Disinfectant Test Methods - Novel Method Development and Emerging Pathogens
A complete application consists of:
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An application
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Transcripts – Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts
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A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
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Two educational or professional references
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.
Postgraduate research project training opportunities are currently available with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP), Office of Pesticides Program (OPP). The appointments will be served with the Biological and Economic Analysis Division/Microbiology Laboratory Branch at the Environmental Science Center in Ft. Meade, Maryland.
The Office of Pesticide Programs Microbiology Laboratory provides microbiological support to the Office of Pesticides Program (OPP) on emerging issues associated with public health disinfectants and other types of antimicrobial products used to decontaminate and eliminate microbes from environmental surfaces. The laboratory is a state of the art facility engaged in studies on a variety of chemical, biological, and environmental issues. The Microbiology Laboratory wing includes Biosafety Level II and III laboratories and has standard and specialized lab equipment to facilitate work with human and animal pathogens including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The laboratory provides technical leadership in the development microbiological procedures for evaluating the efficacy of antimicrobial pesticides used in the hospital, food handling, residential, and animal and farm settings. The research is deemed critical to the EPA's public health priorities related to clinically-relevant pathogens, emerging pathogens, biological threats related to Homeland Security, and international harmonization of test procedures.
The research participant will be introduced to and trained on the practices and procedures for working in Biosafety Level II and III laboratory including equipment necessary to conduct the research studies. The participants will learn about emerging human and animal pathogens, use of surrogate microorganisms, standard test methods used to evaluate disinfectants, laboratory techniques for growth and recovery of bacteria, cell cultures, and viruses, and efficacy testing criteria for licensing antimicrobial pesticides. Participants will be engaged in small technical teams or be involved in independently looking at the quantification of a variety of microorganisms from different materials (steel, wood, concrete, fabric etc.) representative of surfaces found in clinical and agricultural settings.
The research participants will be trained in laboratory techniques for culturing, recovery, and identification of a variety of microorganisms, standard test methods used by EPA to evaluate the efficacy of disinfectants and other registered antimicrobial agents, quality control practices, and the application of Good Laboratory Practices. The participants will utilize standard microbiology equipment such as autoclaves, biological safety cabinets, microscopes, pipettes, etc. The participants will have the opportunity to design studies, develop forms and spreadsheets to document findings and results, conduct data analysis, and develop final summary reports and associated presentations.
Participants will have an opportunity, in coordination with EPA, to publish in relevant peer review or standard setting journals if the data support such publication. Funding is provided to attend scientific meetings to learn about topics and issues in microbiology and virology.
This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and EPA.
Applicants must have received a bachelor's or master's degree in microbiology, public health, biology, biochemistry or a related biological science within the last five years of the desired starting date. Experience conducting microbiological laboratory assays with bacteria or viruses and use of standard microbiology laboratory equipment such as biological safety cabinets, autoclaves, pH meters, and microscopes is desirable.
The appointment is full time for one year and may be renewed upon recommendation of EPA and contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend. Funding may be made available to reimburse the participant’s travel expenses to present the results of his/her research at scientific conferences. No funding will be made available to cover travel costs for pre-appointment visits, relocation costs, tuition and fees, or participant’s health insurance. The participant must show proof of health and medical insurance. The participant does not become an EPA employee.
The mentor for this project is Stephen Tomasino (Tomasino.stephen@epa.gov). The desired start date is June 27, 2016.
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