EPA Internship Evaluating Chemical Effects on Endocrine Systems

*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 and Environmental Assessment (CPHEA), Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division (PHITD), Neurological and Endocrine Toxicology Branch (NETB) in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. This was formerly National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL), Toxicology Assessment Division (TAD).

Research Project: This research based internship will investigate the effects of environmental chemicals on the endocrine system using both in vitro and in vivo models. The studies primarily evaluate the effects of chemicals on thyroid and gonadal hormone synthesis using in vitro and animal models. The data will be used to extrapolate in vitro to in vivo linkages to potential adverse health outcomes. The research participant will have the opportunity to participate in the experimental set up, sample collection and evaluation using various biological assays. The research participant will also be able to be involved with experiments evaluating the effects of environmental chemicals on thyroid hormones in the rat. In addition, the research participant will have the opportunity to contribute to data entry and analyses.

Learning Objectives: The research participant will be trained on the use of in vitro cell models and assays, including an ovarian granulosa cell culture and a thyroid target cell assay. The research participant will have the opportunity to learn how to plan in vitro and in vivo toxicology studies and prepare standard operating procedures. The research participant will acquire sterility skills and knowledge about the physiology of the hypothalamic-gonadal-pituitary and -thyroid axis. The research participant will also learn about data entry and statistics in toxicology.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Tammy Stoker (stoker.tammy@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Summer 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 two months and may be renewed up to three additional years upon EPA recommendation and subject to availability of funding.

Level of Participation: The appointment is part-time (20 hours per week).

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.