EPA Bioinformatics and Data Science Fellowship
*Applications may be reviewed on a rolling-basis and this posting could close before the deadline. Click here for information about the selection process.
EPA Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is available at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD), Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure (CCTE), Biomolecular & Computational Toxicology Division (BCTD) located in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
The EPA CCTE is responsible for developing new experimental models that can be used to evaluate the potential for chemicals to produce adverse effects on human and ecological health for improving environmental risk assessments and regulatory decisions pertaining to chemical safety and sustainability.
Research Project: This project aims to develop computational models to predict the safety of chemicals without running tests on whole animals. The tools to be used include high-throughput transcriptomic screening data across multiple cell lines, databases of previously run animal studies, data from other in vitro high-throughput screening experiments, data and models for in vitro to in vivo extrapolation of dose, and outputs of various predictive models of chemical action. The project integrates bioinformatics, data science, software engineering, applied statistics, and predictive mathematical modeling, with the broader goal of advancing safety assessment using new approach methodologies.
Under the guidance of a mentor, the research participant will learn to develop novel bioinformatics and biostatistics applications to integrate multiple data streams relevant to toxicological testing, including transcriptomics, biochemical assays, and other high-throughput screening methods.
Research activities may include:
- Helping develop models to predict toxicological outcomes of animal testing from in vitro assays
- Helping develop a data science infrastructure to simulate outcomes of tiered testing strategies that combine multiple in vitro screening methods
- Learning how to curate and manage large-scale heterogeneous chemical safety screening data
- Evaluating additional methods to integrate data across screening studies.
Learning Objectives: This is a research training opportunity where in the candidate will gain education and training in the general areas of bioinformatics data science, transcriptomics, computational toxicology, and mathematical modeling in preparation for future career opportunities across government, industry, and academic sectors.
The research participant may also author or co-author on peer-reviewed publications, and present at local and national meetings. The participant will be a member of a multi-disciplinary research team.
Mentor(s): The mentors for this opportunity are Katie Paul-Friedman (paul-friedman.katie@epa.gov) and Logan Everett (Everett.logan@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Spring 2021. All start dates are flexible and vary depending on numerous factors. Click here for detailed information about start dates.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year and may be renewed up to three or four additional years upon EPA recommendation and subject to availability of funding.
Level of Participation: The appointment is full-time.
Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Click here for detailed information about full-time stipends.
EPA Security Clearance: Completion of a successful background investigation by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is required for an applicant to be on-boarded at EPA.
ORISE Information: This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and EPA. Participants do not become employees of EPA, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.
Questions: Please see the FAQ section of our website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email EPArpp@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.