STATEMENT OF WORK Project Description The National Health Student Services

STATEMENT OF WORK 1. Project Description: The National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL) is responsible for conducting studies of adults and children to characterize relationships between, for example, particulate matter (PM) and co-pollutant exposure and health indices. NHEERL is the Agency's focal point for scientific research on the effects of contaminants and environmental stressors on human health. 2. Description of Work: The work to be performed is in the Epidemiology and Biomarkers Branch (EBB) of the Human Studies Division (HSD). The recent graduate shall assist in Geographic Information System (GIS) analyses of environmental and human health data using ArcGIS to prepare predictive models of environmental concern, prepare human blood samples for RNA collection using the Ambion GLOBINclear kit, process and concentrate RNA from human blood samples, prepare other biological samples including urine for sample analysis, and assist in other routine activities involving EBB research studies. Overnight travel might be required in support of these studies. All samples shall be analyzed according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) or instructions provided by the Project Officer or Mentor. The recent graduate shall assist in projects associated with EBB research studies: sample handling, preparation, and analysis of environmental and human samples. Sample handling will include, but not be limited to, use of the Speedvac to concentrate RNA to appropriate volumes; use of a hybridization oven/heat block, vortexer, microfuge and pipettors; use of magnetic beads; and use of a nanodrop spectrophotometer. The recent graduate shall link geocoded addresses from a human subjects’ database with environmental data including ambient air components and roadway information and will assist in the analysis of biomarkers for assessing chronic exposure to environmental pollutants and associated health effects. In order to carry out projects and also perform routine activities required in support of EBB’s research studies, the recent graduate will: 1. maintain laboratory organization (e.g. organization of samples within a freezer repository of biological samples and laboratory equipment); 2. conduct quality assurance (QA); 3. enter data collected during studies; and 4. maintain databases of these data. Laboratory work and organization will require weekly progress reports. The recent graduate shall prepare all samples as requested according to technical requirements. The recent graduate will maintain careful and accurate records in a laboratory notebook. This notebook, and all other data produced in performance of this work, will be the property of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 3. Quality Assurance Requirements: Activities conducted by the recent graduate will be governed by the EPA quality system, as described in the approved HSD Quality Management Plan. The recent graduate must work with their Mentor to consult with HSD=s Quality Assurance Manager prior to initiating work. 4. Description of Working Conditions: Work will be performed in a laboratory. Recent graduates will be required to wear safety apparel and to closely observe safety requirements.