EPA Battery Technology Research Fellowship

*Applications may be reviewed on a rolling-basis and this posting could close before the deadline. Click here for information about the selection process.

EPA Office/Lab and Location: A research project is available in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Air and Radiation (OAR), Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ), located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. 

Research Project: Battery Electric Vehicles are a critical element of the global strategy to reduce carbon emissions from transportation, especially in light-duty cars and trucks and heavy-duty public transit and short-haul delivery vehicles.  More information is needed, however, on the durability, recycling and reuse of Electric Vehicle battery systems.  

The participant will collaborate with NVFEL staff to research the deterioration of battery systems over the useful life of the Electric Vehicle, with varying levels of critical mineral content and different manufacturing processes.  This work will help to understand the potential long-range policy considerations for Electric Vehicles in real-world applications, in both the light- and heavy-duty vehicle sectors.

Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will:

• Develop hardware and software tools to acquire the necessary data to learn about BEV technology and its policy implications related to the durability of vehicle battery systems.
• Further their experience with zero-emission battery technologies in a laboratory setting, in collaboration with EPA staff.
• Increase their understanding of technical and policy considerations of vehicle testing, component testing and vehicle charging infrastructure needed for Battery Electric Vehicles.

Mentors: The mentor for this opportunity is Matthew Brusstar (brusstar.matt@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Summer 2024.  All start dates are flexible and vary depending on numerous factors. Click here for detailed information about start dates.

Appointment Length: The appointment may 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. Click here for detailed information about full-time stipends.

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.

The successful applicant(s) will be required to comply with Environmental, Safety and Health (ES&H) requirements of the hosting facility.

Questions: Please see the FAQ section of our website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process, please email ORISE.EPA.REG@orau.org 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. 

Proficiency with Matlab and Python is preferred.

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
• Academic Level(s): Graduate Students, Post-Bachelor's, Post-Master's, or Undergraduate Students.