Chemistry Postdoctoral Assoc in Chemical/Toxicological Studies & Chemical Hazard Assessment

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
FSIS-2014-0001
How to Apply

A complete application consists of:

  • An application
  • Official transcript(s) - scanned copies are acceptable
  • A current Resume/CV

If you have questions, please send an email to SciEdPrograms@orau.org.

Description

A research opportunity is currently available with the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) in Washington, DC. The FSIS is the public health agency in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) responsible for ensuring that the nation’s commercial supply of meat, poultry, and egg products is safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled and packaged.  Additional information about the FSIS may be found at:  http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/home.

The selected applicant will be responsible for handling data generated from the Agency's National Residue program, other chemical/toxicological studies, chemical hazard assessment, baseline surveys and investigations; this includes verifying data integrity, accuracy, and reviewing final datasets prior to statistical analysis.

The selected applicant will:

  • interpret and evaluate the results of the chemical/toxicological analyses
  • confer with higher level analysts or supervisors on how best to proceed on the more difficult analyses
  • keep Office of Public Health Science (OPHS) managers informed of trends and notifies them in a timely fashion about special situations and problems
  • report summary data and trends to management
  • assist in activities that may include: contract reviews, laboratory audits, tracking contract expenditures; evaluation of chemistry/toxicological methods
    • including lab methods used by external entities and state programs as needed
  • respond to ask FSIS inquiries
  • develop reports and peer reviewed publications
  • attend scientific meetings in the areas of chemistry and toxicology

Additionally, the selected applicant will apply knowledge of and adhere to Agency Civil Rights policies, goals, objectives, and the philosophy of valuing diversity in performing everyday duties and responsibilities. S/he will contribute to a productive and non-discriminatory work environment through written and oral communications and interpersonal relations. The selected applicant will avoid offensive or discriminatory displays (e.g., posters, pictures), language, or non-verbal behavior.

The initial appointment is for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of FSIS contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with education level and experience. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance may be obtained through ORAU. Relocation and travel allowances may be available to the selected applicant.  The selected applicant does not become an employee of the FSIS or ORAU.

Qualifications

To be eligible, applicants much have received a doctorate degree in Chemistry within five years of the desired starting date. Applicants should possess knowledge of chemistry, toxicology, biochemistry, microbiology, statistics, and immunology sufficient enough to assist in developing or applying new programs or methods for chemical and bio hazard identification as well as chemical & biological hazard assessment.

While participants will not enter into an employment relationship with FSIS, this position may require a pre-employment check and a full background investigation.

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens.

This is an equal opportunity program open to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or covered veteran’s status.

The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) administers this program through an interagency agreement between the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).  ORISE is managed by ORAU for DOE.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (2 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (5 )