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Microplastics Laboratory Specialist at EPA

The EPA National Student Services Contract has an immediate opening for a full-time contractor position; Microplastics Laboratory Specialist at EPA with the Office of Research and Development at the EPA facility in Narragansett, RI.

Salary: $33.29 per hour.

Travel: Occasional overnight travel may be required.

Required Skills:
  • Working knowledge of general laboratory equipment including microscopy and algal culture;
  • Research experience in benthic ecology, biology, and chemistry;
  • Proficiency in microplastics extraction and identification in environmental samples;
  • Extensive experience and working knowledge of Raman spectroscopy for microplastics analysis in environmental media; and
  • Experience working independently as well as part of a group.

Desired Skills:
  • Field experience in sample collection, the ability to swim, and familiarity (or at least not fear) of small boats.

Qualifications
  • Be at least 18 years of age and
  • Have earned at least a MS degree in one of the following: benthic ecology, biology, chemistry, environmental engineering and/or environmental sciences, policy or management or closely related field 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
The Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division (ACESD) within CEMM is responsible for coastal watershed, freshwater, estuarine, and coastal ecological research. CEMM/ACESD scientists develop and evaluate theory, methods, models, and data to better understand and quantify the cumulative effects of multiple anthropogenic stressors and extreme weather events on the coastal waters and watersheds of the Atlantic seaboard. In addition, we support the development of methods for measuring the ecological effects of nutrients and other pollutants and for elucidating the role of biogeochemical processes in mitigating or exacerbating the effects of multiple stressors.

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

  • Extraction and analysis of environmental samples for microplastics;
  • Maintenance of algal cultures;
  • Participating as a member of a multi-disciplinary research team; 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