ORISE Fellowship Position
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Center for Environmental Health
Division of Laboratory Sciences
The Clinical Chemistry Branch at the National Center for Environmental Health, CDC is performing research in the area of environmental biomonitoring. Biomonitoring is the measurement of chemicals in human samples and provides information on the amount of chemical that actually gets into the body. The results of biomonitoring are used to help make decisions about how best to protect people from diseases, birth defects, disabilities, dysfunction, or death.
We are currently in the development of a mass spectrometry based method for the determination of formaldehyde in humans. Formaldehyde is a widely used chemical, considered as carcinogen to humans by the International Agency of Research in Cancer (IARC) and related to quality of indoor air. The main goal of the project is to develop a rugged method to determine human exposure to this chemical to assess the extent of exposure and characterize possible exposure sources. Other objectives are extending this method to other compounds of interest, automation of the procedures and the development of proteomics tools to quantify compounds of public health interest.
We are seeking a candidate with a BS degree in sciences (Minimum GPA: 3.0) with experience in analytical, organic and biochemistry, if possible. Experience in handling of biological samples, extraction, liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry is a plus. This fellowship will provide the opportunity to obtain hands-on experiences in measuring environmental chemicals and to learn more about environmental public health activities. The incumbent will work in a CLIA regulated environment and will perform research using state-of-the-art laboratory equipment. Duties include but are not limited to working with biological samples, aliquoting of materials for future use, sample preparation using different extraction techniques, routine operation of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometers, data review, statistical data analysis, preparation and purification of materials that are used as standards for the methods. Good interpersonal and communications skills are required. The applicant should be willing to perform tasks assigned in a timely manner, keep accurate records of experiments performed. Good organizational and computer skills are required.
This fellowship is administered through the Oak Ridge Institute of Science and Education (ORISE). The duration of this fellowship appointment is 1-3 years. The stipend depends on grades and qualifications and follows those stated in federal salary tables (GS tables). The workplace is located in Atlanta, GA. For more information on this fellowship and the division of laboratory sciences visit http://www.orau.gov/cdc/ and http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/dls/
Applications should be emailed to Maria Ospina (mospina@cdc.gov) by September 30, 2010. The application should include a curriculum vitae or resume with relevant course work, copy of transcripts, and two letters of recommendation (letters sent by email are sufficient).
