*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling- basis.
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.
The Laboratory Science and Diagnostics Branch's Diagnostic Parasitology team (DPT) within the Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria (DPDM) in the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID) at CDC play a critical role in the detection and identification of parasitic diseases in the United States as well as globally. DPT develops effective laboratory methods for diagnosis and characterization of parasitic diseases of public health concern, including soil-transmitted helminth infections and rare and emerging parasites. This research project aims to optimize and validate novel molecular tests for diagnosis and surveillance purposes and implement them into the routine testing workflow in the laboratory.
Research Project: The fellow will train with subject matter experts in the development and use of molecular tests for diagnostic and surveillance laboratory testing. The focus will be on methods based on real-time PCR and next generation sequencing, but other technologies such as digital PCR are available. The research will provide opportunities for the fellow to collaborate with CDC epidemiologists and state public health agencies, as well as broaden the professional network globally.
Learning Objectives: The fellow will learn how to validate novel diagnostic tests for use in human diagnostic and surveillance testing and apply quality management principles required for testing human samples. The fellow will have opportunities to learn statistical and bioinformatic analysis.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Yvonne Qvarnstrom (bvp2@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: 05/1/2025. 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.
