EPA Internship: Analytical Chemist to Support New Approach Methodology and Endocrine Disruption

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education

Durham (NC)

On-site

USD 53,000 - 64,000

Full time

4 hours ago

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Job summary

Oak Ridge Associated Universities administers an EPA internship in Durham, NC, focusing on analytical chemistry method development and validation. The program emphasizes robust sample preparation, quantitative analysis, and the use of UHPLC-MS/MS and Q-TOF instruments within a GLP framework.

The fellowship provides hands-on experience in data processing, automated workflows, and cross-disciplinary collaboration to support regulatory risk assessment and screening efforts at EPA.

Qualifications

Bachelor's or master's in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, or related field.
Interest in analytical chemistry and method development.
Strong written communication and data/documentation skills.

Responsibilities

Design robust sample preparation and quantitative analysis procedures for complex matrices.
Develop proficiency in UHPLC-MS/MS and Q-TOF instrumentation.
Apply QA/QC measures and maintain GLP-compliant data records.

Skills

Laboratory operations

Safety protocols

Technical writing

Literature searches

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s in chemistry/biochemistry/biology

Tools

HPLC

Mass spectrometry

LIMS

Electronic lab notebooks

Instrument control software

Job description

Organization

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Reference Code

EPA-OCSPP-2026-0017

Application Deadline

12/18/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Description

Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis and applications may close before the deadline.

EPA Office/Lab and Location

A research opportunity is currently available at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), located in Durham, North Carolina.

The mission of EPA is to protect human health and the environment. EPA works to ensure that: Americans have clean air, land and water; National efforts to reduce environmental risks are based on the best available scientific information; Federal laws protecting human health and the environment are administered and enforced fairly, effectively and as Congress intended; Environmental stewardship is integral to U.S. policies concerning natural resources, human health, economic growth, energy, transportation, agriculture, industry, and international trade, and these factors are similarly considered in establishing environmental policy; All parts of society have access to accurate information sufficient to effectively participate in managing human health and environmental risks; Contaminated lands and toxic sites are cleaned up; and chemicals in the marketplace are reviewed for safety.

Research Project

With thousands of commercial chemicals entering the environment, traditional animal-reliant safety assessments can no longer keep pace with the demand for rapid hazard and exposure data. To bridge this gap, EPA's Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention is pioneering in vitro 'New Approach Method' (NAM) testing strategies to enable fast, cost-effective screening, prioritization, and human health risk assessments. This specific internship is deeply anchored within the analytical chemistry foundation necessary to validate and drive these alternative strategies forward.

Learning Objectives

As an intern on our team, you will gain experience with EPA's Risk Assessment Support Division by learning about analytical chemistry method development, validation, and execution. Your primary learning objective will be designing robust sample preparation and quantitative analysis procedures to track chemical concentrations and stability within complex in vitro and biochemical assay matrices, specifically targeted at biological perturbations such as endocrine disruption.

Learning Objectives Include

Advanced Method Development & Validation: Gain hands-on experience in designing, optimizing, and validating highly sensitive, selective analytical chemistry methods to extract and quantify trace-level organic chemicals across diverse and challenging biological and cell-culture matrices.
High-Throughput Analytical Instrumentation: Master the operation, calibration, and troubleshooting of advanced instrumentation, including ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple-quadrupole and high-resolution mass spectrometers (UHPLC-MS/MS, Q-TOF).
In Vitro Toxicokinetics (IVTK) Characterization: Develop proficiency in calculating chemical parameters, including hepatic metabolic clearance rates, plasma/media protein binding, and chemical stability, which are vital for determining points of departure for endocrine disruption pathways.
Data Analysis Automation & Quality Assurance: Learn to implement automated data processing pipelines for mass spectrometry datasets, apply rigorous QA/QC metrics, and maintain strict data integrity practices matching good laboratory practices (GLP).
Regulatory Integration & Cross-Disciplinary Teamwork: Understand how raw analytical chemistry data directly translates through exposure models to shape EPA screening, prioritization, and toxicological policy decisions, while enhancing collaborative communication across chemical and biological domains.

Mentor(s)

The mentor for this opportunity is Deon Moore (moore.deon@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

December 8, 2026. All start dates are flexible and vary depending on numerous factors.

Appointment Length

The appointment will initially be for one year and may be renewed three to four additional years upon EPA recommendation and subject to availability of funding.

Level of Participation

The appointment is full time.

Citizenship Requirements

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.

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.

ORISE offers all ORISE EPA graduate students and Postdocs a free 5-year membership to the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA).

The successful applicant(s) will be required to comply with Environmental, Safety and Health (ES & H) requirements of the hosting facility.

Questions

Please see the FAQ section of our website. If you have additional questions about the application process, please email ORISE.EPA.OCSPP@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received or be currently pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in one of the relevant fields (chemistry, biochemistry, biology, or a related field, with an emphasis in analytical chemistry).

Preferred Skills

Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory operations, safety protocols, and quality practices
Experience with automated sample preparation systems, solvent evaporation units, homogenizers, centrifuges, HPLC, GC, mass spectrometry, and wet chemistry techniques
Proficiency with laboratory and office software, including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), LIMS, electronic laboratory notebooks, and instrument control software
Strong technical writing skills, including preparation of detailed method documentation and maintenance of accurate laboratory records
Ability to conduct literature searches using scientific databases and research tools
Training or experience in organic chemistry, biochemistry, and analytical chemistry

Stipend