CDC Postdoctoral Fellowship in Arboviral Research

Organization
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Reference Code
CDC-NCEZID-DVBD-2023-0127
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.

Description

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

CDC Office and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the Arboviral Diseases Branch (ADB) within the Division of Vector-Borne Diseases (DVBD) at the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) located in Fort Collins, Colorado.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is one of the major operating 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 DVBD is a national and international leader in researching, preventing, and controlling viruses and bacteria spread by vectors, including mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. Our staff includes entomologists, epidemiologists, molecular biologists, laboratorians, microbiologists, physicians, veterinarians, virologists, and zoologists. We are a highly collaborative team with opportunities to learn new skills across multiple disciplines.

Research Project: This fellowship offers the selected participant an opportunity to gain hands-on laboratory experience in the research of arboviruses, including flaviviruses, alphaviruses, and bunyaviruses.  We are looking for a postdoctoral fellow to conduct independent research in projects focused on understanding the early events in viral infection and the humoral immune response to develop new reagents and assays for serological diagnosis. Multiple potential projects are available, and we welcome new ideas that align with CDC's mission to support and advance laboratory diagnostics to more accurately and efficiently detect infectious diseases that pose a threat to human health. 

Learning Objectives: In addition to laboratory research, the fellow will have the opportunity to gain experience and skills in manuscript and proposal preparations and presenting their research at conferences and workshops. Opportunities for collaboration across the division are available, and we are committed to the personal and professional growth of the selected fellow. 

Mentor(s)The mentor for this opportunity is Amanda Calvert (zpz0@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: September 4, 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. 

Citizenship RequirementsThis opportunity is available to U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR).

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

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields, or be currently pursuing the degree with completion before August 30, 2023.

Preferred Skills:

  • Enthusiastic about scientific research in a public health setting.
  • Background in virology, immunology, biochemistry or molecular biology who can think independently and creatively.
  • Team player with a positive attitude that enjoys conducting research in a collaborative setting.
Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 8/25/2023 12:00:00 AM.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (48 )
Affirmation

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.)