EPA Thyroid Endpoint Assessment in Larval Zebrafish Fellowship

Organization

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

EPA-OCSPP-OPP-IO-2026-02

Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP), Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP), Durham, North Carolina.

This research project will develop methods and test a chemical library for thyroid endpoint assessment using a larval zebrafish model. The goal is to develop and validate a zebrafish embryo toxicity test with reference chemicals to detect thyroid pathway perturbation.

• Hands‑on participation in experimental research and data interpretation
• Reading and interpreting relevant scientific literature
• Active participation in project team meetings
• Preparing reports, presentations, and summaries of data
• Opportunity to present research at professional meetings
• Authoring manuscripts for publication in peer‑reviewed journals

• Maintain and expose zebrafish embryos to control, reference, and test chemicals
• Utilize state‑of-the-art semi‑automated imaging equipment
• Conduct high‑throughput screening assays on zebrafish embryos to assess thyroid endpoints
• Analyze morphological images using software and synthesize results for publication and presentation
• Analyze other data using various statistical approaches and synthesize results for publication and presentation

Scott Lynn (lynn.scott)

Anticipated start date:
August 2026. The appointment is full‑time, initially one year and may be renewed three to four additional years upon EPA recommendation and subject to funding availability.

Monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience (annual range $52,693–$64,453).

U.S. citizens only.

Completion of a successful background investigation by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is required.

• Currently pursuing or have received a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field within the past five years, or anticipated to receive by June 18, 2026.

• Experience working with small fish models
• Experience operating automated laboratory equipment (e.g., VAST, liquid handlers)
• Experience with the open‑source R statistical computing
• Basic knowledge of biology, chemistry, biochemistry, developmental biology or related field
• Experience with experimental planning and record keeping
• Experience with basic statistical methods and software (e.g., Graph Pad)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook)
• Strong written, oral, and electronic communication skills

• Earth and Geosciences
  • Aeronomy
  • Atmospheric Chemistry
  • Atmospheric Sciences
  • Chemical Oceanography
  • Climate Dynamics
  • Earth Sciences
  • Geochemistry
  • Geographic Information Systems
  • Geology
  • Geophysics
  • Large‑scale Dynamics Meteorology
  • Magnetospheric Physics
  • Marine Geology
  • Mesoscale Dynamic Meteorology
  • Meteorology
  • Mineralogy
  • Paleoclimate
  • Paleontology
  • Physical Meteorology
  • Planetary Science
  • Solar – Terrestrial
• Environmental and Marine Sciences
• Life Health and Medical Sciences
• Mathematics and Statistics