The Ecosystems Research Division (ERD) of the Office of Research and Development at the US Environmental Protection Agency in Athens, Georgia is seeking individuals who have completed their Master’s degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, statistics, engineering, computer science, or a related field to provide services under a contractual agreement as part of a research team providing technical support for ERD’s aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem exposure modeling. These models estimate exposure and effects of chemicals on listed species under the Endangered Species Act and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.
Selected individuals shall possess knowledge, skills, and experience concerning the application of mathematical models to ecological problems; have demonstrated proficiency in scripted languages such as R and Matlab and/or in high level programming languages such as Fortran, Python, and C++; be familiar with the application of statistical models; and possess excellent written and oral communication skills. The student contractor may also aid in statistical applications, programming, and software testing, including utilization of specific model evaluation tools. Tasks to be performed include, but are not limited to: 1) the application of existing deterministic and stochastic models to simulate fate and exposure of pesticides and other chemicals; 2) the integration of these models through a software program with a common user interface; 3) development of reusable risk assessment software libraries; and 4) parameter estimation applications for chemical and biological exposures in agricultural and urban ecosystems. The student contractor may be expected to participate in conferences and seminars and to publish in the peer-reviewed literature in support of this Statement of Work. Announcement, statement of work, and evaluation criteria can be found here: http://www.epa.gov/oamrtpnc/q1100171/index.htm This application window closes on November 9. The position pays $28.48 per hour but is otherwise without benefits. In addition, we have begun evaluations on 2 post-doc positions via the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) previously advertised, but are still accepting applications. Details on how to apply are here: http://orise.orau.gov/epa/description.aspx?JobId=2346 and the application form is here: http://www.orau.gov/partform/EPA/EPA_Application.pdf
