CDC Biology Fellowship

Organization
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Reference Code
CDC-NCHHSTP-2024-0029
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.

Application Deadline
5/31/2024 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

CDC Office and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 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.

Research Project: This research opportunity is focused on diagnostic test development for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) pathogens such as Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis. The fellow will also collaborate closely with CDC microbiologists to contribute to surveillance activities on syphilis. The participant will obtain technical experience with molecular diagnostic tests, sequence-based typing, whole genome sequencing (WGS), and assays for detection of antibiotic resistance markers. The participant will also be involved in quality control activities, analyzing and interpreting test results, and developing troubleshooting skills.

Learning Objectives: This fellowship may provide the opportunity to be involved in the following activities to gain experience:

  • Performing nucleic acid amplification testing, WGS, and genotyping assays to support STD research and surveillance activities
  • Participate in the creation of a specimen repository
  • Operation of automated laboratory instrumentation
  • Contributing to the preparation of project protocols and documents, summaries, presentations, manuscripts and figures of laboratory data and results. 
  • Enhance professional growth and development by participating in trainings, workshops, conferences, and in-service meetings

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

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: April 1, 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: 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 and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) 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.NCHHSTP@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate will have received a Bachelor's or Master's Degree within the last 5 years or anticipated to be received by 3/29/2024 11:59:00 PM.

Preferred skills:

  • Knowledge of bacterial pathogens and their identification/detection, typing, and genetic characterization
  • Knowledge of molecular biology methods
  • Technical experience with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques  
  • Technical experience and Sanger sequencing and/or WGS
  • Technical experience with nucleic acid extraction methods
  • Interest in STI pathogens and public health
  • Familiarity with quality management and good laboratory documentation skills
  • Strong oral and written communication skills and strong interpersonal skills
Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
  • Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 3/29/2024 12:00:00 AM.
  • Overall GPA: 3.50
  • Discipline(s):
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (51 )
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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