Duties
The Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure (CCTE) is a scientific organization responsible for carrying out EPA's mission to protect human health and the environment by developing and applying cutting edge innovations in methods to rapidly evaluate chemical toxicity, toxicokinetics, fate, transport, and exposure in human and ecological species and systems. To accomplish its mission, CCTE conducts fundamental and applied research across a range of disciplines important for evaluating chemical safety. Part of the mission of CCTE is to enable regulatory and non-regulatory Agency programs to integrate data from new technologies and the underlying computational, mathematical, and statistical models used to analyze the data into chemical safety decisions. The Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division (BCTD) of CCTE performs research to develop and advance laboratory experimental and computational approaches to rapidly evaluate and characterize the potential human toxicity of chemicals.
This position is located in BCTD and will require an individual who is a recognized expert in integrating data from new technologies and the underlying computational, mathematical, and statistical models used to analyze the data into chemical safety decisions.
Specific duties of the position include, but are not limited to:
- Providing expert leadership for the development and application of computational biology/toxicology/physical science approaches to analyze data from high-throughput in vitro assays, genomics, in vivo toxicity studies, chemical properties, and other sources to discover relevant information regarding potential human health and ecological effects of chemicals.
- Designing and conducting independent research in response to EPA’s priorities.
- Developing new insights in the field and identifying critical research and technical issues involved with computational toxicology to assist the Agency in assessing the broader research needs in computational biology/toxicology/physical science.
- Providing expert guidance, training, and support in the application of research in biology/toxicology/physical science to chemical safety and Agency policy-setting for scientists within CCTE and throughout EPA.
- Designing and leading comprehensive studies for a variety of program initiatives to form the technical basis of new standards, program direction, and/or an understanding of scientific problems.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. citizen.
- You must submit a resume and required documents--see How to Apply section.
- Position has education requirements--see Qualifications/Education section.
- EPA and non-EPA applicants must submit transcripts/course listings.
The Ethics in Government Act, P.L. 95-521, requires the applicant selected for this position to submit a financial disclosure statement, OGE-278, prior to assuming the Title 42 position, annually, and upon termination of employment.
This position is designated as High Risk and requires a background investigation. Unless an appropriate background investigation is already on record with the Office of Personnel Management, you must undergo a background investigation. All conditions of the pre-employment security process must be met before an official letter of employment can be issued with a report for duty date.
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Qualifications
To meet the qualifications requirements of this position, you must have a doctoral degree in biology, toxicology, physical science, or related field.
You must have experience in analyzing and interpreting high-throughput screening and transcriptomic data.
You must have an established track record in managing multiple projects simultaneously and strong data analysis expertise. You must be a nationally and internationally recognized authority and leader in computational biology/toxicology/physical science and chemical safety. You must be sought as an advisor or consultant on scientific and technological programs and/or problems which extend beyond your own field. Your reputation as a biologist/toxicologist/physical scientist is such that you may also serve as a recruiting attraction for recent graduates who seek opportunities to work at EPA/ORD under your guidance in order to benefit from your critical judgement and scientific leadership.
Evidence of your qualifications and scientific contributions may include 1) holding elected position(s) in scientific societies; 2) serving on editorial boards of scientific journals; 3) receiving an extensive number of invitations to write and speak on issues in your field; 4) having written numerous book chapters and peer reviewed publications in high quality journals; 5) serving in leadership roles on numerous taskforces and committees; and 6) serving as an advisor to national and international institutions or governments.
Education
You must have a doctoral degree in a scientific discipline related to CCTE’s mission to qualify for this position.
Biologist: You must have a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position; OR a combination of education and experience with courses equivalent to a major, as listed.
Toxicologist: You must have a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in toxicology; or an appropriate discipline of the biological, medical, or veterinary sciences that included at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, biochemistry, or physiology, and 12 semester hours in toxicology.
Physical Scientist: You must have a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics; OR a combination of education and experience with education equivalent to one of the majors listed that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
For information about accreditation requirements, visit EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.
Benefits
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.
Join EPA in protecting human health and the environment and enjoy many work life quality options! Working for the EPA offers you a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. To learn more about us, visit Life and Careers at EPA.
This position may be eligible for workplace flexibilities including expanded telework, remote work, and/or flexible work schedules. These flexibilities may be requested in accordance with EPA’s Workplace Flexibilities policy. If selected for this position, you may be authorized to telework after meeting eligibility requirements if approved by the supervisor/manager.
PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS (PSLF): As a federal employee, you may be eligible for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. The PSLF program forgives the remaining balance on federal Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying payments while working full-time for a qualifying employer, including EPA. Learn more: pslf.gov
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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.
Required Documents
Documents to be submitted online:
NOTE: You should ensure your social security number, date of birth, and any other personal information are redacted.
The following documents are required for all applicants; failure to provide this information will result in your application being ruled incomplete.
-- Resume/curriculum vitae - State your education and experience related to this position as described in the Duties section and Qualifications section. In describing your experience, be clear and specific. We may not make assumptions regarding your experience. A resume is acceptable, but a curriculum vitae is preferred.
-- Statement of interest - Address the following criteria within a limit of four (4) pages total:
- Scientific expertise: describe your achievements in the area of research applicable to this position, including awards or other recognition and invitations to present or speak;
- Leadership and management: describe your experience leading and managing scientific research programs;
- Communications: describe your experience communicating scientific and technical information verbally and in writing to a variety of audiences; and
- Networking and collaboration: describe your experience building and maintaining relationships and collaborating with other scientists or organizations.
-- Transcripts - Attach unofficial or official transcripts or a list of courses that includes school(s) attended, school address, course title, grades earned, completion dates, department, and quarter or semester hours earned. NOTE: Official educational transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if you are selected, you must provide official transcripts before you start work with EPA.
IF EDUCATION WAS COMPLETED AT A FOREIGN INSTITUTION: You must submit an equivalency evaluation with your application as described here: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.
The following information is requested, but not required at the time of application:
- The names and contact information of three references.
- Compensation requirements.
- How you heard about this vacancy.
To learn more about submitting documentation, visit Uploading Documents to USAJOBS.
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
You are strongly encouraged to read the entire announcement before you submit your application for this position.
To begin the application process, click the Apply button to the top right on this screen, follow the prompts to log-in/register, submit all required documents, and complete the assessment questionnaire. To be considered, you must submit a complete application package by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the day the announcement closes.
All required supporting documents will be collected electronically via the USAJOBS document portfolio feature (see How to Upload Documents).
If you cannot apply online, you must contact the Human Resources Office listed below for assistance no later than two business days prior to the closing date of this announcement. You must provide complete application materials by the day the announcement closes.
For detailed instructions to assist you in ensuring your application package is received, go to EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
EPA welcomes applications from persons with disabilities. Through the reasonable accommodation process, we provide persons with disabilities an equal opportunity to enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment that persons without disabilities enjoy. A reasonable accommodation is any change in the work environment or in the way things are customarily done. An accommodation removes workplace barriers and enables an applicant with a disability to have an equal opportunity to participate in the application process, be considered for a position, and, if hired, perform the essential functions of their job.
The EPA National Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators will provide assistance to you, the Human Resources Office, and/or the hiring official as needed. For more information, refer to EPA’s Reasonable Accommodation website. Below is more detailed information about how to request a reasonable accommodation during the application, selection, and hiring process:
• If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process (submitting the application or completing the application process), contact the Human Resources Office listed below no later than two business days prior to the closing date of this announcement, and the Human Resources Office will work directly with you.
• If you are referred to the hiring official for consideration and need an accommodation during the selection process, including the interview, notify the person who contacted you from the hiring official’s office. If you do not hear back within three days about your reasonable accommodation request for the selection process, please notify EPA’s National Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators via email at disabilityaccommodations@epa.gov.
• If you are selected and need an accommodation during the hiring process up to orientation, notify the HR Specialist who made the job offer to you.
Please note: Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Next steps
It is your responsibility to check your USAJOBS account for application status information. You can track the progress of your application via your USAJOBS account by clicking the Track This Application link. Your USAJOBS application status will appear in your profile if your application was received successfully; if your submission was not received, the application status will show as unavailable. After the announcement closes, the Human Resources Office will conduct a review of your application package. If your application is complete and you meet basic qualification requirements, it will be forwarded to the Selecting Official. Interviews are arranged through the Selecting Official. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the Human Resources Office posting this announcement. Your application status will change in USAJOBS when updates are available for each step of the process.
NOTE: We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses through reference and/or background check, and/or verification of your education. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration.