Aquatic Toxicology Research Support

The EPA National Student Services Contract has an immediate opening for a full time Aquatic Toxicology Research 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 & Exposure (CCTE) within ORD is a scientific organization working to support Agency decisions by providing solutions-driven research to rapidly evaluate the potential human health and environmental risks due to exposures to environmental chemicals and ensure the integrity of the freshwater environment and its capacity to support human well-being.  The Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division (GLTED), one of four Division within CCTE, focuses on freshwater ecotoxicity and freshwater coastal ecology. The Division encompasses traditional and predictive toxicology using advanced scientific tools to produce science to inform ecological risk assessments of chemicals by EPA’s Program Offices and Regions. 

The GLTED is responsible for research on the broad area of aquatic toxicology.  This position will support the division’s role in assessing the aquatic toxicity of environmental contaminants, including per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS). 

As a team member, you will support the assessment of environmental risks posed by per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) and other environmental contaminants.  Work will be primarily focused on the conduct of aquatic toxicity tests with several common test organisms, and may also include the development of novel test methods either by altering standardized methods or by developing methods for organisms without existing standard methods.  Work will include other ancillary activities that support laboratory toxicity testing as detailed below.

Anticipated duties will include:

• Preparing laboratory exposure systems for use, including construction of new systems where needed;
• Handling of experimental chemicals and preparation of stock solutions and exposure solutions;
• Monitoring proper function of exposure systems;
• Organism handling and monitoring;
• Collection of supporting data such as temperature, pH, DO, conductivity, and additional sampling or measurements as required;
• Recording of experimental data;
• Initial data transcription and reduction;
• Preparing summaries of experimental results;
• Performing quality checks on experimental data and summaries, and preparing records for study files;
• Cleaning and maintenance of experimental equipment and glassware;
• Review of literature regarding test toxicity test methods, data, or other information relevant to the overall research effort; and
• Present experimental results at research team meetings and, if required, at regional or national scientific meetings.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Work Experience, and Education

• At the undergraduate level, two or more courses in chemistry and two or more courses in biology;
• Experience in conducting scientific research in biology, environmental science, and/or chemistry; and
• Experience with spreadsheet preparation, data collection, and data analysis.

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 $23.13 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 February 2025. 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, aquatic biology, natural resources, chemistry, toxicology, or a related field 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.