NOAA Research Fellowship - Developing Expertise in Environmental Analytical Chemical Analysis
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
NOAA Office/Lab and Location: Two research opportunities are currently available with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), in Ecotoxicology Branch Research Participation Program located at Charleston, South Carolina.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) formed the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) in 1999 as the focal point for NOAA’s coastal ocean science efforts. NCCOS helps NOAA meet its coastal stewardship and management responsibilities, and provides coastal managers with the scientific information necessary to decide how best to protect environmental resources and public health, preserve valued habitats, and improve the way communities interact with coastal ecosystems. This experience will be mentored through the Ecotoxicology Branch which characterizes the effects of chemical contaminants on estuarine taxa and determines the distribution and concentrations of chemical contaminants in coastal systems.
Research Project: This research experience focuses on developing knowledge and skills associated with environmental chemical analysis, laboratory- based toxicity testing, and mesocosm/field level assessments. The contaminants of interest include chemicals of emerging concern such as PFAS and pharmaceuticals, persistent organic pollutants such as organochlorines and PCBs, and oil and oil spill mitigation chemicals. The ecotoxicology data generated are intended to support coastal resource managers, regulatory agencies, researchers, and the public. This research will be in support of the NCCOS priority of Detecting, Monitoring, and Mitigating Impacts of Chemical and Biological Stressors.
Learning Objectives: Specifically, this internship with NCCOS will provide an opportunity for the selected participant to develop skills and gain experience in the field of environmental chemistry. The environmental chemists and toxicologists within the Ecotoxicology Branch of NCCOS have served as professional mentors and are interested in helping scientists learn and enhance their technical proficiencies in environmental sample handling and extraction; theoretical and applied instrumental analysis (LCMS and GCMS), data analysis, data management, and the interpretation and communication of project data. Current laboratory efforts that the intern will participate in research that focuses on measurements supporting research projects that focus on assessing oil and oil products in environmental samples collected from coastal habitats, as well as enhancing an understanding of chemical identification and quantification of other priority or emerging pollutants.
Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Ed Wirth (ed.wirth@noaa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: March 2025. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be until September 30, 2025, but may be renewed upon recommendation of NOAA and is contingent on the availability of funds.
Level of Participation: The appointment is part time and then later will become full time.
Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range for 20 hours part-time is $2,600 per month and for 40 hours full-time $6,215 per month, not including the health insurance supplement that will be provided during full time participation.
Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.
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 NOAA. Participants do not become employees of NOAA, 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: If you have questions about the application process please email NOAA@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a bachelor's or master's degree in the one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years, or anticipated to be received by 5/31/2025. Bachelor's degree received is required and master's pursuing is recommended.
The candidate should have the following preferred skills and experiences:
- Interest in environmental chemistry; pollution or water quality
- Course work in general chemistry; organic chemistry, introduction to statistics, general biology, physiology, environmental sciences, and toxicology
- Experience in a laboratory setting, using pipettes, and maintaining a clean laboratory workspace ability to communicate well with others in oral and written formats
- Ability to perform research tasks independently and in a group setting
Point of Contact
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 5/31/2025 12:00:00 AM.