NOAA Surveillance for the Presence of Algal Toxins in Food Webs Summer Fellowship
To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.
A complete application consists of:
- An application
- Transcripts – Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts
- A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
- One educational or professional recommendation. Your application will be considered incomplete, and will not be reviewed until one recommendation is submitted.
All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.
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*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
NOAA Office/Lab and Location: Two research opportunities are currently available with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), in the Fisheries Research Participation Program located at Seattle, Washington.
Research Project: The objectives of this project are to determine the exposure and potential health risks of algal toxins to marine wildlife. As part of the project, analyses of environmental samples are performed to quantify the presence of algal toxins in marine wildlife. The participant will collect and analyze environmental samples. This entails performing extractions of samples by weighing out sample material, labeling tubes, homogenizing material, adding extraction solvent, centrifuging tubes, and filtering supernatant. The participant will learn what algal toxins are and how they can be quantified in extracted samples using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) methods. The participant will collaborate with a large team for sample collection and processing. This research is part of a project to quantify the presence of algal toxins in marine food webs of the West Coast of North America with a focus on the impacts of climate change on toxin levels. Samples come from as far north at the Arctic Ocean to Southern California.
Learning Objectives: The NOAA Fisheries Research Participation Program will serve as the next step in the educational and professional development of scientists and engineers interested in learning about coastal stewardship and management. This program provides opportunities for students and recent graduates to connect with the unique resources of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) where they can have authentic research experiences using equipment not found on most college campuses. These research experiences complement the educational nature of the program and make participants aware of potential STEM employment opportunities at NOAA. Throughout their appointments, selected candidates will have access to unique research and training opportunities, top scientists and engineers, and state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.
Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Kathi Lefebvre (Kathi.Lefebvre@noaa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: May 19, 2025. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for eight weeks but may be renewed upon recommendation of NOAA and is contingent on the availability of funds.
Level of Participation: The appointment is part-time.
Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.
Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.
ORISE Information: This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and NOAA. Participants do not become employees of NOAA, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.
Questions: If you have questions about the application process please email NOAA@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing a bachelor's degree. Rising second year undergraduate students preferred.
Preferred skills:
- Excellent high school transcript (GPA 3.8 or higher), Advanced placement (AP) classes in both math and a foreign language with passing AP test scores (score of 3 or higher).
- Demonstrated community service hours, foreign travel and service experience, and ability to communicate with diverse communities.
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