EPA Biochemistry Associate

Organization
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Reference Code
EPA-SSP-0005-01R
Description

The EPA Environmental Research and Business Support Program has an immediate opening for a Biochemistry Associate with the Office of Research and Development at the EPA Research Triangle Park facility in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina.

The Office of Research and Development at the EPA supports high-quality research to improve the scientific basis for decisions on national environmental issues and help EPA achieve its environmental goals. Research is conducted in a broad range of environmental areas by scientists in EPA laboratories and at universities across the country.

The Analytical Chemistry Research Core (ACRC) is a laboratory team within the Research Cores Unit (RCU) of the National Health and Environmental Research Laboratory (NHEERL) located on EPA’s Main Campus in Research Triangle Park in Durham, NC.  The ACRC develops new bioanalytical methods for qualitative and quantitative determinations of endogenous biochemicals, as well as chemicals of environmental concern in complex tissue matrices. The methods are applied to answer a variety of research questions related to health outcomes, toxicological pathways, development of physiologically-based pharmacokinetic models, and understanding of differential responses according to life stage or disease state. 

The Analytical Chemistry Research Core is seeking an individual, at least 18 years of age, who has completed a Master’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or closely related field to assist in method development by performing sample tracking, preparation, extraction, analysis, and reporting, and supporting chemistry laboratory operations. The Associate’s responsibilities include the following tasks:

Laboratory

  • Careful and accurate scientific recordkeeping in accordance with NHEERL quality assurance requirements;
  • Sample extraction using techniques such as sonication, homogenization, solid phase extraction, and dispersive methods;
  • Preparation of solutions and standards;
  • Operation of general laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, evaporators, and automated extraction equipment;
  • Operation of analytical instruments such as LC, GC/MS, and LC/MS.

Technical administrative

  • Sample tracking and management;
  • Data review, processing, and reporting;
  • Review and searches in scientific journals and other technical resources, and documentation of findings;
  • Documentation of Laboratory Operating Procedures.

Quality Assurance

  • Full compliance with the USEPA's quality system requirements as expressed in these three documents:
    • EPA Quality Program Policy, EPA CIO 2106, October 2008
    • Policy and Program Requirements for the Mandatory Agency-Wide Quality System, EPA CIO 2105.0, May 2000
    • EPA Quality Manual for Environmental Programs, EPA CIO 2105-P-01-0, May 2000
  • Compliance with the above referenced quality management plan and all applicable Quality Assurance Project Plans and laboratory Operating Procedures.

Location: This job will be located at EPA’s Research Triangle facility in Raleigh-Durham, NC.

Salary: The selected applicant will become a temporary employee of ORAU and will receive an hourly wage of $27.31 for hours worked.

Working Conditions: This position will involve work in a laboratory setting and may involve work with hazardous chemicals.

Travel: Occasional overnight travel may be required.

Expected Start Date: The position is full-time and expected to begin in June 2016. The initial project is through May 14, 2017, and may be renewable up to 3 one-year optional periods.

For more information, contact EPAjobs@orau.org. Do not contact EPA directly.

Qualifications

Eligible applicants must:

  • be at least 18 years of age and
  • have earned a recent (within the last 24 months) Master’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry or related discipline and
  • be legally authorized to work in the United States of America.

EPA ORD employees, their spouses, and children are not eligible to participate in this program.

The successful candidate shall have:

  • Demonstrated experience with routine analytical chemistry laboratory techniques, and proficiency with at least one instrument control software package (such as Excalibur, Analyst, or Chem Station).
  • Demonstrated education/experience in bioanalytical chemistry.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills and have experience working in teams.
  • Strong organization and communication (written, oral and electronic) skills.

Desired Expertise, Skills, Education, and/or Experience:

  • Experience with scientific and laboratory research methods;
  • Experience with preparation and handling of biological and other sample matrices;
  • Expertise with organic extraction methods;
  • Proficiency with data acquisition using analytical instrumentation such as LC, GC/MS or LC/MS;
  • Proficiency with at least one instrument control software package (such as Excalibur, Analyst, or Chem Station);
  • Experience in keeping and managing laboratory records (electronic and hardcopy);
  • Experience with searching scientific journals and other resources for technical information;
  • Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (i.e., Excel, Word, Access), and the Internet;
  • Strong communication skills (i.e., written, oral).

How to apply:

  • Submit application and supporting documents by clicking on Apply Now button.
Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
  • Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 24 month(s).
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
    • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (16 )
    • Engineering (27 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (13 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (45 )
    • Mathematics and Statistics (10 )
    • Physics (16 )
Affirmation

I certify that I am at least 18 years of age; a recent graduate with a Master’s degree in bioinformatics, biology, chemistry, computational biology, computer science, information science, math, physics, statistics, or a closely related field of study; a citizen or a Legal Permanent Resident of the United States of America; and not a current employee of EPA ORD or the spouse or child of an EPA ORD employee.

ORAU is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability); visit the ORAU website for required employment notices.


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