Hello, The US EPA's Groundwater and Ecosystem Restoration Division (GWERD)in Ada, OK is looking for a microbiologist with an MS or Ph.D (recent grad) to work on research and development for the application of microbial techniques to address environmental problems (see announcement below). This work is related to National Homeland Security. GWERD is a vibrant research facility with investigators that work on bioremediation, ecosystem ecology, groundwater hydrology, and other related areas of research.
See the announcement below for application instructions and details. Contact Dr. Ann Keeley for further information and a pdf of the announcement below. [email protected] 580-436-8890 ANNOUNCEMENT FOR STUDENT SERVICES CONTRACT RFQ-PR-OH-09-00071 United States Environmental Protection Agency National Risk Management Research Laboratory Ground Water and Ecosystems Restoration Division The National Risk Management Research Laboratory (NRMRL) of the Office of Research and Development (ORD) at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking an individual with a MS or Ph.D. degree from an accredited college or university to provide services under a contractual agreement. This individual will assist with research that supports the protection and remediation of ground water, surface water, and drinking water resources. NRMRL is responsible for conducting and supporting high quality research targeted to understanding and managing the nation’s most serious environmental threats. NRMRL develops methods and techniques to manage risks to pollution, prevent its dispersal in the environment, and restore ecosystems to a self-sustaining condition. NRMRL develops new techniques and processes to manage pollution and makes recommendations for sound risk management options in order to ensure the highest-risk pollution problems receive the most cost efficient and environmentally beneficial remediation, as well as restoring areas to conditions that approximate pre-disturbed conditions. The EPA National Homeland Security Center (NHSC), in collaboration with experts from across EPA and other federal agencies, initiated an effort to validate, modify, or develop sampling activities to be used by all laboratories in the event of a homeland security incident. Therefore, the primarily focus of the NHSC will be in the areas in need of standardized methods. In a joint study with the NHSC, the Ground Water and Ecosystems Restoration Division (GWERD) of the NRMRL will conduct research to develop protocols for the preparation of environmental samples that could potentially contain biological pathogens. The efforts in sample preparation development may include, but are not limited to: appropriate and optimal sample collection; transport media; matrix preparation; and validation of analytespecific filtration, elution, concentration, purification, and staining procedures from water and soil samples. Unfortunately, at the present time, most available sampling techniques have been developed for clinical samples. As there are significant distinctions between environmental samples and clinical specimens, in terms of concentrations of pathogens and matrix effects, there is a need to develop sample preparation procedures that specifically address isolation and concentration of pathogens from complex environmental matrices. To that end, molecular and culture based-techniques will be used to accurately demonstrate when soil or water samples harbor potential pathogens. It should be noted that biomass and biodiversity levels in subsurface samples are low relative to a typical soil ecosystem. In fact, soil extraction and analyses protocols need to be substantially modified in order to reliably detect and identify pathogens in subsurface samples. Therefore, the approach requires the utility of non-culture methods (e.g., PCR), semi-quantitative, or quantitative culture-based methods with the GWERD emphasis on the validations or modifications of the techniques for the collection, preservation, and preparation of the environmental samples. The outcome of the present research efforts will be directed to fill the lag between sample preparation, molecular assays, and culture techniques to provide accuracy, precision, and reproducibility which are precursor to adopting a standard method. Needless to stress again that the preparation of environmental samples still remains the limiting step in the detection methodologies available today. To that end, molecular techniques will be used to demonstrate that environmental samples (i.e., soil, water) harbor potential pathogens. For this endeavor, initially, a subset of analytes of concern in environmental matrices will be selected from EPA’s Standardized Analytical Methods for Environmental Restoration following Homeland Security Events Revision (SAM) 3rd Edition, which contains suggested analytical methods for use by laboratories tasked with performing confirmatory analysis of environmental samples following a homeland security event. Parasites and bacteria will be used to demonstrate sample preparation techniques from complex sample matrices that also contain other interfering (competing) non-target biological and chemical analytes. Specifically, this research addresses the application/modification of available environmental sample preparation techniques for the concentration and isolation of the select protozoan parasites (Cryptosporidium and Giardia) and bacteria (Clostridium botolinum and Salmonella typhi) from water and soil. Contract support is required for research currently being conducted at the GWERD. A candidate is sought to assist with studies of sample preparation techniques for the biological agents of interest. The successful candidate contractor will work as a research scientist to carry out laboratory studies of the concentration and isolation of Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Clostridium botolinum, and Salmonella typhi from water and soil. The successful candidate will maintain careful and accurate records in a Laboratory Notebook. This notebook and all other data produced under this order will be the property of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Additionally, the successful candidate will meet with an EPA mentor on at least a weekly basis to discuss progress of assigned tasks, problems encountered, and