Aquatic Ecosystem Specialist at EPA (Part-time)

Zintellect is seeking a part-time Aquatic Ecosystem Specialist for the EPA in Narragansett, RI. The role involves researching contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) affecting aquatic ecosystems, including pharmaceuticals and nanomaterials. Responsibilities include developing analytical methods, conducting toxicity and bioaccumulation tests, analyzing data, and preparing reports. Candidates will also assist in laboratory maintenance, fieldwork, and literature review. Strong record-keeping and adherence to safety protocols are essential. The position is 30 hours per week.
The EPA Environmental Research and Business Support Program has an immediate opening for a part-time (30 hours per week) Aquatic Ecosystem Specialist with the Office of Research and Development at the EPA facility in Narragansett, Rhode Island.

The National Health and Environmental Research Laboratory (NHEERL), Atlantic Ecology Division at Narragansett, RI Office of Research and Development (ORD) at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for conducting studies that evaluate the environmental health of aquatic ecosystems. A new threat to these ecosystems may be nanomaterials and contaminants of emerging concern (CEC). These include pharmaceuticals, veterinary medicines, personal care products and nanomaterials. The ORD is actively researching improved methods for detecting and monitoring CECs in the environment and will develop rapid screening methods for the materials. In addition, ORD is researching the effects of CECs (and their byproducts) to organisms including the uptake, transport, and bioaccumulation of these materials. Data gaps abound for both fate and effects of CECs. Although the current state of the science surrounding these contaminants is fluid, it is clear the potential for CECs to become ubiquitous in our environment is increasing. This research will involve experiments designed to elucidate the fate and effects of CECs in the environment including development of analytical methods for detection/measurement, toxicity, bioaccumulation, sublethal endpoints and ecological effects. The selected candidate shall be involved in all aspects of the research including designing and performing the studies in this project as well as the analysis of data, and preparation of reports and presentations.

The selected candidate shall be involved in all aspects of CEC research, specifically:
• Aid in the development of analytical methods to detect CECs in sediments and process samples using those methods;
• Perform existing, and develop new toxicity tests sensitive to CECs;
• Perform bioaccumulation tests to determine the movement of CECs through marine food webs;
• Assist in the analysis of data, and preparation of reports and presentations;
• Maintain equipment, resources, and instrumentation within the analytical chemistry and toxicity testing laboratory to insure generation of high quality data;
• Perform field work and be comfortable working in and around small boats.

Other generic activities include the following:
• Assist U.S. EPA scientists in designing, implementing and maintaining records for laboratory experiments;
• Organize and maintain the general laboratory;
• Conduct (computerized) data entry, organizing and assisting in analysis, and report generation;
• Search, retrieve and organize relevant scientific literature, and contribute to the development of scientific manuscripts;
• Participate in safety and other training opportunities.

All activities shall be performed according to specification, either with laboratory operating procedures, information from the scientific literature, or instructions provided by their mentor.

The selected candidate shall maintain careful and accurate records in a laboratory notebook and prepare electronic reports of the data in spreadsheets. The notebook(s), spreadsheets and all other data produced under this PWS will be the property of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

This work will occur daily, including weekends and holidays, and is not expected to exceed 8 hours per day, nor 1600 hours per year. The selected candidate’s schedule is flexible but generally expected to average 30 hours per week. He/she is expected to work with little direct supervision but will interact regularly with their mentor and other ORD scientists.

Location: This job will be located at EPA’s facility in Narragansett, Rhode Island.

Work Environment: Work will largely involve work in a laboratory setting with occasional field work.

Salary: Selected applicant will become a temporary employee of ORAU and will receive an hourly wage for hours worked at a rate of $21.90 per hour.

Hours: Part-time; up to 30 hours per week.

Travel: Occasional overnight travel may be required.

Expected Start Date: The position is part-time up to 30 hours per week expected to begin January 2017. The selected applicant will be a temporary employee of ORAU working as a contractor to EPA. The initial contract period is through May 14, 2017, followed by three (3) additional 12 month option periods.

For more information, contact EPAjobs@orau.org.