EPA Fellowship on Alternatives for Assessing Toxicity of Environmental Contaminants to Aquatic Organisms

Organization: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Reference Code EPA-OCSPP-IO-2026-0011

Application Deadline: 11/6/2026 3:00 PM Eastern Time Zone. Applications may be reviewed on a rolling basis and the posting could close before the deadline.

Research Project

The EPA Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention is developing and evaluating alternative testing approaches (“new approach methodologies”) to generate toxicity information more rapidly and cost‑effectively. The Risk Assessment Support Division is applying high‑throughput test methods using small aquatic organisms (e.g., embryo‑larval fish, crustaceans, insect larvae, aquatic plants, algae). The appointment may involve literature review and hypothesis‑driven studies to link molecular and cellular perturbations to adverse effects on individuals or populations.

Training Activities

• Conduct laboratory exposures to organic chemicals using aquatic organisms (fish, invertebrates, algae).
• Extract biomolecules (DNA, RNA, endogenous metabolites, etc.) from animal and plant tissues.
• Perform molecular, biochemical, physiological, and/or histological analyses on biofluids and tissue samples.
• Screen chemicals or mixtures for biological activity using cell‑free, cell‑based, and high‑throughput testing approaches.
• Apply computational pipelines, bioinformatic methods, statistical analyses, and QA/QC principles to complex “omics” data sets.
• Compile and summarize scientific information from peer‑reviewed literature and online data sources.
• Conduct weight‑of‑evidence evaluations based on Bradford Hill considerations.
• Analyze experimental data and generate tables, figures, and other result summaries.
• Present research findings at scientific meetings and contribute to peer‑reviewed publications.

Learning Objectives

• Acquire a diversity of laboratory techniques applicable across life‑science research fields.
• Operate and use a range of scientific equipment.
• Engage with aquatic organisms, cell culture, and biochemical assays.
• Develop efficient literature search strategies and transparent documentation practices.
• Evaluate data quality, troubleshoot research results, and apply statistical methods for analysis and interpretation.
• Collaborate with a transdisciplinary research team on project planning, communication, implementation, and analysis.
• Interact with internationally recognized leaders within and outside EPA.
• Contribute to original research and associated publications.
• Prepare for applying new technologies and data to regulatory decision‑making and a professional career in life‑sciences research.

Mentor

Adam Biales – biales.adam@epa.gov

Appointment Details

• Anticipated start: Fall/Winter 2026 (flexible).
• Length: Initial one‑year appointment, renewable for three to four additional years pending EPA recommendation and funding availability.
• Level of participation: Full‑time.
• Stipend: Monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.

Eligibility / Citizenship Requirements

• U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) only.
• Successful completion of a background investigation by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is required.

Qualifications

The candidate must have earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree (or be currently pursuing a master’s) within the past five years in a relevant field such as biology, (eco)toxicology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, bioinformatics, computational biology, computational chemistry, chemistry, or a related discipline.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with basic molecular biology techniques (gel electrophoresis, PCR, quantitative real‑time PCR, thermocyclers, bioanalyzers, etc.).
• Computational skills, including programming and R‑based statistics.
• Coursework in biostatistics and/or bioinformatics.
• Strong oral and written communication abilities.
• Previous work with aquatic organisms, particularly fish.
• Research experience beyond laboratory coursework.
• Familiarity with literature search tools and strategies.
• Cell‑culture experience (plating, maintaining, freezing animal cells using aseptic technique).
• Training or experience in organic chemistry, biochemistry, and analytical chemistry.

Contact Information

For questions about the application process, email ORISE.EPA.Other@orau.org and include the reference code.