Computational Toxicology Postdoctoral Position at USEPA in Duluth, Minnesota

In a collaboration with Unilever, the USEPA is looking for a postdoctoral scientist to work on a project exploring the utility of a battery of non-animal based new approach methods (NAMs) for evaluating the safety and hazard of chemicals.  The fellowship will be administered by ORISE and more information as well as the link to apply can be found on its site.  The deadline for applications is Dec. 16, 2021.  Our thanks to alumna Dr. Sara Vliet for informing us of the position. She notes that Carlie LaLone, the mentor for this project, is a fantastic postdoctoral mentor.  

Postdoctoral or Post-Masters Position in Human Health Risk Assessment

The Risk Science Center at the University of Cincinnati has an opening for a post-doc or post-masters scientist with a background in toxicology, biology, or other related field to participate in our diverse projects on organohalogen flame retardants, nanomaterials, and other industrial chemicals. The successful candidate will play a primary role in developing and implementing a class-based approach to evaluation of the health effects of and exposure to organohalogen flame retardants. This includes preparing evidence maps that summarize the availability of data and conducting class-based assessments using read-across and other approaches. A background in organic chemistry and/or (quantitative) structure activity relationships (QSAR) is a plus. This work is at the forefront of how to address human health risks from data-poor chemicals in a high-throughput manner. The position is with Dr. Lynne Haber in the Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine. Our group conducts applied research (literature-based, not a wet lab) in human health risk assessment, with a focus on hazard characterization, dose-response modeling, and risk characterization.

This is a temporary one-year position with full benefits, potentially renewable pending available funding. Due to Covid-19 precautions working from a remote location for flexibility may be possible. Feel free to share this information widely. Questions? Contact Lynne Haber at Lynne.Haber@uc.edu.

There are two related postings for one open position: 

 

Link for post doc fellow position

Link for post masters research scientist position

Ester Omaiye and Prue Talbot's E-cigarette Research Highlighted

The research of Ester Omaiye, an ETOX graduate student, and Professor Prue Talbot on the flavoring ingredients in e-cigarettes has recently been highlighted in UCR News.  Following the FDA ban of flavors from pod-style electronic cigarettes except for menthol and tobacco, users have discovered that flavored disposable e-cigarettes from other manufacturers are readily available.  Omaiye, Talbot and co-authors compared cytotoxicity and potential adverse effects of selected flavor chemicals and coolants in JUUL and Puff e-cigarettes.  Their results indicated that switching from JUUL to Puff e-cigarettes would expose users to higher levels of WS-23 and pulegone.  Their research suggested that the risks of cancer may be reduced by using products containing pure menthol rather than mint oils.  The UCR news article can be found here and the article in the journal Tobacco Control can be found here.  Our congratulations to Ester and Prue for their ongoing and impactful research. 

Another e-cigarette publication by Prue Talbot and former postdoc Careen Khachatoorian has also been highlighted by UCR News.  It highlights the potential effects that can occur from dermal exposure to the e-cigarette liquids directly or through exposure in vape shops.  Again, we congratulate Pure and Careen for their work.     

Staff Toxicologist Positions at DTSC Office in Southern California

The Department of Toxic Substances Control within the California Environmental Protection Agency is looking to fill two staff toxicologist positions.  The positions will be located in Orange County in the Cypress, CA office and will provide expert scientific support in the areas of toxicology, human and/or ecological risk assessment and exposure assessment.  More information can be found here.  Our thanks for ETOX alumnus Efrem Neuwirth for letting us know of these positions. 

Prof. Roya Bahreini and the UCR Salton Sea Task Force Envision Scientific Solutions to the Salton Sea's Problems

Roya Bahreini, an associate professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences and an ETOX faculty member, and other members of the UCR Salton Sea Task Force have recently released a special report on the crisis at the Salton Sea and the vital role of science in addressing the related environmental problems. The report addresses anticipated water, air quality, ecological and human health problems associated with the shrinking lake and also discusses potential geothermal and mining opportunities.  Key points from the report and responses to common questions can be found in the UCR News article on the report. The result is an excellent report that hopefully will help direct California policy makers as they work to address the Salton Sea's problems. [The above photo of an obsolete dock at Desert Shores was taken by Caroline Hung and is on the cover of the report.]  

EPA Positions Available Based in San Francisco

The Superfund and Emergency Management Division in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 9 San Francisco Office has job opportunities for Remedial Project Managers posted at https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/612513800. These job opportunities are for numerous positions based out of San Francisco for Remedial Project Manager positions working on abandoned uranium mines on Navajo Nation, other Superfund Sites on the National Priority List and Federal Facilities cleanups in Arizona, Nevada, California. Hawaii, and the Pacific Islands  To qualify for the position, applicants must meet the physical or life science education requirements and the related specialized experience described in the USAJOBS.gov announcement.  The positions are open to US citizens and the EPA is accepting applications for these positions only between Sept. 3-15, 2021.  

Yujie Men Wins Prestigious NSF Career Award

Assistant Professor Yujie Men of the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering and an Environmental Toxicology Program faculty member, has been awarded a prestigious Career Award from the National Science Foundation. The award funds research that is expected to provide a foundation for the faculty member's career in integrating education and research. As described in the InsideUCR news release, Men's project focuses on understanding how micropollutants affect the development, proliferation and transmission of antibiotic resistance under environmentally relevant conditions. More details can be found in the news release link above. Our congratulations to Dr. Men on this award and recognition.