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.
On this page:
- Science at EPA
- EPA scientists at work
- Career opportunities: overview
- Post-doc opportunities
- College students / recent graduates
- Summer opportunities
Science at EPA
For more than 45 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. In 2015 alone, our researchers:
- published 556 articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals,
- worked on projects ranging from understanding wildfire smoke emissions to helping protect small drinking water systems, and
- applied their expertise to emerging issues in times of environmental emergencies.
While a single report outlining the work and achievements of just a single year would fill many volumes, our Research 2015 Yearbook highlights just a small sample of the critical impact of that work. We invite you to flip through the yearbook to get a flavor for the innovative and important work that is continually unfolding at EPA research labs and field sites around the country and across the world.
The video below also highlights how EPA research has impacted the lives of Americans, helping to ensure that we all get clean air and water, safer chemicals and products, and sustainable, healthy communities.
EPA Scientists at Work
Learn in this series of videos about the work of selected EPA scientists.
This video plays the entire Scientists at Work series. You can also view the full playlist of the Scientists at Work series on our YouTube site to select which videos you'd like to watch.
More Information about the Work of Specific EPA Scientists
- Written profiles of EPA researchers at work
- It All Starts with Science blog
- Science Wednesday blog
- Women in Science blog
- EPA Science Matters newsletter
EPA Scientists are Recognized for the Work They Do
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Several of our scientists have received PECASE awards, the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on outstanding scientists and engineers beginning their careers. Learn more about the PECASE awards and about the work of EPA recipients.
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Dr. Michael Schock received the A.P. Black Award from the American Water Works Association. The award recognizes "outstanding research contributions to water science and water supply".
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. EPA also maintains a list of current job openings.
Post-Doc Opportunities
Over 300 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.
- View all current openings
- EPA Research Post-Doctoral Opportunities website
- Learn more about post-doc work at:
- National Center For Computational Toxicology (NCCT)
- National Center For Environmental Assessment (NCEA)
- National Exposure Research Lab (NERL)
- National Health And Environmental Effects Research Lab (NHEERL)
- National Homeland Security Research Center (NHSRC)
- National Risk Management Research Laboratory (NRMRL)
EPA was named a Best Place to Work Postdocs in 2013 by The Scientist (PDF) Exit
Note that 2013 was the final year that The Scientist surveyed postdoc researchers to find out which institutions and companies fostered the most innovative, rigorous, and supportive research environments.
Other post-doctoral opportunities at EPA:
- American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science and Technology Policy Fellowships
- Association of Schools of Public Health/EPA Fellowship Program
- National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council Fellowships
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) Internships, Scholarships and Fellowship
College Students / Recent Graduates
- Student Services Contracting - EPA's Office of Research and Development offers a unique and exciting career opportunity for students and recent grads seeking scientific or administrative experience in any of our laboratories, research centers and offices located across the country.
- EPA fellowships
- EPA internships
- USAJobs Pathways for Students and Recent Grads
EPA Summer Opportunities
- All summer jobs are listed on our EPA Internships page.