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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: 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 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’s Division of Population Health provides scientific leadership and expertise to prevent costly chronic diseases and improve health across the life span. Population Health Surveillance Branch (PHSB) collections the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) in partnership with the State Health Departments. The BRFSS is the nation’s premier system of health-related telephone surveys that collect state data about U.S. residents regarding their health-related risk behaviors, chronic health conditions, and use of preventive services.

Research Project: The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) collects data on chronic disease, risk factors, health care access, preventive disease measures and Social Determinants of Health. The participant will analyze the BRFSS data looking at chronic disease, risk factors, Social Determinants of Health and other health topics. They will provide analytical technical assistance to the BRFSS Coordinators on how to analyze the BRFSS Core and module data. They will collaborate with and be mentored by epidemiologists, statisticians, survey methodologists, and other health scientists who work on the BRFSS.

Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of the mentor, the participant will receive training in the following areas:

• Enhance their knowledge of data cleaning/formatting, analysis and interpretation of the results using the BRFSS data which is a large cross-sectional population data set. The participant will enhance their computational skills using SAS SUDAAN, Survey SAS and R.
• Planning and conducting data analyses on BRFSS survey data to identify areas with disparities in coverage for certain demographic or geographic subgroups in the population.
• Conducting descriptive, categorical, and complex multivariable data analysis to interpret study findings.
• Preparing scientific/technical reports and documentation to assist with manuscripts for publication. 
• Assisting CDC’s BRFSS partners with analysis and interpretation of BRFSS data.
• Presenting findings and recommendations at national forums and in peer-reviewed journals.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Gwynett Town (mpt2@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: July 1, 2024. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for two years, 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 ORISE.CDC.NCCDPHP@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

The qualified candidate should have received a bachelor or master's degree in one of the relevant fields, or be currently pursuing one of the degrees with completion by May 31, 2024. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in analyzing data using SAS, SUDAAN, SPSS, R or similar computer software package 
• Good written and oral communication skills

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree to be received by 5/31/2024 12:00:00 AM.
• Discipline(s):
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (6 )
  • Earth and Geosciences (1 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (18 )
  • Mathematics and Statistics (11 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (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.)