CDC Immunodiagnostics and Proteomics Research

CDC Office and Location: A research opportunity is available in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) located 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 protects 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. CDC increases the health security of our nation. As the nation’s health protection agency, CDC saves lives and protects people from health threats. To accomplish its mission, CDC conducts important science and provides health information that protects our nation against expensive and dangerous health threats, and responds when these arise.

Research Project: The Poxvirus and Rabies Branch is responsible for consultation, disease surveillance, and investigations related to poxviruses and rabies viruses.  We serve as World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating as one of two WHO Collaborating Centers for Smallpox and other Poxvirus Infections, the WHO Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Rabies, and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) reference laboratory for rabies.

To support our mission, our laboratories perform nucleic acid and serologic based diagnostic testing, undertake research and development of novel assays, and engage in animal studies designed to elucidate viral mechanisms and anti-viral compound efficacy.  We are seeking a research fellow to train with the Immunodiagnostics and Proteomics Team.  You will learn to utilize common and novel serology and molecular techniques for diagnostic or surveillance testing against pox- and rabies viruses.  We utilize a variety of techniques to characterize serologic responses including ELISA, blotting, and virus neutralization assays (PRNT, or plaque reduction and neutralization titration) to detail immune response and to detect viruses.  We incorporate modern technologies such as protein microarrays, Luminex, and MSD to aid in these endeavors and utilize automated liquid handling equipment (Tecan Evo ELISA) to automate our assays and workflows. On the molecular testing, we are moving towards utilizing a novel point-of-care multiplex molecular diagnostic tests for resource limited settings.  You will have the opportunity to collaborate with the lab team and the epidemiology team to learn how to enhance communication and may collaborate with electronic report management system. 

You will have the opportunity to participate in one or more independent and group research projects of your interest which could include: use of animal model systems to understand pox- or rabies- virus pathogenesis, participation and field investigations or study protocols in national and international locations, or in design and assessment of cutting-edge technologies for application in our laboratories.  Publication of findings from clinical testing, ongoing collaborations, and independent research is anticipated.  Experience from these efforts will provide the fellow skills and a robust base for future graduate or medical school plans.  

Learning Objectives: 

• Learn about poxviruses and rabies viruses through research conducted in internationally recognized reference and collaborating laboratories.
• Gain experience in disease surveillance, diagnostic testing, and outbreak investigation related to viral infectious diseases.
• Develop hands-on skills in serologic and molecular diagnostic techniques including ELISA, blotting methods, virus neutralization assays, and multiplex molecular testing.
• Learn how immune responses to viral infections are characterized using advanced immunodiagnostic technologies such as protein microarrays, Luminex, and MSD platforms.
• Gain exposure to automated laboratory workflows and instrumentation including automated liquid handling systems for diagnostic assay processing.
• Develop knowledge of assay development, validation, and implementation for viral detection and surveillance.
• Participate in collaborative projects involving laboratory science, epidemiology, and electronic data/report management systems.
• Gain research experience using animal models to study viral pathogenesis and evaluate antiviral strategies.
• Develop scientific communication skills through collaborative research, publication opportunities, and potential participation in national and international field investigations.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Subbian Panayampalli (xdv3@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: September 14, 2026. 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 CDCrpp@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a master's degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years. 

After the fellowship starts, the fellow will need to get smallpox and rabies vaccination to obtain laboratory access.

Preferred skills:

• Lab experience with common serologic or molecular testing. 
• Tissue culture and virus production is preferred.