EPA Volatile Compound Dosimetry for Inhalation New Approach Methodologies

Oak Ridge Associated Universities; North Carolina; On-site; USD 53,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge Associated Universities, acting through ORAU, is supporting an EPA opportunity in Research Triangle Park, NC. The role focuses on analytical chemistry for inhalation exposure assessment and dosimetry under the OCSPP program.

You will work with a multidisciplinary team to develop quantitative methods for volatile chemicals, evaluate delivery to cells, and help prepare reports and publications while gaining hands-on experience with GC and MS instrumentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in chemistry or closely related field.
• Degree earned within the last five years.
• Research experience in analytical chemistry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design sampling strategies for volatile chemicals in biological and exposure-related matrices.
• Develop analytical approaches (chromatography, mass spectrometry) for detection and quantification.
• Participate in planning, setup, and execution of in vitro inhalation exposure studies.
• Maintain laboratory records, QA documentation, and data management; contribute to reports.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Laboratory experience

Gas chromatography

Mass spectrometry

Data analysis

Chemistry calculations

Quality control

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry/Analytical Chemistry or related

Tools

Gas chromatography instruments

Mass spectrometry instruments

Job description

Organization

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Reference Code

EPA-OCSPP-2026-0020

EPA Office/Lab and Location

A research opportunity is currently available at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP), located in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

Research Project

Inhalation is an important route of human exposure for many environmental, occupational, and consumer chemicals, particularly volatile substances, and the respiratory tract is a primary site of contact and potential toxicity. Novel dynamic air-liquid interface (ALI) exposure systems provide a more physiologically relevant approach for evaluating inhalation hazards by exposing airway cells directly to airborne chemicals; however, substantial challenges remain in characterizing and standardizing these systems for volatile chemical exposures. Exposure concentration does not necessarily reflect the amount of chemical delivered to or absorbed by cells, and differences in system design, airflow, chemical properties, and operating conditions can influence dosimetry and biological response. This project will integrate exposure engineering, analytical chemistry, cell biology, and computational modeling to characterize volatile chemical delivery and cellular uptake across dynamic ALI systems, providing experimentally verified dosimetry needed to improve inhalation new approach methodologies (NAMs). You will be a part of primarily the analytical chemistry components of this research effort by developing and applying quantitative methods for characterizing volatile chemical exposure, delivery, and cellular uptake.

Under the guidance of your mentor, you may be involved in any of the following research activities:

• Designing, planning, and executing sampling strategies for volatile chemicals in biological and exposure-related matrices
• Developing and applying analytical approaches (chromatography, mass spectrometry) for the detection and quantification of volatile chemicals in unknown samples
• Participating in the planning, setup, and implementation of in vitro inhalation exposure studies
• Evaluating and interpreting analytical data to support exposure characterization and toxicological research
• Maintaining appropriate laboratory records, quality assurance documentation, and data management practices
• Communicating research findings through reports, presentations, and scientific publications

Learning Objectives

Through this research experience, you will develop practical experience in analytical chemistry approaches for the detection and quantification of volatile chemicals in complex matrices while also gaining hands-on experience using advanced analytical instrumentation and designing sampling strategies to characterize chemical exposures. You will have the opportunity to interact with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and contribute to original research and associated publications. As an early career scientist, this training experience is designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to advance your scientific career.

Mentor(s)

The mentor for this opportunity is Marci Smeltz ([e-mail]). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

Fall/Winter 2026/2027. 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 [e-mail] 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, analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related discipline). Degree must have been received within the past five years. Candidates who have obtained a bachelor's degree in one of the relevant fields and have research experience equivalent to a Master's will also be considered.

Preferred Skills

• Laboratory experience in analytical chemistry or related field outside of college courses
• Knowledge of sample preparation, calibration curve generation, and quality control metrics
• Experience with analytical instrumentation including gas chromatography and mass analyzers
• Proficiency performing chemistry calculations
• Statistical skills related to data analysis and data comparison
• Familiarity with laboratory quality assurance and quality control practices
• Strong written, oral, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills

Stipend

$52,693.00 - $64,453.00 Yearly

Point of Contact

Rachel

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Bio-organic Chemistry
  • Chemistry (General)
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
• Life Health and Medical Sciences (3 )