EPA - Internship: Alternatives Assessing Toxicity of Environmental Contaminants to Aquatic

Organization: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Reference Code: EPA-OCSPP-OPP-IO-

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protects human health and the environment by ensuring that Americans have clean air, land, and water, by reducing environmental risks based on the best available science, and by enforcing federal laws fairly and effectively. EPA’s mission includes contaminant cleanup, chemical safety assessment, and transparent information sharing to support informed decision‑making across natural resource, economic, and health sectors.

The EPA Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention is developing alternative testing approaches (“new approach methodologies”) to generate toxicity information more rapidly and cost‑effectively. The Research Project involves:

• Conduct laboratory exposures of organic chemicals to aquatic organisms, including fish, invertebrates, and algae.
• Extract biomolecules (DNA, RNA, metabolites) from animal and plant tissues.
• Perform molecular, biochemical, physiological, and histological analyses on biofluids and tissues.
• Screen chemicals or mixtures for biological activity using cell‑free, cell‑based, and high‑throughput testing approaches.
• Apply computational pipelines, bioinformatics, and statistical analyses to complex biological data sets such as omics.
• Compile and summarize scientific literature and online data sources.
• Conduct weight‑of‑evidence evaluations based on Bradford Hill considerations.
• Analyze experimental data and generate tables, figures, and summaries of results.
• Present research findings at scientific meetings and contribute to peer‑reviewed publications.

• Learn diverse laboratory techniques applicable across life sciences research.
• Operate a range of scientific equipment for aquatic organisms, cell culture, and biochemical assays.
• Develop search strategies and tools for transparent literature retrieval and evaluation.
• Evaluate data quality, troubleshoot results, and apply statistical methods for data analysis and interpretation.
• Work within a transdisciplinary research team on project planning, communication, coordination, and analysis.
• Collaborate with nationally recognized leaders and contribute to original research and publications.

Deon Moore (moore.deon) will serve as the primary mentor for this opportunity. Contact the mentor for research details.

Start Date: September 1, 2026 (flexible)

Length: Initial term of one year, renewable for up to four additional years subject to funding.

Participation Level: Full time

Stipend: $52,500 – $64,000 annually (commensurate with education level and experience)

Citizenship: U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident only

Security Clearance: Successful background investigation required by OPM for onboarding

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field (chemistry, biology, environmental science, or related disciplines).

• Experience with basic molecular biology techniques (gel electrophoresis, PCR, qPCR, thermocyclers, bioanalyzers).
• Computational skills, including programming and R‑based statistics.
• Coursework in biostatistics and/or bioinformatics.
• Strong oral and written communication abilities.
• Prior experience with aquatic organisms, especially fish.
• Research experience beyond coursework.
• Familiarity with literature search tools and strategies.
• Cell culture experience (plating, maintenance, freezing, aseptic technique).
• Training or experience in organic chemistry, biochemistry, or analytical chemistry.