EPA Fellowship in Molecular Biology and Physiology Data Analytics

*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 training opportunity is available at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD), Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment (CPHEA), Public Health & Integrated Toxicology Division (PHITD) in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

Research Project: The overall goal of the program within EPA's Office of Research and Development is to examine the effect of heat stress and air pollution exposure on health during normal homeostasis as well as during development in, for example pregnancy, or other scenarios such as cardiopulmonary disease. This research project largely focuses on research derived from rats and mice and the participant will have the opportunity to perform routine molecular extraction procedures, as well as other molecular techniques (e.g. PCR, microbiome), and analysis of biomarkers in tissue samples from various experimental studies, and associated physiology data (e.g. echo MRI, echocardiography, cardiac telemetry and lung function testing).  

The research participant will be part of the research team, which will include attending and contributing to meetings and discussions, keeping the team apprised of their own research activities, and assisting with laboratory activities. They will also maintain organization and quality assurance of own and team data and information, including physical samples, laboratory notebooks, and electronic files, including compliance with all laboratory QA and records management policies and requirements.  

Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor, learning objectives will include:

• Learning experimental design.
• Conducting studies as part of a larger research team. 
• Perform molecular analysis of tissues and undertake data reduction from physiological assessments.
• Analyze data and develop presentations (e.g., graphs, PowerPoint, biorender, abstracts and word documents) that will feed into abstracts at national meetings and eventual publication in the scientific literature.
• Participate in regular branch meetings, journal clubs and seminar series.  

Mentor(s): The mentors for this project are Mehdi Hazari (hazari.mehdi@epa.gov) and Colette Miller (Miller.Colette@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

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

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year and may be renewed 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.

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 ORISE.EPA.ORD@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a bachelor's degree in one of the relevant fields within five years of the appointment start date.

Preferred skills/experience:

• Laboratory work including:
  • RNA extractions for preparation in genomic array assays.
  • Polymerase chain reactions.
  • Analysis of cardiac function and echo ultrasound imaging from rodent species.
• Ability to work independently.
• Need to have knowledge of standard computer programs.
• Have an interest in biological and/or toxicological research.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety and data management. 

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree received within the last 60 month(s).