal and other data sources to inform environmental policy development and implementation.
• Produce publications and other educational outreach in support of international, intergovernmental, and interagency collaborations on atmospheric science and policy.
• Synthesize technical and policy information for presentation to EPA senior managers and appropriate stakeholder groups.
• Understand how domestic regulation under the CAA, the AIM Act, state law, and international and domestic policy protects local air quality, the stratospheric ozone layer, and the climate system.

The selected participant will observe and gain knowledge about how to represent CCPD in several different venues with various stakeholders and gain exposure to a broad range of environmental policy, programs, and related issues.

Mentor(s)

The mentor for this opportunity is Cindy Newberg ([e-mail]) and Luke‑Hall Jordan (hall‑[e-mail]). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

As soon as possible, 2026. All start dates are flexible and vary depending on numerous factors.

Appointment Length

The appointment will initially be for one year and may be renewed three to four additional years upon EPA recommendation and subject to availability of funding.

Level of Participation

The appointment is full time.

Participant Stipend

The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range is $57,736 - $70,623 annually.

EPA Security Clearance

Completion of a successful background investigation by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is required for an applicant to be on‑boarded at EPA.

ORISE Information

This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and EPA. Participants do not become employees of EPA, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment‑related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

ORISE offers all ORISE EPA graduate students and Postdocs a free 5-year membership to the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA).

The successful applicant(s) will be required to comply with Environmental, Safety and Health (ES&H) requirements of the hosting facility, including but not limited to, COVID‑19 requirements (e.g. facial covering, physical distancing, testing, vaccination).

Questions

Please see the FAQ section of our website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process, please email [e-mail] and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received or be currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date or be pursuing and anticipated to receive by 6/2/2031.

Preferred Skills

• Relevant coursework, experience, and a strong interest in climate‑science research and the effective communication of scientific information.
• Superior writing skills.
• Experience with communications tools including Web‑based multimedia applications and social media.
• Enjoys operating in a team environment.

Stipend

$57,736.00 – $70,623.00 Yearly

Point of Contact

Rachel

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 6/2/2031 12:00:00 AM.
• Minimum Overall GPA: 3.60
• Discipline(s):
  • Business (Management, Project Management)
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences
  • Communications and Graphics Design
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences
  • Earth and Geosciences
  • Engineering
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences
  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Other Non‑Science & Engineering
  • Physics
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences