Application Deadline
9/25/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description
*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 protects 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. CDC increases the health security of our nation. As the nation’s health protection agency, CDC saves lives and protects people from health threats. To accomplish its mission, CDC conducts important science and provides health information that protects our nation against expensive and dangerous health threats, and responds when these arise.
Research Project: The opportunity is with the Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Diagnostics and Capacity Building Team which is responsible for developing new molecular, serological, NGS and bioinformatic tools for the detection and diagnosis of highly hazardous viral diseases including Hantavirus, Ebolavirus, Marburg virus, Lassa fever virus, Rift Valley fever virus, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, and other Arenaviruses.
Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor, you will learn and gain experience with state-of-the-art advanced molecular diagnostic methods for analysis of high-hazard viruses and interface with laboratory and epidemiological colleagues across CDC. You will:
- Learn biosafety level 3 and 4 laboratory methods, rules, and regulations.
- Learn cell culture techniques, RNA extraction, and any other relevant research-related techniques and assays.
- Learn how to prepare samples, perform assays and analyze data for the detection of high-hazard viruses in clinical samples and in cultures, using standard and advanced molecular detection methods and serology.
- Learn to prepare reagents and proficiency panels to evaluate newly developed assays.
- Learn to modify and optimize assays.
- Learn to investigate, compare, and contrast commercial and in-house methodologies to improve pathogen detection.
- Learn to perform next-generation sequencing on samples to investigate outbreaks.
- Learn to perform next-generation bioinformatics and phylogenetics to investigate novel viruses and describe viral outbreaks.
- Participate in seminars, join training classes, and present results at domestic and/or international conferences.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Shannon Whitmer (evk3@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: September 1, 2026. 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 CDCrpp@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should have received or be currently pursuing a master’s degree in one of the relevant fields.
Stipend
$72,000.00 – $74,000.00 Yearly
Point of Contact
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Master’s Degree.