EPA Computational Biology Fellowship

*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 Computational Toxicology and Exposure (CCTE), Biomolecular & Computational Toxicology Division (BCTD) located in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

The EPA CCTE is responsible for developing new computational tools and providing quantitative analysis for improving environmental risk assessments and regulatory decisions pertaining to chemical safety and sustainability.

Research Project: This research project aims to develop computational models to predict the safety of chemicals using data from alternative animal species. The tools to be used include databases of chemicals of environmental interest, previously run animal studies, and outputs of various predictive models of chemical action. The project integrates data science, software engineering, applied statistics, and predictive mathematical modeling.

Under the guidance of a mentor, the research participant will develop novel computational methods for analyzing toxicological endpoints from zebrafish testing. Research activities may include: (1) developing methods to curate data used to build models; (2) evaluating existing models and integration of these into in-house modeling pipelines; (3) developing consensus models (i.e. models that rely on multiple other models as input).

Learning Objectives: The research participant will be a member of an dynamic, multifaceted research team, gain education and training in the general areas of computational chemistry, bioinformatics data science, mathematical modeling, data management, and computational toxicology in preparation for future career opportunities.

The research participant may author or co-author on peer-reviewed publications and will present at local and national meetings. The participant will be a member of a multi-disciplinary research team.

Mentor(s): The mentors for this opportunity are Stephanie Padilla (padilla.stephanie@epa.gov), Katie Paul-Friedman (paul-friedman.katie@epa.gov), and Richard Judson (Judson.richard@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Summer/Fall 2020. 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 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 (EPA-ORD-CCTE-BCTD-2020-02).