NOAA Advancing Exposure Assessments of Stormwater Contaminants Fellowship

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

NOAA Office/Lab and Location: Two research opportunities are currently available with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), in the Fisheries Research Participation Program located at Seattle, Washington.

The NOAA Fisheries Research Participation Program will serve as the next step in the educational and professional development of scientists and engineers interested in learning about coastal stewardship and management. This program provides opportunities for students and recent graduates to connect with the unique resources of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) where they can have authentic research experiences using equipment not found on most college campuses. These research experiences complement the educational nature of the program and make participants aware of potential STEM employment opportunities at NOAA. Throughout their appointments, selected candidates will have access to unique research and training opportunities, top scientists and engineers, and state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. 

Research Project: Climate change and rapid growth of urban centers are limiting the conservation and recovery of west coast salmon and steelhead.  Urban growth is also causing increases in non-point source toxic runoff to freshwater and marine habitats making it imperative to investigate the impacts of stormwater pollutants on salmon.  This project will develop new analytical methods for assessing exposure of salmon to toxic chemicals found in stormwater runoff from highways.  The project will incorporate in vitro and in vivo methods to advance our understanding of salmonid exposure to stormwater contaminants and support salmon recovery.  The fellows will collect, analyze, synthesize, and write peer reviewed manuscripts on findings from this research. The fellows will collaborate with advisor Dr. Irvin Schultz, as well as collaborators on the project, including partners from other federal, state, and tribal agencies.  The project will provide an opportunity to gain laboratory experience with various species of salmon along with approaches for studying the biotransformation of contaminants.

Learning Objectives: The project will provide an opportunity to gain laboratory experience with various species of salmon along with approaches for studying the biotransformation of contaminants.

Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Irvin Schultz (irvin.schultz@noaa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: As soon as possible. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year but may be renewed upon recommendation of NOAA and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The appointment is full-time.

Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.

Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) only.

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 NOAA. Participants do not become employees of NOAA, 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: If you have questions about the application process please email NOAA@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should be pursuing or have received a Masters or Doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past three years, or be currently pursuing.

Preferred skills:

• Experience with LC-MS/MS and GC-MS.
• Prior experience with liquid and gas chromatography - mass spectrometry.

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
• Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 36 months or currently pursuing.