CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD) Public Health Internship Program

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

CDC Office and Location: A fellowship opportunity is available with the Operational Policy and Training Team within the Division of Global Health Protection (DGHP) in the Global Health Center at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. This opportunity can be part-time or full-time and is eligible for 100% telework from Atlanta, GA or San Juan, PR.

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.

The Global Health Center works to protect Americans from dangerous and costly public health concerns, including COVID-19, vaccine-preventable diseases, HIV, TB, and malaria—responding when and where health threats arise. The Operational Policy and Training Team (OPTT) within GHC is charged with strengthening CDC’s global operations and building capacity in support of CDC’s global mission. The team’s vision is to cultivate a sustainable and diverse global health workforce.

NCIRD - Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD) Home | CDC

Research Project: The Operational Policy and Training Team (OPTT) within the Overseas Operations Office strengthens global operations and builds capacity through 1) operational policy and guidance development, and 2) workforce development (global health fellowship pathway programs, training and professional skills development). As part of OPTT’s workforce development efforts, the team manages three global health fellowship programs and coordinates and delivers training and professional skills development opportunities for more than 3600 staff stationed in 60 countries around the world.

OPTT is seeking a qualified and motivated candidate to 1) gather, synthesize, analyze, and present global workforce data; 2) Support program planning and evaluation activities; and 3) Conceptualize and develop program communication materials.

Learning Objectives: The activities listed below represent the minimum training opportunities that the fellow will complete:

• Use information technology in accessing, collecting, analyzing, using, maintaining, and disseminating data
• Synthesize and analyze qualitative and quantitative data – Interpret results of data analysis for public health research, policy, or practice
• Communicate audience-appropriate public health content, both in writing and through oral presentation
• Perform effectively on inter-professional teams
• Engage internal and external stakeholders
• Use evaluation results to improve program and organizational performance
• Communicate audience-appropriate public health content, both in writing and through oral presentation
• Perform effectively on inter-professional teams
• Communicate audience-appropriate public health content in writing
• Social marketing and strategic communication principles – Select communication strategies for different audiences and propose strategies to identify stakeholders and build partnerships
• Perform effectively on inter-professional teams

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Felicia Warren (iay4@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: February 5, 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, or part-time, and is negotiable.

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.NCIRD@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should be a current University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences student pursuing a master's, doctoral, or medical degree in Biomedical Sciences, Health Sciences, Medicine, Public Health, or other related disciplines. Recent graduates from UPR will also be considered, and a degree must have been received within the past five years.

Preferred/Required skills:

• Analytical/assessment skills
• Excellent written and oral communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Cultural Competency skills