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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.

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

CDC Office and Location: The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) located in Atlanta, has an opportunity available with the Office of Community Health Hazard Assessment (OCHHA) Western Section. ATSDR responds to environmental health emergencies; investigates emerging environmental health threats; conducts research on the health impacts of hazardous waste sites; and builds capabilities of and provides actionable guidance to state and local health partners.

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. 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 critical science and provides health information that protects our nation against expensive and dangerous health threats, and responds when these arise.

Research Project: Public health assessment (PHA) training is available and will be required for all fellows. The selected participant will receive training through ATSDR's OCHHA by learning and participating in data analysis and public health assessment methodology. The participant will strengthen their skills in environmental sampling data collection and analysis, data visualization, exposure pathway analysis and site assessment. They will have opportunities to build on their academic training at sites assessing contaminants such as ethylene oxide, PFAS, lead, and arsenic.

Learning Objectives: This opportunity will allow the participant to take part in programs, projects, and activities related to the mission of ATSDR which is to protect communities from harmful health effects related to exposure to natural and man-made hazardous substances. 

Mentor(s): The mentors for this opportunity are Elizabeth Irvin-Barnwell (jcx0@cdc.gov), Brad Goodwin (ylm5@cdc.gov), and Jona Johnson (ijg0@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentors.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: February or March 2024. 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: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The stipend rate is $5,026 per month, and includes an insurance supplement.

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.ATSDR@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

The qualified candidate should have received a master's degree in one of the relevant fields or be currently pursuing one of the degrees and will reach completion by the start date of the appointment. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

Preferred skills:

• Familiar with environmental health practice and data evaluation
• Ability to conduct tasks effectively independently and on teams
• Excellent technical oral and written communication skills

• Degree: Master's Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (2 )
  • Earth and Geosciences (6 )
  • Engineering (14 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (2 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (19 )
  • Mathematics and Statistics (1 )
  • Physics (2 )
• Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).

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.)