Application Deadline: 7/5/2024 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Reference Code: EPA-ORD-CCTE-CCED-2024-03
Research Project: Non-targeted analysis (NTA) has been increasingly used in recent years to elucidate structures of novel compounds of emerging concern, however, the majority of studies use liquid chromatography. Gas chromatography (GC) has the potential to be equally useful and compliment chemical space coverage but methodologies for GC data collection and processing need to be further developed, tested, and applied in order to be widely adopted and used in decision making.
The goal of the research project is to develop GC-NTA techniques to identify chemicals of interest in environmental samples.
Under the guidance of a mentor, the research activities will include, but not limited to:
- Exploring the usefulness of combining data from various ionization techniques (e.g., electron impact, chemical ionization).
- Exploring and mastering software features (e.g., Compound Discoverer, MSDial, etc.).
- Writing QA/QC procedures and documents, and writing programming code (R, python, or other) for processing data output.
Applications of GC-NTA will include identification of novel per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in samples originating near manufacturing facilities and products of incomplete combustion formed from household items during a fire.
Learning Objectives: The research participant will be part of a multidisciplinary team of experts who are identifying chemicals to which humans are exposed. The research participant will be expected to actively participate in internal and external research groups such as the EPA NTA group, a GC-Orbitrap users group, etc. An emphasis will be placed on publishing in peer-reviewed journals with the aim of preparing the research participant for a successful career in science.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Seth Newton (Newton.Seth@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: May 15, 2024. All start dates are flexible and vary depending on numerous factors. Click here for detailed information about start dates.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year and may be renewed upon EPA recommendation and subject to availability of funding.
Level of Participation: The appointment is full-time.
Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Click here for detailed information about full-time stipends.
EPA Security Clearance: Completion of a successful background investigation by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is required for an applicant to be on-boarded at EPA.
The successful applicant(s) will be required to comply with Environmental, Safety and Health (ES&H) requirements of the hosting facility, including but not limited to, COVID-19 requirements (e.g. facial covering, physical distancing, testing, vaccination).
EPA Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is available at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD), Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure (CCTE), Chemical Characterization & Exposure Division (CCED) located in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. If selected for the opportunity, the participant will need to relocate to the appropriate EPA facility. The relocation costs are not reimbursable. The opportunity is not 100% remote, but limited telework may be considered at the mentor’s discretion.
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 EPA. Participants do not become employees of EPA, 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.
ORISE offers all ORISE EPA graduate students and Postdocs a free 5 year membership to the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA).
The successful applicant(s) will be required to comply with Environmental, Safety and Health (ES&H) requirements of the hosting facility, including but not limited to, COVID-19 requirements (e.g. facial covering, physical distancing, testing, vaccination).
Questions: Please see the FAQ section of our website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email EPArpp@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
See the application page for Qualifications and Application information