*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
CDC Office and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the Outbreaks Unit, Polio Eradication Branch of the Global Immunization Division, within the Center for Global Health (CGH) at 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 Polio Eradication Branch (PEB) works to eradicate polio by partnering with global partners (WHO, UNICEF, Rotary International, IFRC, and others) and countries to strengthen timeliness and quality of polio outbreak response and improve strategies to prevent outbreaks and end polio transmission in endemic and non-endemic countries. The Outbreaks Unit (OBX) provides global technical assistance to improve coordination, quality, and timeliness of outbreak response activities, as well as supports agency leadership with data for data- driven decision making.
Research Project: The participant will receive training in research project activities, as well as technical and programmatic areas as follows:
1) Research project
The participant will receive training from senior OBX staff as well as senior SMEs across the Polio Eradication Branch on poliovirus transmission, outbreak dynamics, and best practices for outbreak response. Participant will support activities to better understand the quality and timeliness of outbreak response activities, measure progress towards ending poliovirus outbreaks, and facilitate data for decision-makers.
2) Technical and Programmatic Activities
The participant will also receive training in a variety of technical and programmatic areas that span the scope of the Polio Eradication Branch (PEB) mission.
International travel is expected to be approximately 5-25% during this opportunity.
Learning Objectives: The participant will have the opportunity to gain experience in:
- Development of protocols - Data management and triangulation of quantitative and qualitative data, including laboratory data requiring immediate follow up - Data analysis of quantitative and qualitative datasets using various statistical software - Developing presentations and presenting results to division staff and leadership, partners, scientific community - Report writing, preparation, and publication - Conducting literature searches using PubMed, OVID, and other search engines
Technical training opportunities may include:
- Support Global Polio Eradication Initiative’s Outbreak Response and Preparedness Group (ORPG) Coordination Unit with improving flow of information for decision-making by ORPG Leadership Group and the Data Analytics Working Group (DAWG) with improving the availability and analysis of quality data - Participate in data analysis activities in collaboration with other Polio Eradication Branch teams - Participate in outbreak-related response calls with in-country and regional and global outbreak response partners; deployment for outbreak response activities, as needed
Programmatic training opportunities in immunization systems may include:
- Develop experience compiling and publishing high- level reports as part of the Incident Management Structure for CDC’s Polio Eradication Response (Situation Reports, Incident Action Plans, Intra-/After-Action Reports, and other high level summaries for agency and other USG leadership) - Develop experience coordinating Incident Management activities, including meetings, manage staffing rhythms, on call rosters, and task tracking
Mentor(s): The mentor(s) for this opportunity is Sarah Bennett (iyk3@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: 2023. 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.CGH@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
