EPA Human Pregnancy In-Vitro Modeling 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 experimental models that can be used to evaluate the potential for chemicals to produce adverse effects on human and ecological health for improving environmental risk assessments and regulatory decisions pertaining to chemical safety and sustainability.

Research Project: This research project aims to develop human-cell based new approach models (NAMs) that can be used to determine chemical effects in vitro to predict the safety of chemicals without running tests on whole animals. The tools to be used include pluripotent cell based assessments of chemical effects on the embryo, a placental model and establish a NAM to represent the pregnant mother. Chemical effects on the cells/organoids/organotypic models will be assessed. Data from these models will be used in developing predictive mathematical models to assess chemicals.

Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant may establish new approach models (NAMs) to evaluate chemicals during pregnancy. Research activities may include: (1) the development of a generic 3D-placental model that could be used to assess the effects of chemicals on placental function and structure; (2) applying a placental model to better understand the fate, transport and metabolism of chemicals during development; (3) evaluating the chemical effects on pluripotent cell proliferation, cytotoxicity and differentiation; (4) integrating liver spheroid model into a maternal compartment of the pregnancy model.

Learning Objectives: The research participant will gain education and training in the general areas of establishing an organotypic culture model to biomimic human pregnancy, stem cell biology, placental physiology and developmental toxicology in preparation for future career opportunities.

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

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Sid Hunter (hunter.sid@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-2020-04).