*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling- basis.
CDC Office and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the Division of STD Prevention (DSTDP) within the National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) located in Atlanta, Georgia.
The goal of DSTDP is to help people be safer and healthier by preventing sexually transmitted diseases and their complications.
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: This research opportunity is focused on whole genome sequencing (WGS) of the STD pathogens Treponema pallidum, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Mycoplasma genitalium (Mgen), the causative agents of syphilis; chlamydia; urethritis in men and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), cervicitis, infertility in women, respectively. The participant will obtain “hands on” experience performing PCR diagnostic tests and WGS techniques on clinical specimens. The participant will also be involved in developing protocols or SOPs, implementing WGS procedures in public health labs, quality control activities, analyzing and interpreting test results, and developing troubleshooting skills. The fellow will collaborate closely with CDC microbiologists and epidemiologists to contribute to molecular surveillance activities on chlamydia, syphilis, and Mgen infections.
Learning Objectives: This fellowship may provide the opportunity to be involved in the following activities:
- Performing diagnostic PCR and qPCR testing, WGS, and genotyping assays on clinical specimens to support molecular surveillance and diagnostic activities - Evaluating new and existing methods for genetic analysis of STD pathogens - Developing protocols and SOPs for implementation of metagenomic tools in state and local PHLs - Assisting with piloting WGS tools in state and local PHLs to improve diagnostics and molecular surveillance, including emerging antimicrobial resistance (AMR) markers - Contributing to the preparation of project protocols and documents, summaries, presentations, manuscripts and figures of laboratory data and results. - Enhancing professional growth and development by participating in trainings, workshops, conferences, and in-service meetings
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Allan Pillay (ajp7@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: September 1, 2022. 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: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.
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.NCHHSTP@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
