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• 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:  A research opportunity is currently available with the Quality and Safety Systems Branch (QSSB) in the Division of Laboratory Systems (DLS) within the Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services (CSELS) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 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 Quality and Safety Systems Branch (QSSB) in the Division of Laboratory Systems (DLS) works to advance public health and improve patient outcomes by advancing the quality and safety of clinical and public health testing and practice. QSSB is advancing the integration of laboratory expertise in healthcare and public health systems to improve diagnoses and surveillance systems. QSSB promotes safety and quality management systems to improve the quality of laboratory testing and the impact of resulting data for public health applications. By advancing the development and adherence to standards, guidelines, and regulations, QSSB works to improve the quality of laboratory testing on national and local levels. QSSB is leading the implementation of biorisk management systems to improve the safety of laboratory professionals, testing personnel, and the communities they serve. QSSB works with state and local partners, other federal agencies, private partnerships, professional organizations, and the public to support its goals. 

Research Project: The ORISE participant will collaborate with subject matter experts in QSSB to support ongoing and new initiatives, tasks, and efforts to improve the quality and safety of clinical and public health laboratories' testing and practice. The participant will support implementing and developing a biorisk management system for clinical and public health laboratories. Assist with projects related to improving clinical laboratory practice, updating guidance related to safety and quality practices in laboratory settings, and other activities in QSSB related to project management. 

Learning Objectives: 

• Identify principles of a quality management system and analyze how it applies to biorisk management.  
• Supports DLS priorities related to clinical and public health laboratories, laboratory quality and safety practices, and gain knowledge of applicable regulation(s), statutes, etc. (e.g., CLIA) governing laboratory testing.  
• Engage with federal and non-federal stakeholders (e.g., CMS and APHL) to improve laboratory testing and the quality and safety of clinical and public health practice.  
• Acquire experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder projects that focus on improving laboratory quality and safety practices.  
• Engage with subject matter experts with diverse backgrounds. 
• Prepare and deliver oral presentations to varied audiences sharing innovative ideas and reporting findings. 

Mentor(s): The mentor(s) for this opportunity are Sabrina DeBose (SOF7@cdc.gov) and Marquita R. McGhee (GFE3@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: September 1, 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 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.

Questions: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email ORISE.CDC.CSELS@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years.

Preferred skills:

• Master's/Ph.D. preferred in the health science field obtained in the last five years. This degree must be from an educational program from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (https://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/) at the time the degree was obtained.
• Familiarity with conducting laboratory safety risk assessments.   
• Experience developing biosafety and biosecurity-related training products (e.g., webinars, job aids).
• High-level organizational and analytical skills with attention to detail. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Project management skills.

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
• Discipline(s):
  • Business (2 )
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (2 )
  • Communications and Graphics Design (2 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (12 )
  • Other Non-Science & Engineering (4 )

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.)