EPA Thyroid Endpoint Assessment in Larval Zebrafish Fellowship

Organization U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Reference Code

EPA-OCSPP-OPP-IO-2026-02

Agency / Lab and Location Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP), Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP), Durham, North Carolina. Research Project This research project will develop methods and test a chemical library for thyroid endpoint assessment using a larval zebrafish model. The goal is to develop and validate a zebrafish embryo toxicity test with reference chemicals to detect thyroid pathway perturbation. Research Activities Hands‑on participation in experimental research and data interpretation Reading and interpreting relevant scientific literature Active participation in project team meetings Preparing reports, presentations, and summaries of data Opportunity to present research at professional meetings Authoring manuscripts for publication in peer‑reviewed journals Learning Objectives Maintain and expose zebrafish embryos to control, reference, and test chemicals Utilize state‑of-the-art semi‑automated imaging equipment Conduct high‑throughput screening assays on zebrafish embryos to assess thyroid endpoints Analyze morphological images using software and synthesize results for publication and presentation Analyze other data using various statistical approaches and synthesize results for publication and presentation Mentor Scott Lynn (View email address on click.appcast.io) Appointment Anticipated start date: August 2026. The appointment is full‑time, initially one year and may be renewed three to four additional years upon EPA recommendation and subject to funding availability. Stipend Monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience (annual range $52,693–$64,453). Citizenship Requirements U.S. citizens only. Security Clearance Completion of a successful background investigation by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is required. Qualifications Currently pursuing or have received a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field within the past five years, or anticipated to receive by June 18, 2026. Preferred Skills Experience working with small fish models Experience operating automated laboratory equipment (e.g., VAST, liquid handlers) Experience with the open‑source R statistical computing Basic knowledge of biology, chemistry, biochemistry, developmental biology or related field Experience with experimental planning and record keeping Experience with basic statistical methods and software (e.g., GraphPad) Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook) Strong written, oral, and electronic communication skills Eligible Disciplines Earth and Geosciences Aeronomy Atmospheric Chemistry Atmospheric Sciences Chemical Oceanography Climate Dynamics Earth Sciences Geochemistry Geographic Information Systems Geology Geophysics Large‑scale Dynamics Meteorology Magnetospheric Physics Marine Geology Mesoscale Dynamic Meteorology Meteorology Mineralogy Paleoclimate Paleontology Physical Meteorology Planetary Science Solar – Terrestrial Environmental and Marine Sciences Life Health and Medical Sciences Mathematics and Statistics #J-18808-Ljbffr Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education