Computation Toxicology and New Approach Methodologies Job in Atlanta, GA

Vacancy No. HHS-ATSDR-SWEP-26-13044876 Department Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Salary $0.00 to $0.00 Grade 00 to 00
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Part-time
Open Date 9/8/2026 Close Date 9/17/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Atlanta, GA


Computation Toxicology and New Approach Methodologies

Department of Health and Human Services
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

Summary

This position is located in the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

This job is open to

Students

Current students enrolled in an accredited high school, college or graduate institution.

Duties

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING DAY TO DAY

As a Student Volunteer you will use your knowledge of and experience with Computational Toxicology and New Approach Methodologies (NAM) to optimize business results and customer experience by:

  • Conduct comprehensive literature searches on Computational Toxicology and NAMs related to the health effects of microplastics and Nano plastics.
  • Perform systematic or scoping literature reviews using established review methodologies.
  • Critically evaluate and synthesize scientific evidence on computational toxicology approaches, including quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models, physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling, machine learning, and in silico exposure assessment methods.
  • Review and summarize the application of NAMs, including in vitro methods, high-throughput screening, organ-on-a-chip technologies, omics approaches, and adverse outcome pathway (AOP) frameworks.
  • Analyze scientific literature to identify strengths, limitations, research gaps, and opportunities for integrating computational and experimental methods for risk assessment.
  • Organize, manage, and document scientific references using reference management software.
  • Prepare clear, concise written summaries, evidence tables, and technical reports to communicate findings.
  • Identify reproducible workflows, open-source tools, and publicly available data resources that support transparent and reproducible environmental health research.
  • Collaborate with CDC scientists and multidisciplinary teams to support evidence synthesis and inform environmental and public health research priorities.
  • Characterizing the current state of knowledge on the physicochemical properties of microplastics and nanoplastics that influence toxicity.
  • Identifying how computational and alternative methods are being applied to model their behavior, fate, and biological interactions.
  • Evaluating the strengths, limitations, and data gaps associated with these approaches.
  • Highlighting opportunities for integrating computational models with experimental NAM data to improve risk assessment.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship required
  • Registered or exempt from Selective Service (www.sss.gov)
  • Suitable for federal employment
  • Proof of student status must be submitted with the application
  • All applicants must be in good academic standing
  • Students must provide official transcripts, if selected
  • Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. All information concerning qualifications is subject to investigation.
  • Documentation that you present for purposes of completing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-9 will be verified through the DHS "E-Verify" System.
  • Volunteers must meet the federal minimum working age (5 CFR §308.102(a)).

Qualifications

Applicants must have:

  • A background in environmental health, toxicology, public health, environmental science, or a related scientific field.
  • Experience conducting scientific literature searches and critically evaluating published research.
  • Familiarity with computational toxicology concepts, including QSAR, PBPK modeling, machine learning, and other computational approaches used to interpret toxicological data.
  • Experience conducting systematic reviews, scoping reviews, or other structured evidence synthesis methods.
  • Proficiency using reference management software (e.g., EndNote, Zotero, Mendeley, or similar).
  • Strong scientific writing, technical communication, and analytical skills.
  • Experience organizing, synthesizing, and summarizing complex scientific information from multiple sources.
Preference may be given to applicants with:
  • Knowledge of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), including in vitro testing, omics technologies, organ-on-a-chip systems, and adverse outcome pathway (AOP) frameworks.
  • Familiarity with environmental exposure assessment and risk assessment principles.
  • Knowledge of regulatory frameworks related to chemical safety, environmental health, or toxicology.
  • Experience identifying and evaluating open-source scientific tools, databases, and reproducible research workflows.
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in a multidisciplinary scientific environment.
Volunteers must meet the definition of a student defined as "an individual enrolled not less than half-time in a high school, trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university, or other accredited educational institution (5 U.S.C. §3111(a) and 5 CFR §308.101)" throughout the duration of their volunteer service, except during acceptable breaks in education as described in 5 CFR §308.101.

Additional information

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

This is an unpaid volunteer internship. Participants are not eligible for salary, stipends, benefits, or other forms of compensation. Participation does not confer eligibility for federal employee benefits, including health insurance, retirement, leave accrual, or any other employment related benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Qualification determinations will be made based solely on the information submitted in the application package. Selection for this unpaid volunteer internship does not constitute employment with the Department of Health and Human Services and confers no entitlement to compensation, future employment, or non-competitive conversions.

Required Documents


Submit the following documents:

  • Resume (2 pages)
  • Statement of Interest - (include preferred term and availability)
  • Proof of Enrollment
  • Unofficial college, graduate school, or law school transcript(s)

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Interested students are encouraged to submit a statement of interest, resume, proof of enrollment and unofficial transcript(s) for consideration. Selected applicants may be contacted for additional information or an interview based on program needs.

The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of this announcement.

By submitting your application, you are certifying the accuracy of the information contained in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be terminated after you begin work; or you may be fined or jailed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.

Agency contact information

HHS HELPDESK
Email
ASKOHR@hhs.gov
Address
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20201
US

Next steps

If a volunteer opportunity matches your skill set, agency will contact you to provide additional information and selection. Individuals not immediately selected will be kept in the volunteer pool for additional opportunities as they arise.

Please note that, as a volunteer opportunity, the information contained in the "Fair and Transparent" section of this announcement may not be applicable.

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

Become a part of the Department that touches the lives of every American! At the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) you can give back to your community, state, and country by making a difference in the lives of Americans everywhere. It is the principal agency for protecting the health of citizens. Join HHS and help to make our world healthier, safer, and better for all Americans.

Agency contact information

HHS HELPDESK
Email
ASKOHR@hhs.gov
Address
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20201
US

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