Study of Morphogenetic Fusion with 3-D Stem Cell Cultures
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
A research opportunity is available at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD), National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL), Integrated Systems Toxicology Division (ISTD) in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
The research participant will have the opportunity to participate in a project that is a component of the Virtual Tissue Models Project within the Chemical Safety and Sustainability Program. This research project addresses critical cellular events in tissue fusion in human embryonic development that are susceptible to disruption. The project involves culture of human stem cells and human primary tissue-derived cells, monitoring of their growth and activity over time, and evaluation of chemical interruption of these processes.
The research participant will gain experience using basic sterile cell culture techniques and advanced 3D cell culture models such as spheroids and organoids. The research participant will have the opportunity to learn to use instrumentation such as confocal microscopy, image analysis programs, and spectrophotometers/luminometers to collect data. The research participant may also have the opportunity to perform various biochemical assays which provide information regarding cell proliferation, migration, differentiation and cell viability. The research participant will gain experience in experimental design, quality control, record keeping, data analysis and participation in a multidisciplinary research team.
The mentor for this research opportunity is Sid Hunter (Hunter.sid@epa.gov).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Spring/Summer 2020
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. The initial appointment is for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of EPA and is contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. The appointment is full-time at EPA in the Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, area. Participants do not become employees of EPA, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should have received a bachelor's or master's degree in one of the relevant fields, or be currently pursuing one of the degrees and will reach completion by June 1, 2020. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.
This opportunity is available to US citizens only.
If you have questions, send an email to EPArpp@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity (EPA-ORD-NHEERL-ISTD-2019-06-A) in your email.