CDC Evaluation of HIV Diagnostic Tests Fellowship

Organization
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Reference Code
CDC-NCHHSTP-2023-0084
How to Apply

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A complete application consists of:
  • An application
  • 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, and this posting will remain open until a qualified candidate is identified.

CDC Office and Location: A fellowship opportunity is currently available with the Laboratory Branch (LB), National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, GA. Successful candidates will be required to re-locate the Atlanta for the fellowship appointment.

Research Project: This project serves to apply HIV diagnostic tests to surveillance samples and alternative sample types not already FDA-approved for assessments of sample suitability for diagnostics. Under the guidance of a mentor, the selected participant will become familiar with the types and intended uses of HIV diagnostic tests. The participant will learn the principles behind different types of tests (molecular and serologic), the performance characteristics as described in the product inserts, and statistical methods to determine test sensitivity, specificity and variance. Using collections of known sample types, the participant will be able to generate data from evaluation test performance to support advancing promising new diagnostic technologies that aid in improving HIV testing. Regular meetings will be held with the activity lead to discuss project goals, progress, data analyses and data presentation. 

Learning Objectives:

  • Describe the intended uses of HIV diagnostic tests
  • Perform testing independently
  • Apply methods to evaluate test performance
  • Compare performance characteristics between different tests
  • Generate reports and presentations to disseminate the data

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Jeff Johnson (jlj6@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: August 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.NCHHSTP@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, or be currently pursuing one of the degrees and will reach completion by June 30, 2023. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

Preferred skills:

  • Experience in the use of molecular and serological diagnostic assays to monitor HIV infection
  • Some experience in processing biological specimens and in sequence analysis
  • Knowledge regarding antiretroviral drugs, drug resistance, and animal models of infection with simian HIV
Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Bachelor's Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 6/30/2023 11:59:00 PM.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (4 )
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.)

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