new tasks. The successful candidate will prepare and submit monthly progress reports to the mentor. The successful candidate contractor will have a recent (within last 12 months) MS or Ph.D. degree in Environmental Microbiology, Microbial Ecology, Biocides & Bioremediation, Molecular Biology/Genetic Eng./Genetic & Strain Development, and Environmental Science, or a related field from an accredited college or university and a GPA of 3.0 or higher (based on a 4.0 scale). The successful candidate will have experience in planning, design, and implementation of microbiology, molecular genetics, and biochemical techniques required for the development of the protocols for the preparation of environmental samples that could potentially contain microorganisms. The candidate will have computer experience with PCs and the Microsoft programs Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. The successful candidate will have a high level of ability to work independently. The successful candidate contractor will be provided a baseline health physical at EPA expense. The successful candidate contractor must be found capable of laboratory work and field work by the examining physician. This work is to begin approximately February 2, 2009, and end approximately February 1, 2010, which will be a total performance period of 24 months. The primary duty location is R.S. Kerr Environmental Research Center, 919 Kerr Research Drive, Ada, Oklahoma 74820, (580) 436-8534). The hourly rate through a direct Purchase Order for a student with a MS degree is $23.21 or with a Ph.D. degree is $33.66 (which includes the cost of self- employment taxes for Social Security and Medicare) for a maximum of 1928 hours annually and 3856 hours for the 24 month performance period. Successful candidate contractors will be paid the basic hourly rate only for the number of hours worked and will not receive overtime premium for any hours worked beyond a 40-hour week. Successful candidate contractors will not accrue leave or holiday benefits and will not be paid for any non-work days, regardless of the reason. Federal, State, Local, and Social Security taxes will not be withheld; successful candidate contractors are responsible for reporting income to authorities and paying all taxes. Successful candidate contractors are responsible for all costs of transportation to and from the principal duty station location. Travel associated with job performance will be reimbursed in accordance with the terms in the awarded purchase order. EPA does not provide housing, meals, or other living expenses while working at the principal duty station. Recent graduates are eligible as long as graduation occurred no more than 2 years from the date of award of the resultant order. Non-U.S. citizens may be eligible to participate, depending on their immigration status and the applicable regulations of the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Service (BCIS). Interested individuals may apply to this opportunity by providing a resume or statement of qualifications including: Full legal name Mailing address Telephone number Fax number (if available) E-mail address (if available) Date of birth Social Security Number Place of birth Citizenship and, if not a US citizen, immigration/VISA status Education, including description of relevant classes and research experience Work or volunteer experience related to the scientific field Laboratory work experience (if applicable to these services) Copy of the most recent transcript(s), listing courses taken and the overall GPA Interested individuals should send resume or statement of qualifications and all application materials, referencing RFQ-PR-OH-09-00071 to: via U.S. Mail via Courier or Hand-Carried Delivery USEPA CPOD USEPA CPOD William Yates, Contract Specialist Attn: William Yates, Contract Specialist Mail Code: NWD Suite 300, 3rd Floor 26 West Martin Luther King Drive 4411 Montgomery Road Cincinnati, Ohio 45268 Norwood, Ohio 45212 Proposals may also be forwarded via e-mail to [email protected] or via facsimile to William Yates, Contract Specialist at area code (513) 487-2055. Please reference your submission: RFQ-PR-OH-09-00071 The deadline for submissions is January 21, 2009. Students are responsible for submitting proposals so that they reach the Government office designated by the time specified. Any proposal received at the Government office designated after the exact time specified for receipt is “late” and will not be considered unless it is received before award is made, and the Contracting Officer determines that accepting the late offer would not unduly delay the acquisition and: 1. It was transmitted electronically and received at the initial point of entry to the Government infrastructure not later than 5:00 p.m., one working day prior to the date established for receipt; or 2. There is acceptable evidence to establish it was received at the Government installation, and was under the Government’s control prior to the time set for receipt; or 3. It was the only proposal received. Acceptable evidence to establish the time of receipt at the Government installation includes the time/date stamp of that installation on the proposal wrapper, other documentary evidence of receipt maintained by the installation, or oral testimony or statements of Government personnel. If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal Government processes so that proposals cannot be received at the office designated by the exact time specified, and urgent Government requirements preclude amendment of the announcement, the time specified for receipt will be deemed extended to the same time of day specified on the first work day on which normal Government processes resume. However, a late modification of an otherwise successful proposal that makes its terms more favorable to the Government will be considered at any time it is received and may be accepted. Acceptable evidence to establish the time of receipt at the Government installation includes the time/date stamp of that installation on the proposal wrapper, other documentary evidence of receipt maintained by the installation, or oral testimony or statements of Government personnel. If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal Government processes so that proposals cannot be received at the office designated by the exact time specified, and urgent Government requirements preclude amendment of the announcement, the time specified for receipt will be deemed extended to the same time of day specified on the first work day on which normal Government processes resume. 