CDC Office and Location: A fellowship opportunity is available in the PulseNet, Reference, Outbreak, and Surveillance Team (PROST), in the Enteric Diseases Laboratory Branch (EDLB), of the Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases (DFWED), in the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC), 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.

Research Project: The PulseNet, Reference, Outbreak, and Surveillance Team (PROST) is looking for candidates with a Ph.D. degree in microbiology, molecular biology, or related discipline who may be interested in joining our multidisciplinary team. Our laboratories contribute to the prevention of foodborne and diarrheal diseases in the United States and abroad by detecting, identifying, and characterizing enteric bacterial pathogens. We accomplish this by providing reference identification and laboratory-based disease surveillance for agents that cause foodborne and diarrheal diseases, providing training and consultation to national and international public health partners, and developing applied research projects to further enhance our ability to characterize these pathogens. The selected candidate will learn to characterize foodborne bacterial organisms using a variety of microbiological and molecular methods and assist with the design, planning, and execution of applied research projects. Such projects will help strengthen our team’s capacity to identify and characterize emerging features of enteric pathogens responsible for clinical cases, such as but not limited to E. coli, Shigella, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Vibrio, supported by next generation sequencing techniques, whole-genome sequence (WGS) data, and other cutting-edge approaches. The candidate will also learn to effective employ method development and validation strategies, develop strong skills in database management, laboratory quality and safety, and leadership.

Learning Objectives:

Develop expertise in cutting-edge approaches used for the identification and subtyping of enteric pathogens using a variety of techniques, including microbiological and molecular methods such as next generation sequencing technologies. Network with team, branch, and external collaborators. Effectively communicate scientific objectives and findings through project proposals, data summaries, oral presentations, and publications in peer-reviewed journals. Participate in the coordination and delivery of trainings, workshops, and conferences. Enhance professional growth and development by reviewing current literature, participate in educational opportunities, having access to wide range of subject matter experts, participating in leadership trainings, and attending scientific conferences. These skills will prepare the fellow for a career in public health, with potential opportunities to support laboratory-based surveillance and outbreak response activities in EDLB and elsewhere.? Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Efrain M. Ribot (eyr4@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: July 15, 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, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non- U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.

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.NCEZID@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Preferred skills:

Experience with next generation sequencing technology and analysis approaches is desirable Strong oral and written communication skills Strong interpersonal skills; ability to collaborate in diverse groups Skills in microbiology or molecular biology from applied laboratory experience is desired Excellent organization and record-keeping skills are also preferred