Aquatic Toxicology Lab Support

The EPA National Student Services Contract has an immediate opening for a full time Aquatic Toxicology Lab Support position with the Office of Research and Development at the EPA facility in Duluth, MN.

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.

What the EPA project is about

The Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure (CCTE) supports ORD by providing solutions-driven research to rapidly evaluate the potential human health and environmental risks due to exposures to environmental stressors and ensure the integrity of the freshwater environment and its capacity to support human well-being.  CCTE researchers are developing and applying cutting edge innovations in methods to rapidly evaluate chemical toxicity, transport, and exposure to people and environments.  Within CCTE, the Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division (GLTED) focuses on freshwater ecotoxicity and freshwater coastal ecology. The Division encompasses traditional and predictive toxicity using advanced scientific tools to produce science to inform ecological risk assessments of chemicals by EPA’s Program Offices and Regions.

As a team member, you will assist in one of several aquatic toxicology projects evaluating different aspects of chemical toxicity in aquatic organisms. You will assist in general laboratory activities, which may include one or more of the following: amphibian toxicity testing, enzyme kinetic assays, tissue/cell culture, hormone assay, maintenance of logbooks and chemical records, keeping track of inventories of chemicals and supplies, cleaning of laboratory glassware, and maintaining general cleanliness and function of the lab. In addition, you may be involved in development of new techniques/procedures, writing operating procedures, and performing experiments with established scientists.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Work Experience, and Education

• Experience conducting molecular biology assays;
• Experience conducting cell-free, cell-based, or tissue-based in vitro assays;
• Experience with spreadsheet preparation, data collection, and data analysis; and
• Experience with Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. 

Location:  This job will be located EPA’s facility in Duluth, MN.

Salary: Selected applicant will become a temporary employee of ORAU and will receive an hourly wage of $22.68 for hours worked.

Hours: Full-time.

Travel: Occasional overnight travel may be required.

Expected start date: The position is full time and expected to begin May 2024. The selected applicant will become a temporary employee of ORAU working as a contractor to EPA. 

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

• Be at least 18 years of age and
• Have earned at least a Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, toxicology, chemistry, or closely related fields 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.