4. Travel: The successful candidate contractor will be responsible for all costs of transportation to and from the R.S. Kerr Environmental Research Center. The U.S. EPA will not provide housing, meals or other living expenses while working at the R.S. Kerr Environmental Research Center. Travel associated with job performance will be reimbursed in accordance with the terms in the awarded purchase order. 5. Compensation: This contact has a base of twenty four months. The rate of compensation for the twenty four month base of this contract is $23.21 for MS or $33.66 for Ph.D. per hour (which includes the cost of self-employment taxes for social security and Medicare) for a maximum of 1928 hours annually and a maximum of 3856 hours for the twenty four month base. The successful candidate contractor will be paid the basic hourly rate only for the number of hours worked and will not receive overtime premium for any hours worked beyond the 40-hour week. The successful candidate contractor will not accrue leave or holiday benefits and will not be paid for any days that they do not work, regardless of the reason. 6. Taxes: The successful candidate contractor is responsible for paying all Federal, State or local income taxes required as a result of income received under this order. 7. Background Check: Students who perform work under the Student Services Contract for EPA are required to undergo a background check, a check of FBI fingerprint files, and a suitability determination by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Selected candidates will be provided copies of the appropriate forms and instructions on their completion and submission requirements. The Government will make contract awards based on other factors besides price. Personal interviews may be conducted with the most promising candidates. The evaluation of students’ application including all information received from resumes, statements of qualifications, and any interviews conducted will be based on the following evaluation factors: 1. Minimum of a MS degree in Environmental Microbiology, Microbial Ecology, Biocides & Bioremediation, Molecular Biology/Genetic Eng./Genetic & Strain Development, and Environmental Science, or a related field with GPA of 3.0 or higher (based on scale of 4.0). 2. Demonstrates the capacity to conduct field sampling and chemical analysis outdoors in inclement weather. 3. Demonstrates the ability to work independently without direct supervision, following written protocols. 4. Demonstrates familiarity with PC computers and experience with Microsoft software, including Word and Excel. 5. Demonstrates the understanding of routine laboratory procedures, including preparation of solutions, safe handling and disposal of chemicals, routine maintenance and calibration of instruments used in the field, and documentation of activities in notebooks. Students or recent graduates who perform work under the Student Services Contract to EPA must have a checking or savings account at a financial institution that will accept direct deposits of Federal funds for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) prior to award and must register with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) and Dun and Bradstreet (D&B). To register with D&B and obtain a DUNS number, selected students can call D&B at 1-866-705-5711 or contact D&B at http://www.dnb.com/update. To register for the CCR, selected students or recent graduates can call 1-888-227-2423 or 296-961-5757 or contact CCR at http://www.ccr.gov. There is no charge to register for DUNS or CCR. EPA will be responsible for compensating students or recent graduates in the same manner as Federal employees for any injury suffered while performing these services. Students or recent graduates are protected from personal common-law tort liability for damages to third parties arising out of his/her work under the same broad- based immunity provided to Federal employees while performing these services. Properly licensed students or recent graduates may be permitted to drive Government vehicles, if required to do so by the statement of work. Students or recent graduates will be required to comply with Federal requirements for Standards of Ethical Conduct and Conflicts of Interest. Students or recent graduates may be offered, at Government expense, non- mandatory vaccinations, immunizations, treatments, medical examinations, and health and safety training to safeguard their health prior to beginning certain types of work which may expose them to health or safety risks in the environment. Selected students or recent graduates will receive more information about these issues prior to award of any contract. Student Services Contract Statement of Work RFQ# RFQ-OH-TBD United States Environmental Protection Agency National Risk Management Research Laboratory Ground Water and Ecosystems Restoration Division 1. Project Description: The National Risk Management Research Laboratory (NRMRL) is responsible for conducting research on subsurface remediation and ecosystem restoration to support EPA efforts in the areas of Drinking Water, Waste Management, and Clean Water. Research conducted by NRMRL supports the protection and remediation of ground water, surface water, and drinking water resources. In a joint study with the EPA National Homeland Security Center (NHSC), the Ground Water and Ecosystems Restoration Division (GWERD) of the NRMRL will conduct research to develop protocols for the preparation of environmental samples that could potentially contain biological pathogens. Specifically, this research addresses the application/modification of available environmental sample preparation techniques for the concentration and isolation of the select protozoan parasites (Cryptosporidium and Giardia) and bacteria (Clostridium botolinum and Salmonella typhi) from water and soil. Contract support is required for research currently being conducted at the GWERD. A candidate is sought to assist with studies of sample preparation techniques for the biological agents of interest. The successful