EPA Neurotoxicity of Organic Pollutants Internship
*Applications may be reviewed on a rolling-basis and this posting could close before the deadline. Click here for information about the selection process.
EPA Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is available at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD), Center for Public Health Environmental Assessment (CPHEA), Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division (PHITD) located in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
Research Project: Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent organic pollutants and are found in the blood of humans and animals around the world; however, the health effects of these chemicals are not well understood. The goal of this research project is to understand how PFAS interfere with the blood-brain barrier and could potentially induce neurotoxicity following a developmental exposure. In this project, rats will be used as the model system to mimic human pregnancy and brain development, but in silico and in vitro methods will be incorporated as the project progresses.
With guidance from the mentor, the research participant may be involved in the following training activities.
- Animal study organization
- Handling and treating rats, including in vivo dosing via oral, ip, sc routes
- Necropsy and preparation of tissues for further experiments
- Histology, tissue sectioning
- Immunohistochemistry and light/fluorescent microscopy
- Potential to learn RNA-Sequencing data analysis
- Record keeping, data processing and statistical analyses
- Reading and interpreting peer-reviewed scientific literature
Learning Objectives: The research participant will learn about problem solving and how to answer scientific research questions. The research participant will gain experience in various experimental approaches and techniques in neurotoxicology research. The research participant will be mentored by several experienced EPA investigators, and will have some latitude in exercising independent initiative and judgment, commensurate with the level of experience and competence after training. The research participant may also have opportunities to attend seminars and lectures held at local sites.
Mentor(s): The mentors for this opportunity are Katie O'Shaughnessy (oshaughnessy.katie@epa.gov) and Mary Gilbert (gilbert.mary@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: January 2021. 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 up to three or four additional years 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.
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.
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.