EPA Atomic Force Microscope Analyst

Organization
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Reference Code
EPA-SSP-0027-1R
Description

The EPA Environmental Research and Business Support Program has an immediate opening for an EPA Atomic Force Microscope Analyst with the Office of Research and Development at the EPA’s facility in Athens, GA.

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 National Exposure research laboratory is responsible for developing methodologies to measure and model the transport and fate of nanomaterials in the environment.  As a part of this effort, the Exposure Methods and Measurement Division is developing approaches to characterize the physical and chemical properties of nanoparticles and the processes that govern nanoparticle transport, transformation, and fate in the aquatic environment.

The selected candidate shall work within a multi-disciplinary research team and shall provide laboratory support for research projects characterizing nanoparticles in environmental and biological matrices.

Research responsibilities will include:

•   Operating an atomic force microscope (AFM) for imaging nanoparticles deposited on a wide variety of inorganic and biological surfaces, and

•   Performing AFM wet cell imaging and force interactions measurements.

General laboratory support responsibilities may include:

  • Maintaining research supplies and materials,
  • Maintaining laboratory equipment on a routine basis, and
  • Performing other duties necessary in support of nanoparticle extraction, characterization, phototransformation, and cell culture protocols.

The selected candidate shall perform duties, as requested, according to specifications and instructions provided by the mentor.  Where appropriate, he/she will maintain careful and accurate records in designated laboratory notebooks.  These notebooks, and all other data produced at the EPA facility will be the property of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Location: This job will be located at EPA’s facility in Athens, GA.

Salary: Selected applicants will become temporary employees of ORAU and will receive an hourly wage of $26.91 for hours worked.

Working Conditions: The selected candidate shall be supervised by a mentor who will provide day-to-day direction, as well as coach, advise and counsel the candidate and review his/her work.  The mentor for this position will be a federal EPA employee.  This position will involve work in a laboratory setting and can involve exposure to hazardous materials. 

Travel: Travel is not anticipated.

Expected Start Date: This position is full-time and expected to begin in July 2016. The selected applicant will be temporary employees of ORAU working as a contractor to EPA. The initial contract period is through May 14, 2017. EPA may elect to renew the contract for an additional three 12-month 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 at least a Master’s degree in chemistry, biology, environmental engineering or a closely related discipline from an accredited university or college within the last 24 months and
  • Be a citizen of the United States of America or a Legal Permanent Resident.

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

Required Knowledge, Skills, Work Experience, and Education

Successful candidates shall:

  • Demonstrate familiarity and hands-on experience with AFM systems and their application in nanoparticle imaging and force interaction measurements,
  • Possess at least one year of experience in nanomaterials handling and characterization, and
  • Have familiarity with basic laboratory safety requirements (will be given additional on-site safety training).

Desired Expertise, Skills, Education, and/or Experience

It is desirable for the applicant to demonstrate evidence of AFM imaging and force measurement experience through publication of results.

How to apply

  • Submit application and supporting documents by clicking on Apply Now button.
  • For more information, contact EPAjobs@orau.org. Do not contact EPA directly.
Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
  • Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 24 month(s).
  • Overall GPA: 2.00
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
    • Engineering (27 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (1 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (45 )
    • Physics (16 )
Affirmation

I certify that I am at least 18 years of age; a recent graduate with at least a Master’s degree in chemistry, biology, environmental engineering or a closely related discipline from an accredited university or college within the last 24 months; 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.