EPA Disinfectant Test Methods and Emerging Pathogens Internship

*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 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP), Environmental Science Center (ESC) located in Ft. Meade, Maryland. This research opportunity is with the Microbiology Laboratory Branch (MLB).

Research Project: The EPA Office of Pesticide Programs Microbiology Laboratory provides microbiological support to the Program on emerging issues associated with public health disinfectants and other types of antimicrobial products used to decontaminate and eliminate microbes from environmental surfaces. The Microbiology Laboratory wing includes Biosafety Level II and III laboratories with standard and specialized lab equipment to facilitate work with pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The laboratory provides technical leadership in the development of microbiological procedures for evaluating the efficacy of antimicrobial pesticides used in the hospital, food handling, residential, and agricultural settings. The research is deemed critical to the Agency's public health priorities related to clinically relevant and emerging pathogens, biological threats related to Homeland Security, and international harmonization of test procedures.

Under the guidance of a mentor, the research participant will be introduced to and trained on the practices and procedures for Biosafety Level II and III laboratories including equipment necessary to conduct the research studies. The participants will learn about emerging human and animal pathogens, use of surrogate microorganisms, quantitative test methods used to evaluate disinfectants, laboratory techniques for growth and recovery of bacteria, cell cultures, and viruses, development of microbial kill curves, bacterial biofilms, microbial populations and environmental persistence. Participants will be engaged in small technical teams or may work independently on studies looking at the quantification of a variety of microorganisms on different surfaces (plastic, wood, fabric, etc.) representative of surfaces found in residential settings, evaluation of mixed microbial cultures exposed to antimicrobials, or unique test systems (surfaces, cooling towers, etc.).

Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor, the research participant will be trained in laboratory techniques for culturing, recovery, and identification of a variety of microorganisms, standard test methods used by EPA to evaluate the efficacy of disinfectants and other registered antimicrobial agents, quality control practices, and the application of Good Laboratory Practices. The research participant will utilize standard microbiology equipment such as autoclaves, biological safety cabinets, microscopes, pipettes, etc. The research participant will have the opportunity to design studies, develop forms and spreadsheets to document findings and results, conduct data analysis, and develop final summary reports and associated presentations.

Mentor(s): The mentors for this opportunity are Rebecca Pines (pines.rebecca@epa.gov) and Lisa Smith (smith.lisas@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: January 2024.  All start dates are flexible and vary depending on numerous factors. Click here for detailed information about start dates.

Appointment Length: The appointment initially may be for one year and may be renewed 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.

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.

ORISE offers all ORISE EPA graduate students and Postdocs a free 5 year membership to the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA).

The successful applicant(s) will be required to comply with Environmental, Safety and Health (ES&H) requirements of the hosting facility, including but not limited to, COVID-19 requirements (e.g. facial covering, physical distancing, testing, vaccination).

Questions: Please see the FAQ section of our website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email ORISE.EPA.REG@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a bachelor's degree in one of the relevant fields, or be currently pursuing the degree before the appointment start date. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

Preferred skills/experience:

• Experience conducting microbiological laboratory assays with bacteria or viruses and use of standard microbiology laboratory equipment such as biological safety cabinets, autoclaves, pH meters, and microscopes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.).