Science Careers at EPA

Want to help protect your environment? Improve the health of all Americans?  From geology to mechanical engineering, from biology to chemistry, EPA is looking for scientists, technologists and engineers to perform cutting-edge research in a dynamic learning environment -- research that can help make this a cleaner, more sustainable planet.

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Science at EPA

For 50 years our researchers have provided the strong, scientific foundation that supports everything we do to meet its mission to protect human health and the environment. From the start, EPA researchers and partners have provided the data, knowledge, and tools needed to tackle the most pressing environmental and related health challenges the nation has faced. 
EPA Science at 50: Progress for a Stronger Future
History of EPA Research

EPA Scientists at Work

More about the Work of EPA Researchers

EPA Researchers' Recent Awards

Arthur S. Flemming Award

The Flemming Award was created in order to single out and celebrate the achievements of unique federal employees, usually in the early part of their careers, who went beyond what was expected to make a major impact in society. Throughout his life, Dr. Arthur Flemming championed social equity through his roles within government and through service to his community.  This award recognizes strong performers who bridge disparate missions and drive towards a single goal of public service. 

Ana Rappold, Ph. D. was recognized in 2020 for her groundbreaking method for real-time communication and data collection about smoke and health during wildfire events through the Smoke Sense Project, a smartphone app that provides participants vital information about wildfire smoke and health when and where they need it.

Rebecca Dodder, Ph.D. was recognized in 2019 for her research on environmental and health impacts of energy use. 

Jeffrey Szabo, Ph.D. was recognized in 2018 for his exceptional contributions to water infrastructure decontamination in 2017. Under Dr. Szabo’s direction the Water Security Test Bed was designed and built at the Idaho National Laboratory. 

Distinguished Presidential Rank Award

The Distinguished Rank designations are the highest civilian career leadership awards given to federal senior career employees with a sustained record of exceptional professional, technical, or scientific achievement recognized on a national or international level. Gerald Ankley, Ph.D. was a Distinguished Rank recipient for the Presidential Rank Awards in 2017. His career accomplishments include developing toxicity test methodologies for contaminated sediments, and leading national and international efforts to develop screening and testing methods for endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

EPA's Dr. Gerald Ankley Receives Presidential Rank Award

Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE)

PECASE is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers who show exceptional promise for leadership in science and technology.  Two EPA researchers received PECASE recognition in 2019.

Carlie LaLone, Ph. D. was recognized for her work developing a highly innovative method and a web-based application called Sequence Alignment to Predict Across Species Susceptibility (SeqAPASS). Jon Sobus, Ph.D. was recognized  in for his development of cutting-edge methods for collecting environmental and biological samples, evaluating the chemical content of these samples using higher-throughput laboratory techniques, and integrating chemical measurement data with advanced computational tools to rapidly assess potential risks to humans and other species. 

Researcher at Work profiles of other PECASE awardees:

2017 Meet EPA Scientist Havala Pye, Ph.D.

2016 Rebecca Dodder, PhD.  See profile in the Arthur S. Flemming Award section above. 

2011 Meet EPA Scientist Mehdi S. Hazari, Ph.D.

2010 Meet EPA Engineer Gayle Hagler, Ph.D.

Paul A. Volcker Career Achievement Award

The Partnership for Public Service named its Service to America Career Achievement Medal for Paul A. Volcker in recognition of his nearly three decades of distinguished federal service. The award recognizes federal employees who have led significant and sustained achievements during 20 or more years of service in government.

William Boyes Ph.D. was named an award finalist for his career achievements in 2019. For over 35 years, Dr. Boyes has provided leadership on topics including neurotoxicity and engineered nanomaterials. 

Homer N. Calver Award

The American Public Health Association's  Homer N. Calver Award recognizes an environmental health expert, usually of national renown, who has contributed significantly to the field. Wayne Cascio, M.D. was recognized in 2018 for the impact his work at EPA has had to build federal and stakeholder partnerships to communicate environmental health risk to a wide range of audiences.

Career Opportunities: Overview

All science jobs at EPA are listed on USAJobs.gov. Job categories/occupational series include Environmental Health Scientist, Biologist, Ecologist, Environmental Engineer, Fishery Biologist, Geologist, Physiologist, Microbiologist, Toxicologist, Physical Scientist and many more. 

Post-Doc Opportunities

Hundreds of researchers have participated in EPA's post-doctoral program. The program offers:

  • appointments of up to four years,
  • state-of-the-art facilities,
  • world-class scientific expertise,
  • throughout the United States,
  • travel to professional scientific meetings, and
  • active postdoctoral trainee organizations.

Participants receive full benefits and a salary commensurate with qualifications and locality pay adjustments.

Other post-doctoral opportunities at EPA:

College Students / Recent Graduates

EPA Summer Opportunities

Careers

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Last updated on February 26, 2024