Research thyroid-hormone related biochemical networks

Organization
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Reference Code
EPA-OCSPP-OSCP-2018-02
How to Apply

A complete application consists of:

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

If you have questions, send an email to EPArpp@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.

Description

The participant will gain a detailed understanding of thyroid-related adverse outcomes pathways, develop skills in artificial intelligence-based systematic reviews and learn about the development of strategies for chemical assessment using chemoinformatics, TOXCAST and TOX21. These efforts will provide the participant with exposure and professional development in the agency’s process and procedures for assessing and reducing risk to human and environmental health, especially those associated with the US EPA's Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP). The participant will be involved in the following research efforts in collaboration with EPA Toxicologists and Computational Scientists:

  • Investigate key molecular mechanisms that govern thyroid-related biochemical pathways.
  • Identify seminal papers for use in development of a systematically reviewed evidence pipeline to confirm vertices (links from one event to another) within thyroid pathways maps.
  • Assist in development of a scientific curation effort for extension to the mapping of other endocrine systems.

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. The initial appointment is for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of EPA and is contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. The appointment is full-time. Participants do not become employees of EPA, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.

Qualifications

An advanced degree with a focus in thyroid, general endocrinology, and biochemistry is required.  The degree must be received within five years of the appointment start date.  Candidates with an understanding of thyroid physiology, endocrinology and biochemical pathways are preferred.  Familiarity with systematic review is desirable, but can be learned at EPA. Familiarity with computational biology would be helpful.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
  • Discipline(s):
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (3 )