CDC Chemistry Research Fellowship

Organization
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Reference Code
CDC-NCEH-DLS-2022-0414
How to Apply

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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.

Application Deadline
4/14/2023 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

CDC Office and Location: The Division of Laboratory Sciences at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently seeking a laboratory research fellow (www.orau.gov/cdc) to fill a term opportunity in Atlanta, GA. The Division of Laboratory Sciences (www.cdc.gov/nceh/dls) maintains a state-of-the-art laboratory facility and specializes in applying advanced analytical methods for quantifying human exposure to environmental toxicants in support of National Center for Environmental Health. Within DLS, the Tobacco and Volatiles Branch develops methods, analyzes samples, and measures addictive and toxic substances in tobacco products, tobacco smoke, and other emissions.

Research Project: This specific training opportunity is centered on the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in blood and other matrices using equilibrium headspace gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The fellow will be trained in a supportive team of scientists who contribute to established regional and national exposure assessment studies. 

Learning Objectives: Training will include:

  • Development, implementation and troubleshooting of comprehensive chemical and sample quantitative analysis strategies at low parts-per-trillion levels by GC/MS combined with automated approaches
  • Identification of hazardous VOCs in product materials, compound identification and structural elucidation of VOCs in complex matrices
  • Data interpretation using SAS-JMP statistical approaches and LIMS reporting
  • Maintenance of clinical laboratory improvement amendments (CLIA) quality control and assurance compliance
  • Use of data analytics for effective presentation

Mentor(s)The mentor for this opportunity is Deepak Bhandari (xwo1@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Early 2023.  Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment LengthThe 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 ParticipationThe appointment is full-time.

Participant StipendThe participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Upon yearly renewal, all participants will receive a cost-of-living increase and a performance-based increase of up to an additional 6%. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this opportunity. ORAU offers a standard health insurance policy (with optional dental and vision coverage) with a maximum stipend toward individual coverage of $558 per month ($602 with dental and vision coverage). Reimbursement is not offered for moving expenses or site visit. 

Citizenship RequirementsThis 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 InformationThis 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.NCEH@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a bachelor's degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years.

Preferred skills:

  • Experience in chemical and analytical laboratory work desirable
  • Experience using Agilent GC/MS instruments desirable
  • Strong interest in analytic chemistry such as mass spectrometry, gas chromatography, solid phase microextraction, handling/processing of biologic samples, statistical analysis, data review and management.
  • Desirable candidates will have a competitive GPA (3.3 or higher).
Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Bachelor's Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )