Deadline: Fri, 05/26/2023 - 12:00pm Employer: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Job Field: Water and Soil Resources GIS/Technology Other Job Type: Seasonal, Temporary, Internship Location: Florida Location Detail: Gulf Breeze, FL Job Description: EPA Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is available at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD), Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling (CEMM), Gulf Ecosystem Measurement and Modeling Division (GEMMD), Biological Effects and Population Response (BEPR) Branch located in Gulf Breeze, Florida. Research Project: Toxicity translators are mechanistic effects models that interpret chemical impacts measured on individuals in laboratory tests into metrics applicable to populations and ecological landscapes. These models use life history and demographic profiles for a diversity of species to inform a range of potential chemical impacts within a broad taxonomic group (e.g., invertebrates, fish). The research participant will collaborate with a Translator development team to develop and refine models for invertebrates, fish, and amphibians to provide improved and more realistic evaluation of risks posed to diverse species by chemical contaminants. Many taxa of concern (e.g., freshwater mussels, coral) have obligatory relationships with other species that range from mutualistic to parasitic that must be considered when evaluating chemical risks. Currently, the US EPA lacks methods to adequately evaluate risks to species complexes and broader communities. Additionally, toxicity test data are often limited to endpoints measured on surrogate species, which may have limited relevance to larger species that cannot be closely studied. The research participant will collaborate with the team to develop and apply numerical, mechanistic effects models in conjunction with observed or modeled data of chemical concentrations in the environment. The research participant will explore novel approaches to data analysis and extrapolation to investigate the different types of approaches that can be used to improve Ecological Risk Assessments performed under various regulatory statutes. The research participant may be involved in the following activities: Developing conceptual and life history models that represent invertebrates group of conservation concern Exploring how diverse life histories influence the susceptibility of species and aquatic communities Exploring approaches to extrapolate effects measured on surrogate species in the laboratory to untested taxa in the environment. Learning Objectives: The research participant will have the opportunity to learn how to use endpoints collected from standardized toxicity tests with species life history data to extrapolate chemical effects across species and from the laboratory to field contexts. Depending on the research participants interest, there may be an opportunity to learn different exposure models that estimate the fate and transport of chemicals in the environment. As a part of this project, the research participant will learn modeling techniques, including development, calibration, application, and evaluation. Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Dr. Sandy Raimondo (raimondo.sandy@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s). Qualifications: The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a master's or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields (e.g. Environmental Science, Ocean Science, Ecology, Biology, Statistics, Applied Mathematics). Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date. Preferred skills: Willingness to learn to perform simulation modeling. Knowledge and/or desire to learn how to do numerical modeling, statistical analysis, and data extrapolation is a plus. Knowledge or interest in learning R, Python, Matlab, programming or statistical packages would be most beneficial. Experience and/or interest in developing populations models would be helpful, but not required. Experience and/or interest in using/applying chemical fate and transport models would be helpful, but not required. Experience and/or interest in toxicology and chemistry would be helpful, but not required. Experience in numerical modeling, including ecological and statistical modeling would be useful. Having familiarity with computer programming would be useful, since data analysis will most likely done using some form of programming package, such as R. Having a solid foundation in math and statistics, to understand the modeling itself. Ideally someone interested and able to do ecological modeling (or with experience). This project has many possible facets (i.e., ecology, biology, toxicology, data extrapolation), therefore the most important skill is the interest and ability to join a team and be willing to learn. Eligibility Requirements Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing. Discipline(s): Computer, Information, and Data Sciences Earth and Geosciences Environmental and Marine Sciences Life Health and Medical Sciences Mathematics and Statistics Other Physical Sciences How to Apply: https://zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/EPA-ORD-CEMM-GEMMD-2023-01?utm_source=opportunity_digest&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=epa Connect with ORISE...on the GO! Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond! A complete application consists of: An application Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. All transcripts must be in English or include an official English translation. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts. A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list Two educational or professional recommendations. Click here for detailed information about recommendations. All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.
