Clinical Research Lab Associate at EPA

s environmental goals. Research is conducted in a broad range of environmental areas by scientists in EPA laboratories and at universities across the country.

The Clinical Research Branch (CRB) of the Environmental Public Health Division operates laboratories and clinical facilities at the EPA Human Studies Facility building (HSF) located on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. CRB investigators conduct clinical studies involving human volunteers to determine the effects of exposure to ambient pollution on human health and elucidate the mechanisms through which these effects occur. CRB studies are conducted in close consultation with client offices in order to support the regulatory activities of the Agency.

The selected candidate shall work in the CRB-operated laboratory space at the HSF. Responsibilities shall include general laboratory duties as well as project-based tasks. Specifically, he/she shall assist in laboratory experiments aimed at identifying molecular and epigenetic mechanisms associated with adverse outcomes of pollutant exposure and biomarkers of susceptibility to the effects of pollutant exposure. He/she shall also assist in the development of in vitro methods for studying pollutant exposures.

The selected candidate shall conduct in vitro pollutant exposures, examine epigenetic modifications, assay gene and protein expression and function, maintain cell cultures, genotype samples, and assist with clinical study operations and sample processing. He/she shall also be expected to provide researcher support and contribute to project planning, data analyses, and communicate scientific findings in scientific journals and conferences.

Through his/her participation, the candidate shall learn a variety of fundamental and specialized biochemical and molecular techniques, as well as gain experience in translational clinical research studies. In addition, he/she shall learn how to design and manage studies to address scientific questions, and how to prioritize, sequence, and troubleshoot experiments in order to maximize efficiency and productivity.

The selected candidate shall work side by with trainees at various stages of their doctoral studies or postdoctoral fellowship and thus be exposed to advanced instruction in the planning and execution of laboratory protocols, including data analysis methods. In addition, he/she shall attend regular staff meetings in which findings and related scientific principles are presented and discussed.

Communications-related responsibilities will include:
• Participating as a member of a multi-disciplinary research team, and
• Interacting with other members of the development team as well as EPA scientists.

The candidate may be asked to present work performed as a poster at a scientific conference.

Location: This job will be located at EPA’s facility at Chapel Hill, NC.

Salary: Selected applicant will become a temporary employee of ORAU and will receive an hourly wage of $21.27 for hours worked.

Hours: Full Time.

Working Conditions: The selected candidate shall be supervised by a mentor who will provide day-to-day direction, as well as coach, advise and counsel the candidate, and review his/her work. The mentor for this position will be a federal EPA employee.

This position will involve work in a laboratory setting and can involve exposure to hazardous elements. The selected candidate will be working in a laboratory environment, with potential exposure to dangerous and toxic materials. He/she will be required to wear safety apparel and to closely observe safety requirements. Safety training, and proper personal protective equipment (PPE), will be provided before she/she will be allowed to work in the laboratory.

Travel: Occasional overnight travel may be required. Occasional overnight travel to scientific meetings to present research may also be required.

Expected Start Date: The position is full time and expected to begin July 2018. The selected applicant will be a temporary employee of ORAU working as a contractor to EPA. The initial contract period is through May 14, 2019. EPA may elect to renew the contract for an additional 12-month optional period.

For more information, contact [email protected]. Do not contact EPA directly.