CDC DNA and Peptide Synthetic/Analytical Chemist Internship

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

CDC Office and Location: A fellowship is available with the Advanced Diagnostics Biotechnologies Branch, Division of Core Laboratory Services and Response (DBB/DCLS), within the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases at 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 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 participant will assist the activity leader in implementing specified goals of ADBB's DNA and Peptide Synthesis and analysis laboratories. Participation will include contributing to laboratory data output, data management, and analysis. This will include contributing to laboratory data output, data management, and analysis. The participant will learn new techniques, software operation, perform DNA and Peptide synthesis (both automated and at bench), and operate highly technical equipment including analytical and preparative HPLCs, mass spectrometers, capillary electrophoresis instruments, and UV/VIS spectrophotometers. Adherence to the highest quality and safety standards of work including generation and maintenance of accurate and complete experimental laboratory protocols and records is expected. 

Learning Objectives: During this fellowship, the participant may have the following learning opportunities:

• Collaborate with ADBB staff and other scientists in diverse research, development, and production laboratories
• Participate in ADBB projects from inception to completion including data presentation in scientific meetings
• Operate synthesis, analysis, and mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) instruments
• Provide quality control on synthetic products including interpretation of data and troubleshooting
• Assist with other molecular detection and synthetic methods development on a need basis

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Faye Rashid (fbj3@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: July 8, 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.

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 ORISE.CDC.NCEZID@orau.org  and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should 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:

• Ability to perform general chemistry bench tasks with accuracy and efficiency.

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 60 month(s).