Aquatic Toxicology Research Associate at EPA

Organization
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Reference Code
EPA-SSP-0029-1R-4-16-18
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.
Description

The EPA Environmental Research and Business Support Program has an immediate opening for an Aquatic Toxicology Research Associate with the Office of Research and Development at the EPA facility in Gulf Breeze, Florida.

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 Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL) is the Agency’s focal point for scientific research on the effects of contaminants and environmental stressors on human health and ecosystem integrity. Its research mission and goals help the Agency to identify and understand the processes that affect our health and environment, and helps the Agency to evaluate the risks that pollution poses to human and ecosystems.

The selected candidate shall receive training to provide the technical resources and expertise needed to develop and maintain toxicity databases but shall also culture and test aquatic and terrestrial organisms (e.g., zebra fish, sheepshead minnows, frogs and toads) and provide field assistance, as needed, in assessments of chemical residues in habitats upon which endangered species depend. He/she will contribute to research products and meet milestones and project objectives and provide services in support of research directed under the Chemical Safety and Sustainability Team.

Responsibilities shall include, but are not limited to:

  • Performing literature searches on effects of environmental contaminants on species of concern,
  • Performing data entry, documentation, and analysis,
  • Performing quality assurance and database management of toxicity databases,
  • Constructing, cleaning, monitoring, and maintaining laboratory culture and testing systems and organisms,
  • Collecting field specimens and water samples and providing other assistance as needed in support of division research, and
  • Assisting in field and laboratory studies measuring effects of stressors on aquatic organisms as needed and directed by mentor.

Communications-related responsibilities shall include:

  • Participating as a member of a multi-disciplinary research team,
  • Interacting with EPA scientists,
  • Updating lab notebooks regularly with sample processing details and completion schedules,
  • Reporting regularly via email to inform team members of progress, and
  • Updating electronic reports as necessary.

Location: This job will be located at EPA’s facility in Gulf Breeze, FL.

Salary: Selected applicant will become a temporary employee of ORAU and will receive an hourly wage of $20.65 for hours worked.

Hours: Full time.

Travel: Occasional overnight travel may be required.

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 the candidate’s work. 

Expected Start Date: The position is full-time and expected to begin in May 2018. The selected applicant will be a temporary employee of ORAU working as a contractor to EPA. The initial contract period is through May 14, 2019. EPA may elect to renew the contract for an additional 12-month optional period.

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 Bachelor’s degree in biology, marine biology, zoology, chemistry, aquaculture, developmental biology or a related field of study 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 will have:

  • Experience constructing databases from primary and secondary data sources (electronic media, published standards, and downloadable databases),
  • Skills with Microsoft excel for formatting, normalizing, and managing data bases to standardize for use in mathematical and statistical modeling,
  • Experience compiling, organizing, and summarizing literature references,
  • Experience creating maps with data layers in ArcGIS for species and habitat distribution and expected contaminant concentration,
  • Experience with quality control and quality assurance (QA/QC) of database, statistics, metrics, or other project outputs,
  • Experience developing graphics, tables and GIS products for scientific reports and manuscripts, and
  • Experience assisting in field and laboratory studies measuring effects of stressors on aquatic organisms.
Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
  • Degree: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree received within the last 24 month(s).
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
    • Earth and Geosciences (2 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (13 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (45 )
Affirmation

I certify that I am at least 18 years of age; a recent graduate with at least a Bachelor’s degree in biology, marine biology, zoology, chemistry, aquaculture, developmental biology, or a related field of study 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.


ORISE ORAU Pathfinder
ORISE

Whether you are just starting your career or already at a senior level, ORAU offers internships, fellowships, research opportunities, and contract positions that can provide you with invaluable experience. Download the ORAU Pathfinder mobile app and find the right opportunity to propel you along your career path!