EPA Metabolism of PFAS 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: Two research opportunities are available at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD), Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure (CCTE), Great Lakes Toxicology & Ecology Division (GLTED) located in Duluth, Minnesota.
Research Project: PFAS chemicals have been identified as contaminants of emerging concern and currently lack toxicological data necessary for decision making. There are many challenges involved in predicting the environmental exposure pathways of chemicals from the environment into the organism, accounting for environmental degradation and biotransformation, and understanding their effects. For the methodologically challenging chemicals (MCCs), such as Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), there is considerable uncertainty regarding their fate and transport, biotransformation and bioaccumulation that can hamper efforts to integrate exposure and effects models. PFAS as MCCs also present challenges to model evaluation, since they, by definition, are difficult to measure with traditional analytical techniques.
A critical aspect of species extrapolation for assessing ecological risk, accounting for exposure and effect characterizations, is understanding xenobiotic metabolic capabilities and capacities across species, both in terms of detoxification and bioactivation. The role of metabolism in chemical detoxification and elimination is important as it influences chemical bioaccumulation. This research seeks to characterize the metabolites formed and compare metabolism pathways across species to better understand similarities and differences in biotransformation reactions that may lead to enhanced toxicity. Results from these efforts can then serve as a basis for predicting metabolism for untested species. Where rules can be formulated for cross-species metabolism based on transformation types leading to enhanced toxicity or detoxification, predictions of altered susceptibility can be used to better evaluate risk where empirical data is lacking.
Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant may be involved in the following training activities:
- Systematic searches of peer-reviewed literature for publications of relevant interest
- Reviewing and entering of chemical structural information to support the development of data-bases, knowledge infrastructure, and computational tools in support of the research mission
- Using DER COMPOSER software for compiling biotransformation of PFAS literature
- QA/QC of previously COMPOSER coded PFAS biotransformation data
- Compilation of PFAS biotransformation pathways into MetaPath database
- Conducting routine chemical and biochemical analyses and preparation of common reagents
- Conducting laboratory exposures of in vitro liver microsomal and slice systems to PFAS chemicals in the interest of mapping metabolic pathways
- Preparing solutions for chemical dosing and concentration analyses
- Analyzing chemical form and concentration in sub-cellular samples, tissues, and exposure media using a variety of analytical instrumentation, which may include LC and GC using a variety of detectors
- Maintaining records in a laboratory notebook, recording results in summary spreadsheets, write-up summary reports of sample analyses following provided guidance, and participate in research group meetings
- Presenting research results at regional, national, and/or international conferences and workshops
- Contributing to the preparation of peer-reviewed journal articles and disseminating research results to project partners and stakeholders
Learning Objectives: The participant will be integrated into a transdisciplinary research team and engaged in multiple aspects of project planning, communication and coordination, research implementation, and analysis. The participant will have the opportunity to interact with internationally recognized leaders, both within and outside EPA. The participant may contribute to and/or publish original research. The research participant will learn diverse laboratory techniques which can be applied across life sciences research fields. The research participants will learn to operate and use a range of scientific equipment. The research participant will learn to evaluate data quality, trouble shoot research results, apply statistical methods for data analysis and interpretation. This training opportunity will provide an early career scientist with knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to apply new technologies and associated data to regulatory decision-making at the local, national, and/or international scale and to pursue graduate education or a professional career in life sciences research.
Mentor(s): The mentors for this opportunity are Richard Kolanczyk (kolanczyk.rick@epa.gov) and Mark Tapper (tapper.mark@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Winter 2020/2021. 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 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.