Biology Laboratory Research Support

The EPA National Student Services Contract has an immediate opening for a full-time contractor position; Biology Laboratory Research Support with the Office of Research and Development at the EPA facility in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Salary: $24.01 per hour.

Travel: Occasional overnight travel may be required.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated experience of general laboratory techniques for assessing water quality (i.e., knowledge of aseptic technique) as well as general laboratory safety practices;
• Experience with collection of environmental samples;
• Demonstrated proficiency in bacteriological culture techniques;
• Advanced experience with molecular techniques including nucleic acid extractions/purifications and real-time, quantitative PCR (qPCR);
• Working knowledge of bacteriophage enumeration techniques;
• Working knowledge of sample concentration techniques including membrane filtration and hollowfiber ultrafiltration;
• Strong written, oral and electronic communication skills; and
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (i.e., Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook).

Desired Knowledge, Skills, Work Experience, and Education

• Working knowledge of mammalian cell culture techniques.

Qualifications

• Be at least 18 years of age and
• Have earned at least a Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biology, molecular biology, or a closely related field of study from an accredited university or college within the last 24 months and
• Be a citizen of the United States of America or a Legal Permanent Resident.

EPA ORD employees, their spouses, and children are not eligible to participate in this program.

What the EPA project is about

Within ORD, the Center for Environmental Measurement & Modeling (CEMM) conducts research to advance EPA’s ability to measure and model contaminants in the environment, including research to provide fundamental methods and models needed to implement environmental statutes. The methods and models developed by CEMM are typically applied at the airshed, watershed and ecosystem level. Within CEMM, the Watershed and Ecosystem Characterization Division (WECD) conducts research to advance EPA’s ability to characterize the presence, transport, transformation, sources, and impacts of contaminants in watersheds and ecological systems.

This is an excellent opportunity for a recent Bachelor’s graduate to collaborate with EPA’s research team. Research experience includes:

• Preparation of sampling materials (e.g. coolers, bottles, etc) and local sample collection from various wastewater treatment plants and surface waters;
• Processing of samples including membrane filtration and hollow-fiber ultrafiltration/elution
• Preparation of microbiological media and supplements for analysis of culturable bacteria; and
• Networking and exploring many career paths at EPA.

Interested in this research opportunity? If so, follow the link below to apply. Questions? Email EPANSSC@ORAU.org