CDC/U.S. NAC Laboratory Safety and Sciences Training Fellowship
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
CDC Office and Location: A research opportunity is currently available in the U.S. National Authority for Containment of Poliovirus (U.S. NAC) within the Center for Preparedness and Response (CPR) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. Remote participation is available within 50 miles of the appointment location 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.
U.S. NAC is responsible for oversight of poliovirus containment activities in the United States, including management of a national-level survey of facilities working with or storing poliovirus infectious and potentially infectious materials and certification of poliovirus-essential facilities to stringent biosafety and biosecurity standards. U.S. NAC also supports strategic planning and engagement with external partners at country, regional, and global levels, such as PAHO and WHO, to inform and improve containment activities to safeguard the global polio eradication initiative. U.S. NAC staff provide technical assistance, audit laboratories, conduct research and evaluation, and support studies to improve laboratory safety and science for polioviruses. NAC staff come from a range of backgrounds, including but not limited to microbiology, public health, emergency management, regulatory, program management, and public policy. Further information about CDC’s poliovirus containment work is available at: https://www.cdc.gov/poliovirus-containment/index.html
Research Project: NAC is seeking a qualified and motivated candidate for a Laboratory Safety and Sciences Training Fellowship focused on developing skills and experience in conducting research and evaluation of poliovirus laboratory biosafety, environmental and containment projects. The fellow will participate under the mentorship of NAC staff to develop skills and experience in design of scientific project proposals, protocols, and data collection tools; conduct biosafety studies in laboratory settings; validate and analyze data collected; and develop presentations, reports, and manuscripts to disseminate results for poliovirus containment implementation. Anticipated projects include participation in laboratory studies, development and implementation of innovative science agenda, data collection and analysis for biosafety and environmental studies, surveys, emergency response and planning activities, and communications products.
Learning Objectives:
- Improve skills in project design, data collection tool development, and data management and analysis methods
- Build professional networks and applied experience through collaboration with CDC staff and international and country partners in implementation of the WHO Global Action Plan IV standard for poliovirus containment
- Participate in online CDC-offered data collection and analysis trainings
- Participate in laboratory biosafety and environmental studies
- Participate in survey and surveillance activities
- Participate in emergency response and planning activities
- Participate in literature reviews and research agenda development aligned to strategic plans
- Gain experience in development of poliovirus containment products (e.g., presentations, reports, journal manuscripts)
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Christy Ottendorfer (uyk0@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: January 2025. 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: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.
Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens 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.IOD@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a master's or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date or be pursuing.
Preferred Skills/Experience:
- Prior experience in molecular, microbiological, or biomedical laboratories
- Interest in biocontainment and biosecurity
- Ability to collaborate with diverse internal and external partners
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Prior experience conducting data collection and management
For field research, the selected applicant must meet agency and site-specific occupational health program requirements, such as proof of vaccination. Anticipated travel: domestic, 10% or less
Point of Contact
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.