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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.

If you have questions, send an email to ORISE.CDC.OLSS@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

CDC Office and Location: A fellowship opportunity is available with the Office of Laboratory Science and Safety (OLSS) 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: The Office of Laboratory Science and Safety (OLSS) provides high-level oversight and coordination of laboratory policies and operations associated with laboratory safety, quality, training, and regulatory affairs at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) domestic campuses. The Office of Laboratory Safety (OLSaf) within OLSS, oversees all laboratory safety matters within the CDC, including biological, chemical, and radiological safety, select agent, and animal care compliance. In addition, OLSaf holds the delegated authority for the Radiation Safety Officer and Responsible Official for the Federal Select Agent Program and provides technical expertise and assistance to local safety committees, CIOs, and collateral duty safety officers.

Learning Objectives: Expectations and training opportunities of the appointment:

• Assist with radiological surveys/wipe tests, redesign and streamlining radiological dosimetry database, disposal of radiological waste, and the management of radiological meters
• Design scientific studies for applied biosafety projects with a particular emphasis on validating large- and small-scale decontaminations, waste inactivation, and disinfectant efficacy
• Aid in the implementation of an enterprise-wide environmental, health, and safety software suite unifying critical agency systems (incident and near miss, laboratory registry, and inspections) by ensuring data integrity, checking systems, and developing user workflows
• Develop written reports and analyze laboratory safety data using statistical modeling to identify trends
• Communicate with CDC laboratory community via the development of materials and participation in training and meeting

Additional research activities could be assigned to support other critical activities and projects within the Office. There are opportunities for attendance at scientific conferences and travel to support the applied laboratory safety initiatives.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Brandon Hatcher (qaw7@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: January 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 for up to five years 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, 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.OLSS@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

The qualified candidate should have received a master's degree in one of the relevant fields (e.g. Microbiology, Immunology, Health Physics, Chemistry). Degree must have been received within the past five years.

Preferred skills:

• Knowledge of Microsoft Excel, PowerBI, Nintex forms, SharePoint workflow (or similar)
• Strong interest in gaining knowledge of laboratory safety regulations with some laboratory research experience
• Willing to learn advanced functions in Excel and PowerBI, and can perform independent tasks and work collectively with a team to achieve project goals
• Good written and oral communication skills

• Degree: Master's Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (1 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (48 )

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.)