EPA Aquatic Toxicity Lab Support

Organization
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Reference Code
EPA-SSP-0009-8
Description

The EPA Environmental Research and Business Support Program has immediate openings for two EPA Aquatic Toxicity Lab Support positions with the Office of Research and Development at the EPA’s facility in Duluth, Minnesota.

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 Mid-Continent Ecology Division (MED) is one of four ecology divisions of the National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL). The Mid-Continent Ecology Division is located in Duluth, MN. The MED is the focal point ORD research related to freshwater ecotoxicology and freshwater ecology. A primary objective of the ecotoxicological research at MED is to provide the scientific basis and technological means to enable the prediction of whether or not an environmental agent will produce adverse effects in aquatic organisms and minimize the uncertainty of such predictions.

The selected candidates shall assist in one of several aquatic toxicology projects evaluating different aspects of chemical toxicity in aquatic organisms. They shall 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, they may be involved in development of new techniques/procedures, writing operating procedures, and performing experiments with established scientists.

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

Salary: Selected applicants will become temporary employees of ORAU and will receive an hourly wage of $20.04 for hours worked.

Travel: Occasional overnight travel may be required.

Expected Start Date: The positions are full time and expected to begin around November 2016.  The selected applicant will be a temporary employee of ORAU working as a contractor to EPA. The initial contract period is through May 14, 2017. EPA may elect to renew the contract for an additional three 12-month optional periods.

Working Conditions: This position will be in a laboratory setting.

The candidates will be supervised by a mentor who will provide day-to-day direction, as well as coach, advise and counsel them, and review their work.

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 a Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, toxicology, chemistry, or closely related fields 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

The applicant shall have:

  • 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.

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.

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).
  • Overall GPA: 2.00
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
    • 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 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; 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.