CDC Communicating Data Quality Fellowship
Connect with ORISE...on the GO! Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond!
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.
*Review of applications will begin September 15 and, if needed, will continue on a rolling basis until filled.
CDC Office and Location: A fellowship opportunity is available with the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Hyattsville, Maryland.
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: NCHS disseminates multiple health objectives using a wide range of data sources. Although these data sources are nationally representative, the quality of the estimates from these sources varies. Importantly, the quality can also vary within data sources for key population subgroups as a result of non-response and other factors. Consideration of new data sources and methods, including modeled estimates and representative and non-representative estimates from internet-based panel surveys, may alleviate some quality concerns and exacerbate others. Providing data users with the ability to better understand data quality leads to better use of the information for decision making and policy decisions.
Under the guidance of the Division of Research and Methodology’s Director and with support from multiple divisions, the ORISE fellow will identify methods and practices used for communication of data quality from modeled and internet-based data sources, for population subgroups, and for short communications, like social media. Information collected, including specific examples, will be synthesized and organized into short memos, presentations, and a written report. Identified practices will include language, data visualizations and graphics, other online tools, short documentation, and other approaches.
Learning Objectives: As a result of this training, the participant will improve their skills in understanding data quality, federal data, data visualization, and how to synthesize and organize findings.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Jennifer Parker (jdp3@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: As soon as a qualified candidate is identified. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for seven months, but may be renewed upon recommendation of CDC and is contingent on the availability of funds. The end date for this opportunity will be May 31, 2023 but can be extended if funding is approved.
Level of Participation: The appointment is part-time (20 hours per week).
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.
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.NCHS@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a bachelor's or master's degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years.
Preferred skills:
- Excellent writing and communication skills
- Knowledge and experience with analysis of different types of data, such as survey data, administrative records
- Knowledge of statistical measures of uncertainty, including standard errors and confidence limits
- Interest in how data are used for public health decision-making
- Knowledge of qualitative evaluation approaches
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.)
ORISE GO
The ORISE GO mobile app helps you stay engaged, connected and informed during your ORISE experience – from application, to offer, through your appointment and even as an ORISE alum!
