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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 available with the Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases (DFWED) in the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID) at 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.

DFWED works to promote food safety and to prevent illnesses from foodborne, waterborne, and fungal infections. The fellow will collaborate with a team of health communicators to identify and implement effective communication and outreach strategies to inform the public of risks and prevention measures for these infections. 

Research Project: The primary project involves collaborating with a communication team to research and evaluate communication of health promotion and disease prevention messages, including analyzing data from web, social media, and traditional media to develop recommendations for future practice. The fellow also will have opportunities to enhance quantitative and qualitative research skills, critical thinking and problem solving, communication, and teamwork skills.

Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor, the fellow will participate in opportunities that may include:

• Communication research: Research consumer knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs on division topics, identify knowledge gaps, and propose materials needed to address these knowledge gaps. Conduct literature reviews, use theoretical behavioral models to create messages and/or recommendations for communication products/dissemination strategies.
• Evaluation: Track communications data and developing reports that document the reach of communication materials.
• Communication planning, material development and dissemination: Translate scientific research and data into consumer-focused materials, including writing fact sheets, web content and program stories. Plan communication initiatives.
• Web: Analyze web usage data to develop recommendations for improving communication practices and adding needed content.
• Social media: Monitor social media channels and develop content for their use (messages, photos, video).
• Media: Develop materials for media outreach and evaluate media coverage.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Sara Bresee (yla4@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: February-March 2024. 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, 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.NCEZID@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 (e.g. Public Health with a concentration in Health Education, Behavioral Science, Health Promotion, Health Communication, Health/Science Journalism), or be currently pursuing one of the degrees. Most recent degree(s) must have been received within the past five years.

• Strong writing, speaking, and interpersonal skills, especially use of plain language principles
• Experience in communication principles, methods, practices and techniques and analytical methods to execute and measure health communication campaigns and outreach efforts.
• Experience in health communication and/or behavioral science research.
• Experience in public health or translating science-based information for the public.
• Experience in using data analysis software like SPSS, SAS, R, MAXQDA or NVivo. 
• Innovative, creative, and a fast learner.

• Degree: Master's Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
• Discipline(s):
  • Business (1 )
  • Communications and Graphics Design (6 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (51 )
  • Other Non-Science & Engineering (4 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (30 )
• 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.)