Environmental Toxicologist/Scientist Position in Davis California

Blankinship and Associates, an environmental consulting and engineering firm, located in Davis, California is looking for an environmental toxicologist or environmental scientist to join their group.  They are looking for a scientist with either an undergraduate or graduate degree in a relevant field.  More information can be found on their Linkedin page.  

Cancer Inducing Flame Retardant Increases with Commute Time in UCR Students

The research of ETOX student Aaly Reddam, Professor Dave Volz and collaborators on exposure of UCR students to organophosphate flame retardants in vehicles while commuting has recently been published in the journal Environment International.  One key finding of their research was that exposure to tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP), a flame retardant on the state of California's list of carcinogens, increased with the length of the students' commute.  Their work has been highlighted in UCR News and also picked by other news aggregators.  Our congratulations to Aaly and Dave for their publication and the recognition that it is getting.   [The photo from the graphical abstract of their journal article shows the blue silicone wristband which was used to monitor the students' exposures.]

Dimethyl Selenide-containing Aerosols Alter Transcription of Human Lung Cells

ETOX students Sabbir Ahmed and Jin Chen, Professors Tara Nordgren, Ying-Hsuan and Roya Bahreini and their collaborators recently published the results of their research on the transcriptional effects of dimethyl selenide-containing aerosols and their effects on the mRNA of human airway epithelial cells.  In addition, they characterized the chemical composition of secondary organic aerosols formed from the oxidation of dimethyl selenide by hydroxyl radicals and ozone in controlled chamber experiments.  Their results were published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology and have recently been highlighted in UCR News.  Our congratulations to these students and faculty for the recognition that their research is receiving.  [I saw reference to it in one of the news emails that I received this morning.  The illustration above is from their article in EST.]

Internship positions at DTSC in Sacramento

ETOX Alumnus Scott Coffin forwarded the information below.

DTSC is hiring two interns for this summer for the Safer Consumer Products program.  While the positions are listed through Sacramento State University’s UEI program, students that attend schools on their affiliation list (link below) are eligible to apply. UCR ETOX students may apply.

Link to positions: https://ueijobs.peopleadmin.com/postings/15794

Filing deadline: February 28, 2020 (must include required documents + supplemental questions listed in the job posting)

Description: Graduate Student Assistant – Scientific Research Support for DTSC’s Safer Consumer Products Program (2 positions, undergrads also considered). Part-time, temporary, non-benefited.

Qualifications: Must be a student studying biochemistry, molecular biology, biological science, chemical engineering, chemistry, environmental science, health science, or natural sciences at one of the schools on the affiliation list, found here: https://www.calinterns.org/wp-content/uploads/Affiliation_List.pdf.

Pay & Hours: $13.00-$22.02 per hour. Students can work 40 hours/week when on break, 20 hours/week during the academic year.

Location: Sacramento (CalEPA HQ building)

Duties and Responsibilities: Collecting, analyzing, and evaluating scientific literature; utilizing databases, models, software tools and other sources of reliable information to research possible alternative chemicals for consumer products. Preparing and presenting findings. Maintaining content of databases. Developing content for public engagement. Performing administrative duties.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience using online research tools. Experience analyzing scientific data and preparing complex technical reports. Familiarity with data science methods (data mining, database programming, information tool development, etc.). Familiarity with systematic review and green chemistry concepts. Ability to solve problems creatively and effectively.