EPA Virtual Tissue Models 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 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD), Center for Public Health Environmental Assessment (CPHEA), Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division (PHITD) located in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
Research Project: The research participant will have the opportunity to participate in a project that is a component of the Virtual Tissue Models Project within the Chemical Safety and Sustainability Program. This research project addresses critical cellular events in tissue fusion in human embryonic development that are susceptible to disruption. The research project involves culture of human primary tissue-derived cells in 2D and in 3D culture and monitoring of their growth and activity over time. Various assays may be performed to provide information regarding cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, cell viability and immunocytochemical analysis of proteins.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn and use basic cell culture procedures such as medium changes, harvesting, cell counting, and cell seeding
- Learn and use techniques in spheroid and organoid culture and assessment
- Learn to use instrumentation such as confocal microscopy, image analysis programs, and spectrophotometers/luminometers to collect data
- Learn about human stem cell biology, basic sterile culture techniques, dose calculations, principles and techniques for cell-based assays, principals of toxicology, microscopy, data handling and basic statistical analyses, record keeping
- Have an opportunity to present their data and gain experience participating in a multidisciplinary research team
Mentor(s): The mentors for this opportunity are Cynthia Wolf (wolf.cynthiaj@epa.gov) and Sid Hunter (hunter.sid@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Summer 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 or four 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 ORISE.EPA.ORD@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.