candidate contractor will work as a research scientist to carry out laboratory studies of the concentration and isolation of Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Clostridium botolinum, and Salmonella typhi from water and soil. 2. Description of Services: The successful candidate will provide the following primary services: • The candidate contractor will develop planning, design, and implementation of microbiology, molecular genetics, and biochemical techniques required for the development of the protocols for the preparation of environmental samples that could potentially contain Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Clostridium botolinum, and Salmonella typhi. • The successful candidate must be skilled in using statistical techniques for designing and analyzing laboratory experiments; method development of instrumental analysis using GC and HPLC; and DNA extraction, purification, PCR, and RT-PCR, and hybridization; preparing research technical reports, authoring/coauthoring reports, and standard operation procedures. • The successful candidate will maintain careful and accurate records in a Laboratory Notebook. This notebook and all other data produced under this order will be the property of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Additionally, the successful candidate will meet with an EPA mentor on at least a weekly basis to discuss progress of assigned tasks, problems encountered, and new tasks. The successful candidate will prepare and submit monthly progress reports to the mentor. The mentor for this agreement will be Dr. Ann Keeley. 3. Required Expertise, Skills, Education and/or Experience: The successful candidate must have successfully completed two or more courses in college level biology, chemistry, and/or environmental science from an accredited college or university and must be a recent graduate with either a MS or Ph.D. degree from an accredited college or university earned within 12 months of beginning the contract. The successful candidate must show basic mastery of computer applications, including spreadsheets (e.g. Excel) and word processing applications (e.g. Microsoft Word). The successful candidate will receive training on basic safety requirements at the R.S. Kerr Center before he or she begins work in the laboratory or the field. The successful candidate must complete the 40 hour (technician) HAZWOPER training course before he or she can conduct field work at Altus AFB. The cost of HAZWOPER training will be covered by the EPA. The successful candidate contractor will be provided a baseline health physical at EPA expense. The successful candidate contractor must be found capable of laboratory work and field work by the examining physician. 4. Required Background Investigation and Suitability Determination: Successful candidates under this contract are required to undergo a background check and check of FBI fingerprint files and a suitability determination by the Environmental Protection Agency. Successful candidates awarded a contract will have to complete a Standard Form 85 (SF-85) "Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions" and SF- 87 "Fingerprint Charts". All completed forms shall be submitted to the ORD Mentor (John T. Wilson, R.S. Kerr Environmental Research Center, 919 Kerr Research Drive, Ada, Oklahoma 74820, (580) 436-8534) at least 14 business days prior to reporting to work. Fingerprints will either be taken at the ORD duty station (upon reporting for work) or successful candidates will be notified to have their fingerprints taken at their local police department. If a background check reveals information to indicate the successful candidate represents a risk to the interests of U.S. EPA and the national security, the contract may be terminated. 5. Description of Working Conditions: The primary duty location is Ada, Oklahoma. Work will be performed in a laboratory setting at the R.S. Kerr Center. The successful candidate will wear safety glasses, a laboratory coat (provided by the Kerr Center), and closed-toed shoes in the laboratory. The candidate will wear level D personal protection in the field, including safety glasses (provided by Kerr Center) and appropriate foot gear provided by the successful candidate contractor. Steel-toed footwear will be required for all work done in proximity to a drilling rig, a GeoProbe rig, or other powered sampling. Reasonable costs incurred by the student contractor for prescription safety-glasses and steel-toed footwear will be reimbursed by the EPA. Field work may be conducted when it is raining, or in temperatures down to 20o F. Field work will not be conducted during electrical storms. The work day will be eight hours Monday through Friday unless otherwise agreed to by the successful candidate contractor. The successful candidate contractor will not be required to work on Saturday or Sunday, even in the weeks when he or she is conducting field work. Student Valuation Factors Criteria for selection of successful applicant for the Student Services Contract Program: 1. Minimum of a MS or Ph.D. degree in Environmental Microbiology, Microbial Ecology, Biocides & Bioremediation, Molecular Biology/Genetic Eng./Genetic & Strain Development, and Environmental Science, or a related field from an accredited college or university and a GPA of 3.0 or higher (based on a 4.0 scale). 2. Demonstrates the capacity to develop planning, design, and implementation of microbiology, molecular genetics, and biochemical techniques required for the development of the protocols for the preparation of environmental samples that could potentially contain microorganisms. 3. Demonstrates the ability to work independently without direct supervision, according to published research literature and written protocols. 4. Demonstrates the capacity to employ statistical techniques for designing and analyzing laboratory experiments, methods development of instrumental analysis used in molecular microbial research, preparing research technical reports and standard operation procedures. 5. Demonstrates an understanding of routine laboratory procedures, including preparation of solutions, safe handling and disposal of chemicals, routine maintenance and calibration of instruments used in the laboratory and/or field, and documentation of activities in notebooks.
