To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.

A complete application consists of:

• An application
• Transcripts – Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts
• A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
• One educational or professional recommendation. Your application will be considered incomplete, and will not be reviewed until one recommendation is submitted.

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

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*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 Chicago, Illinois.

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: EPA’s Five-Year Reviews are required by federal law for Superfund hazardous waste sites. The reviews are conducted to evaluate if a clean-up remedy still protects people and the environment. Communities may be at risk from chemical exposures at sites that were cleaned up, as new or different hazards may be present that were not as well understood when the public health assessment or health consultation was completed. ATSDR’s most important contribution to this process is to apply updated science to identify where new health hazards (such as vapor intrusion or changes in chemical toxicity) have emerged. 

Learning Objectives: You will have the opportunity to: 

• Learn ATSDR’s approach to conducting public health assessments (PHAs).
• Evaluate available data to assess the potential for human health risks from exposure to environmental contaminants and gain experience with reviewing site histories, demographic data and the surrounding areas to inform the PHAs.
• Network and gain communication experience through community outreach and coordination meetings with partners and key stakeholders. 
• Learn about priority hazards and evolving science relevant to Superfund sites. Collaborate with ATSDR staff to understand the current protocols for 5 Year Reviews. 
• Gain experience in best practices and approaches to highlight priority issues, i.e., sites where protective clean-up levels have been lowered. 
• Receive mentor guidance on reviews and identifying sites where follow-up PHA activity is needed.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is LaVedia Smith (zpn3@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Fall 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year 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 and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) 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.

The qualified candidate should have received or be currently pursuing a master's degree in the one of the relevant fields.

• Strong written, verbal, research, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and familiarity with statistical analysis methods and software.
• Critical thinking and scientific judgment to evaluate complex environmental health data and site conditions to determine whether a public health problem exists, in accordance with ATSDR guidance.  
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external partners, including federal, state, local, and tribal agencies, to identify environmental public health issues and develop appropriate, science-based recommendations. 
• Environmental health experience with issues involving hazardous substances and exposure scenarios. 
• Familiarity with environmental health hazards across a range of situations, including complex or large-scale hazardous waste releases, consistent with ATSDR policies and scientific standards. 

• Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
• Degree: Master's Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Communications and Graphics Design (3 )
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (1 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (2 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (7 )

I certify that I have not previously been employed by CDC or by a contractor working directly for CDC.  I understand that CDC does not permit individuals with a prior employment relationship with CDC or its contractors to participate as trainees in the ORISE program. (Exceptions may be granted for individuals who, since the previous CDC employment, have obtained a new STEM degree which necessitates training in a new field.)