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 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.
(RFQ-RT-11-00171a) proposals due 3/21/12 -Student/recent graduate with at least a Master’s degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, statistics, engineering, computer science, or a related field -The preferred student contractor 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, including general linear models, spatial/time series analyses and/or Bayesian approaches; 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. -Full-time, one year (1928 hours), $28.48/hour, multiple awards to be made -Here is a link to the opportunity: http://www.epa.gov/oamrtpnc/q1100171a/index.htm
