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The EPA National Student Services Contract has an immediate opening for a full time Bioanalytical Lab Specialist position with the Office of Research and Development at the EPA facility in Research Triangle Park, NC.

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) provides solutions-driven research to rapidly evaluate the potential human health and environmental risks due to exposures to environmental chemicals.

The EPA’s Office of Research and Development (ORD) conducts research within six National Program Areas, including Chemical Safety for Sustainability Research Program (CSS). CSS is transforming chemical risk-based decisions by conducting high-quality, innovative scientific research.

• Develops the science needed to reduce, refine, and replace vertebrate animal testing.
• Accelerates the pace of chemical assessment to enable our partners to make decisions concerning the potential impacts of environmental chemicals on human health and the environment.
• Transforms chemical testing, screening, prioritization, and risk assessment practices.

The Advanced Analytical Chemistry Methods Branch (AACMB) of the Chemical Characterization and Exposure Division (CCED) within CCTE, located on EPA’s Main Campus in Research Triangle Park in Durham, NC, develops new bioanalytical methods for qualitative and quantitative determinations of endogenous biochemicals as well as chemicals of environmental concern in complex tissue matrices. The methods are applied to answer a variety of research questions related to health outcomes, toxicological pathways, development of physiologically based pharmacokinetic models, and understanding of differential responses according to life stage or disease state.

The AACMB is seeking an individual to assist in development and implementation of mass spectrometric analytical methods to evaluate potential biological disruptions after short-term chemical exposures by using lipidomics, metabolomics, and other advanced mass spectrometry techniques. Per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) exposures are the focus of this research. The research participant will design laboratory experiments, conduct data analysis and interpretation, and potentially integrate multi omics data, including transcriptomics, from paired samples. Responsibilities will include sample tracking, preparation, extraction, analysis, and reporting, and supporting chemistry laboratory operations.

What experience and skills will you gain?

As a team member, you will be a member of a multi-disciplinary team and shall support development and implementation of high throughput mass spectrometric methods for determination of lipids and metabolites in biomatrices including plasma, serum, and tissues. The team member will provide sample handling and preparation, chemical standards handling and preparation of solutions, and quantitative and qualitative analysis of biomatrices. The team member will also assist with technical administrative duties related to data handling, processing, and reporting, and quality assurance.

Laboratory responsibilities will include:

• Sample extraction using techniques such as sonication, homogenization, solid phase extraction,
• protein precipitation, and liquid-liquid extraction methods;
• Preparation of solutions and standards;
• Operation of general laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, evaporators, and automated
• extraction equipment;
• Operation of analytical instruments such as liquid chromatography/mass spectrometers (LC/MS); and
• Careful and accurate scientific recordkeeping in accordance with CCTE quality assurance requirements.
   

Technical administrative responsibilities will include:

• Sample and chemical tracking and management;
• Data review, processing, and reporting;
• Searching scientific journals and other technical resources, and documenting findings; and
• Documentation of Standard Operating Procedures.
   

Required Knowledge, Skills, Work Experience, and Education

• Education and/or experience in bioanalytical chemistry;
• Experience with scientific and laboratory research methods;
• Experience with preparation and handling of biological and other sample matrices;
• Experience with organic extraction methods;
• Proficiency with data acquisition using analytical instrumentation including mass spectrometry;
• Proficiency with at least one instrument control software package for mass spectrometry;
• Experience in keeping and managing laboratory records (electronic and/or hardcopy);
• Experience with searching scientific journals and other resources for technical information;
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (i.e., Excel, Word, Access), and the Internet;
• Strong communication skills (i.e., written, oral, electronic);
• Strong organizational skills;
• Leadership skills; and
• Experience working as part of a team.

Location:  This job will be located EPA’s facility in Research Triangle Park, NC.

Salary: Selected applicant will become a temporary employee of ORAU and will receive an hourly wage of $31.38 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 July 2023. The selected applicant will become a temporary employee of ORAU working as a contractor to EPA. The contract renews each May through 2025.

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 Master’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or closely 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.

• Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
• Degree: Any degree .
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )

I certify that I am at least 18 years of age; a recent graduate with at least a Master’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or closely 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.

Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Statement

ORAU is a Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace. Drug-free workplace means at the site(s) for the performance of employee’s work, employees are prohibited from engaging in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance as defined by federal law.