*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), within the Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division (PHITD) located in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.PHITD research focuses on the characterization and biological mechanisms of adverse health effects of environmental pollutants. Results of this research are published in peer-reviewed journals and inform EPA’s environmental assessments and human health guidelines. The Division uses a variety of approaches to study toxicity of environmental pollutants, including cell cultures, animal models, and human studies. This research opportunity will use animal models to evaluate the health effects of cyanotoxins resulting from exposure to harmful algal blooms (HABs) in freshwater bodies (lakes, ponds, and rivers) and is part of the EPA National Program of Safe and Sustainable Water Research.Research Project: This research project addresses cyanobacterial toxins in U.S. fresh waters. These toxins include compounds that adversely affect the liver (cylindrospermopsins and microcystins) and neurotoxins that affect normal functions of the central nervous system (saxitoxins and anatoxins). This research appointment would offer the research participant experience in the development and execution of animal studies to address this important data gap. There will be opportunities to contribute to animal study design, use equipment to evaluate study endpoints such as blood pressure and heart rate monitoring and serum chemistry analysis, and participate in data analysis.Learning Objectives:Critical thinking in toxicological research in general and of HAB toxins impact in the US and globally in particularGaining knowledge base of cyanotoxin health effectsPerforming laboratory animal husbandry including handling and health assessments of rodentsCollecting and interpreting data parameters for toxicological assessmentLearning serum chemistry analysis techniques, necropsy, and tissue preparationMentor(s): The mentors for this opportunity are Donna Hill (hill.donna@epa.gov) and Chris Lau (lau.christopher@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Spring 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 EPArpp@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.