**This announcement has been amended to reflect an extended closing date of January 10, 2025.**
This Title 42 position is in the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, New Chemicals Division.
This is an office-centered position*--you must physically report to the duty station stated in this announcement on a regular basis. *EPA offers work-from-home and work schedule flexibilities as described in the Benefits section.
**This announcement has been amended to reflect an extended closing date of January 10, 2025.**
This Title 42 position is in the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, New Chemicals Division.
This is an office-centered position*--you must physically report to the duty station stated in this announcement on a regular basis. *EPA offers work-from-home and work schedule flexibilities as described in the Benefits section.
Yes—NOTE: If you are an EPA employee who currently works at a remote work location (i.e., full-time telework), your approval for remote work does not transfer to this position.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be required to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Term - This is a Title 42 position which may be renewed.
This position is located in the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, New Chemical Division (NCD). NCD is responsible for implementing the New Chemicals Program subject to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). NCD serves in a "gatekeeper" role to help manage potential risks to human health and the environment from chemicals and genetically engineered microorganisms new to the U.S. marketplace. The Division is responsible for acquiring, reviewing, and interpreting the science associated with new chemical/microorganism applications (known as "notices") and then deciding on the appropriate risk management/mitigation approach where necessary. In this unique EPA regulatory program, cutting edge science policy formulation and interpretation, pre-notice interpretive guidance, order and rule writing, and outreach/liaison with other groups is critical to striking the balance of encouraging and allowing innovation while continuing to protect human health and the environment.
TSCA requires EPA to review all new chemical substances and make one of several affirmative determinations regarding risks to human health and the environment. Based on the determination, EPA may need to take further action to prevent unreasonable risks before manufacturing for the chemical can commence. With limited hazard and exposure information, addressing these statutory requirements with sound science, transparency, and consistency, while meeting tight statutory deadlines for decisions, requires continued evolution of scientific methods, approaches, and tools, including implementation of computational and digital solutions for data. Modernizing the new chemicals review process and bringing innovative science to inform risk assessment and decision making will help overcome information gaps and help the Agency meet its statutory requirements in a timely, effective, and efficient manner. To this end, this position will advise on a strategy and help build informatic systems necessary to transform how NCD captures, reviews, and makes decisions on incoming chemical (and other) information in order to make scientifically sound decisions on new chemical submissions under TSCA. This position requires both hands-on understanding of database and data accessibility as well as the ability to partner with multiple internal and external partners to facilitate operationalizing existing and new tools for the next generation of rapid and transparent chemical assessment within NCD.
Specific duties of the position may include, but are not limited to:
Implementing informatic standards, such as International Uniform Chemical Information Database, Clinical Data Interchange Standards Consortium Standard for Exchange of Nonclinical Data, etc., for data submission or storage, extracting, transforming, and loading data in scientific environments, and database queries and management.
Consulting on the development of decision support tools that integrate data which has been synthesized and curated for use in TSCA new chemical reviews.
Collaborating with scientists and managers in EPA regulatory and research programs and regional offices to aid their programs in developing scientifically sound analyses and evaluations in response to program needs.
Communicating complex scientific concepts with a range of stakeholders both internal and external to the EPA, including scientists, regulators, businesses, lawyers, communities, and citizens.
Advising senior management on applications related to drug and/or chemical assessment such as hazard, pharmacokinetic, environmental fate, and exposure-related properties.
Utilizing scientific programming languages (such as R, Python, Java) and databases (such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or other NoSQL solutions) to inform data management recommendations.
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.
#LI-Onsite
Qualifications
To meet the qualifications requirements of this position, you must have a doctoral degree in biology, health science, physical science, bioinformatics, cheminformatics, chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, engineering, math, computer science, or related field.
You must have experience within the biology domain, including experience with cheminformatics, toxicology, and/or biology/bioinformatics and with regulatory toxicology and/or nonclinical/pre-clinical animal model data, and you must be able to apply this experience to database development, management, and maintenance.
You must be recognized as an expert in your field, take leadership roles on committees dealing with key technical matters, and be highly sought after for consultation on difficult problems in your specialty field. Your reputation as a scientific leader is such that you may also serve as a recruiting attraction for recent graduates seeking opportunities to work with EPA/OCSPP in order to benefit from your critical judgment and scientific leadership.
Evidence of your qualifications and scientific contributions may include: 1) holding elected positions in scientific societies; 2) serving on journal editorial boards; 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 task forces/committees; and 6) serving as an advisor to national and international institutions and governments.
Education
You must have a doctoral degree in a scientific discipline related to OPPT’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.
Health Scientist: You must have a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in the following: major study in an academic field related to the medical field, health sciences or allied sciences related to the work of this position.
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.
Mathematician/Statistician: You must have a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in mathematics, statistics, or actuarial science; OR a combination of education and experience with courses equivalent to a major, as listed.
Engineer: All applicants must meet one of the following requirements to qualify for consideration for an engineering position:
Successful completion of a professional engineering degree at an accredited university or college
OR
Combination of college level education or training AND technical experience that has furnished you with (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following:
Professional registration as an engineer.
Evidence of passing the Engineer-in-Training written test.
Successful documented completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences as described by OPM.
Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in engineering technology or in an appropriate professional field and at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance.
The salary may be up to $250,000 per year. However, this is dependent on qualifications, experience, and other factors (e.g., current salary and/or current market rates).
The selectee's academic credentials will be verified upon selection.
EPA participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that enables participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees. For additional information: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values at EPA. Our excellence can only be fully realized by staff who share our commitment to these values. Successful candidates are committed to advancing equity and inclusion in the Agency’s workplace and mission. We encourage applications from candidates with a variety of personal experiences, values, and worldviews that arise from differences of culture and circumstance. At EPA, diversity is a vital element in bringing a balance of perspectives to bear on every challenge we face. We are committed to creating a diverse workforce because we know that the individual strengths and abilities of our employees make us a stronger organization. The more inclusive our employee base is, the greater the variety of ideas that are generated, and the more representative we are of the nation we serve. To learn more about how EPA values and supports our diverse workforce, visit Equal Opportunity Employment at EPA.
If you are selected, travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid by EPA. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting to work in this position will be your responsibility.
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
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.
This position is being filled through the Title 42 hiring authority. Your resume and required documents will be reviewed to ensure you meet the basic qualifications requirements. You will be evaluated on the basis of meeting the qualifications stated in this announcement. In determining the degree to which candidates possess the required or desired knowledge, skills, and abilities, an evaluation panel will consider related experience, education, training, awards, and professional references. The evaluation panel will rate you on the following criteria:
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. EPA
Mail Drop: C639-02
109 T.W. Alexander Drive, P.O. Box 12055
RTP, North Carolina 27711
United States
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.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. EPA
Mail Drop: C639-02
109 T.W. Alexander Drive, P.O. Box 12055
RTP, North Carolina 27711
United States
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.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
