To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.

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.

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*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

CDC Office and Location: A research opportunity is available with Miner Safety Branch of Spokane Mining Research Division (SMRD) within the NIOSH Mining Program, under the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Spokane, Washington. SMRD primarily serves the Western US to conduct research to improve Health and Safety of miners. Within the MSB are two teams: Automation and Emerging Technology and Geomechanics.

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.

NIOSH is a multidisciplinary research institute of the federal government that was established in 1970 to conduct research and make recommendations for the prevention of work-related illnesses and injuries. NIOSH is one of the centers of the CDC.

Research Project: The research in the Miner Safety Branch involves research and guidance in identifying physical hazards in the mining environment and finding solutions to ameliorate those hazards. The research that the participant will contribute to focuses on identifying the opportunities and challenges of implementation of emerging technology in the mining industry (autonomy, AI, sensor technology, etc.) as well as computer modeling of dynamic elements of the mining environment (shifting ground, equipment, structural support, warning systems, etc.). 

Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of mentors, the participant will be involved with and learn how to: 

• Evaluate sensor technologies to enhance the real-time assessment of dynamic and environmental hazards 
• Characterize physical structures to identify failures before they occur.
• Develop and evaluate autonomous control elements to minimize impact on miner safety.
• Collaborate within a research team of diverse backgrounds to achieve research goals.
• Engage with professionals and partners to disseminate research findings through publications and presentations.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Robert Bissonette (qnq8@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: 2025. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for 9 months, 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, 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.NIOSH@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a master's or doctoral degree in the one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years, or anticipated to be received by 5/30/2025.

• Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 5/30/2025 12:00:00 AM.
• Discipline(s):
  • Engineering (8 )

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.)