*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
NOAA Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Ocean Service (NOS), National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS), Stressor Detection and Impacts Division (SDI), Ecotoxicology Branch located in Charleston, South Carolina. The appointment may be eligible for remote participation.
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.
The Ecotoxicology Branch characterizes the lethal and sublethal effects of chemical contaminants on estuarine fish and invertebrates. This research includes laboratory based toxicity testing as well as mesocosm and 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.
Research Project: 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 LCMS instrumental analysis, data analysis, data management, and the interpretation and communication of project data. Current laboratory efforts that the intern will participate in include research that focuses on the measurement of petroleum/oil products in coastal samples and measurement of aqueous film forming foams that are targeted to replace PFAS products in fire-fighting applications. This research will be in support of the NCCOS priority of Detecting, Monitoring, and Mitigating Impacts of Chemical and Biological Stressors.
Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a technical mentor, the selected participant will gain experience in:
- Environmental sample handling and chemical extraction techniques
- LCMS instrumental analysis
- Data analysis, interpretation, and communication
- Aquatic animal husbandry and ecotoxicity testing
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: May 2022. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of NOAA and is contingent on the availability of funds.
Level of Participation: The appointment is full-time.
