CDC Office and Location: A research opportunity is available in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) located in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is one of the major operation components of the Department of Health and Human Services. CDC works to protect America from health, safety and security threats, both foreign and in the U.S. Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are chronic or acute, curable or preventable, human error or deliberate attack, CDC fights disease and supports communities and citizens to do the same. By increasing critical diagnostic test development, sequencing and bioinformatics capacities, CDC's STD Laboratory Reference and Research Branch can enhance their ability to detect antimicrobial resistance and accelerate the U.S. government’s response to antimicrobial resistance of Mycoplasma genitalium. The combined talents of experts in epidemiology, laboratory science, and bioinformatics are applying innovation to real world problems to improve the health of all Americans.

Research Project: This assignment is for an ORISE Fellow to be stationed in CDC’s Division of STD Prevention (DSTDP), STD Laboratory Reference and Research Branch (SLRRB). Funding through the National Action Plan for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (CARB) has created an opportunity for an ORISE Fellow (GSL-7/9 equivalent) to collaborate in the CLIA, Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) team to maximize sexually transmitted pathogen detection, molecular diagnostic capabilities, and the generation of genomic data for public health action. The fellow will research under the guidance of the mentor and report directly to the mentor and fellowship supervisor(s). The fellow will implement advanced molecular detection methods (e.g sequencing, quantitative/real- time PCR, transcript mediated amplification, and bioinformatics analyses) for genomic epidemiological surveillance and studies in PHLs. The goal of this fellowship is to improve MG diagnostics and molecular surveillance through genomics data, communications with public health partners, and coordination with the unit lead & team lead and other DSTDP/SLRRB members. 

Learning Objectives: Specific activities of this fellowship may include:

Training in the development, optimization, and validation of laboratory protocols for PCR and sequencing of MG for sharing with external public health partners Assisting mentor in consultations and troubleshooting for state and local public health laboratory professionals for molecular testing and whole genome sequencing Assisting mentor in overseeing the laboratory testing and molecular surveillance of MG Learning best practices for utilizing and sharing MG detection data for public health action Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Charles Thurlow (oso4@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: July 1, 2024. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of CDC and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The appointment is full time.

Participant Stipend: Stipend rates may vary based on numerous factors, including opportunity, location, education, and experience. If you are interviewed, you can inquire about the exact stipend rate at that time and if selected, your appointment offer will include the monthly stipend rate.

Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.

ORISE Information: This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and CDC. Participants do not become employees of CDC, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

The successful applicant(s) will be required to comply with Environmental, Safety and Health (ES&H) requirements of the hosting facility, including but not limited to, COVID-19 requirements (e.g. facial covering, physical distancing, testing, vaccination).

Questions: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email ORISE.CDC.NCHHSTP@orau.org  and include the reference code for this opportunity.