Agency

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Location

Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

Job Category

Internships

Salary

Monthly Stipend TBD

Last Date to Apply

04/07/2023

Website

https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/EPA-ORD-CCTE-BCTD-2022-04

Description

*Applications may be reviewed on a rolling-basis and this posting could close before the deadline. EPA Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is available at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD), Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure (CCTE), Biomolecular & Computational Toxicology Division (BCTD) located in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. CCTE is responsible for developing new computational tools and providing quantitative analysis for improving environmental risk assessments and regulatory decisions pertaining to chemical safety and sustainability. Research Project: This research project will develop and implement CRISPR methodology to genetically modify cell culture systems to target gene pathways that mediate responses to environmental chemical exposure. These responses, which can be measured by traditional toxicological and novel high-throughput assessments, will be help establish new biological markers that can identify environmental chemical hazards to health and ultimately augment risk determinations. The research participant will collaborate in developing methods, maintaining/dosing of cell culture, and generating phenotypic data to gather the needed data to develop these new approaches. The research participant will learn how to: Develop methods to edit DNA/epigenome using CRISPR systems Generate, analyze and integrate phenotypic and gene expression data Maintain and expose cell culture to environmental chemical stressors Synthesize results for publication and presentation Learning Objectives: General participatory activities and opportunities for gained experience will include: Hands-on participation in experimental research and data interpretation Reading and interpreting relevant scientific literature Active participation in meetings of the project team Preparing reports, presentations, and summaries of the data Presenting at professional meetings Authoring manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Brian Chorley (chorley.brian@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s). Anticipated Appointment Start Date: January 31, 2023. All start dates are flexible and vary depending on numerous factors. Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year and may be renewed up to four or five 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. 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 (e.g. Toxicology, Environmental Science, Cell/Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics), or be currently pursuing a master's or doctoral degree. Most recent degree must have been received within the past five years. Preferred skills: Lab course or work experience with general laboratory techniques associated with nucleic acid work (nuclease-free environment) and aseptic technique (cell culture) Experience with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and next generation sequencing library prep Experience with bioinformatic methods and computer programming (R, Python) Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (i.e., Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook). Strong written, oral, and electronic communication skills

Contact Person

ORISE.EPA.ORD@orau.org

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