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    POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH
PROGRAM
    U. S. ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION AGENCY
    NATIONAL RISK MANAGEMENT
RESEARCH LABORATORY
    AIR POLLUTION PREVENTION AND
CONTROL DIVISION
    Research Triangle Park, North
Carolina

    PROJECT # NRMRL/APPCD 98-1

    Research Chemist/Chemical Engineer

The formation of organic pollutants as
byproducts of combustion processes, most
notably polychlorinated dibenzodioxin and
dibenzofuran (PCDD/F), is of concern for
potential releases of air toxics from utility,
industrial, and waste treatment sources.
Research that yields an understanding of
how these products of incomplete
combustion (PICs) form will naturally lead to
methods of preventing this byproduct
formation.  This mechanistic understanding
requires an integrated understanding of
organic chemistry, reaction engineering,
catalysis, and chemical engineering.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory*s Air Pollution Prevention and
Control Division (NRMRL/APPCD) is
currently seeking to place postdoctoral
researchers in a new program that
integrates catalytic reaction and chemical
engineering in a bench top and/or pilot
scale research effort.  The researchers
would act to build EPA*s in-house capability
while at the same time expanding their own
range of expertise.  The principal objective
of this new program is to develop a
fundamental understanding of the role of
surfaces in catalyzing aromatic synthesis
and halogenation reactions and to apply
that understanding to an investigation of
methods for promoting more complete fuel
combustion or preventing organic byproduct
formation, particularly halogenated forms.
The results of this program will be
transferred to the public and private industry
sectors by publications and conference
presentations.  The researchers will be
assigned to the Air Pollution Technology
Branch, Air Pollution Prevention and Control
Division, in Research Triangle Park, North
Carolina.

For this project, experience in organic
reaction engineering from
combustion-related pollutants would be
extremely advantageous.

*    Researcher will work somewhat
independently, yet in cooperation with a
team of chemists, chemical engineers,
toxicologists, and environmental engineers
to investigate the combustion-related
formation mechanisms of toxic organic PICs.
 The ability to collaborate with senior level
EPA engineers and scientists as well as
more junior staff is essential to the success
of the project.

*    Researcher will be responsible for
proposing potential mechanisms for organic
PIC formation, developing a research plan
to investigate these mechanisms, and
designing apparatus and instrumentation to
conduct this plan.  Additional considerations
include the ability of the researcher to assist
shop staff in construction, operate the
experimental system, and conduct chemical
analyses on the sampled products.
Chemical analyses will include, but not be
limited to, gas chromatography, mass
spectrometry, sample extraction and
cleanup, and surface analyses.

*    Researcher will be strongly
encouraged to publish the results of his/her
work in peer review journals and present
same to international conferences.

Applicants should have received a doctoral
degree in chemical engineering or chemistry
or a closely-related field within three years
of the desired starting date, or completion of
all requirements for the degree should be
expected prior to the starting date.  U.S.
citizenship or permanent resident alien
status is preferred.  The program is open to
all qualified individuals without regard to
race, sex, religion, color, age, physical or
mental disability, national origin, or status as
a Vietnam era or disabled veteran.

The participants will be selected based on
academic records, recommendations,
research interests, compatibility of
background and interests with research
programs and projects at NRMRL/APPCD,
and the availability of funds, staff, programs,
and equipment.

The appointment is for one year and may be
renewed for up to two additional years upon
recommendation of NRMRL/APPCD and
subject to availability of funds.  The
appointment is full time at NRMRL/APPCD.

The participant will receive an annual
stipend, determined by experience, between
$3,330 and $4,000 per month.  Limited
inbound travel and moving expenses may
be reimbursed according to established
policies.

The participant must show proof of health
and medical insurance.

Applications are accepted and processed
on a continuing basis.

For more information related to the Air
Pollution Technology Branch of
NRMRL/APPCD, please visit their web site
at http://www.epa.gov/docs/crb.

The Postgraduate Research Program for
NRMRL/APPCD is administered by the Oak
Ridge Institute for Science and Education.
Please reference Project # NRMRL/APPCD
98-1 when calling or writing for information.
For additional information and application
material contact:

    Postgraduate Research Program for
NRMRL/APPCD
    Attention: Linda McCamant
    Science and Engineering Education
    Oak Ridge Institute for Science and
Education
    P.O. Box 117, Mail Stop 36
    Oak Ridge, Tennessee  37831-0117
    (423) 576-1089
    FAX:  (423) 241-5219
    email: mccamanl@orau.gov