ATSDR Health Communication Fellowship

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) offers a research opportunity hosted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, GA. The fellowship focuses on planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating environmental medicine educational activities, with emphasis on health communication and web content design.

You will engage with subject matter experts and the OCDAPS team to apply quality training standards and plain language practices.

Qualifications

• Master's or Doctoral degree in relevant field.
• Degree within last 60 months or currently pursuing.
• Citizenship: U.S. citizen or LPR.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Health communications experience is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate environmental medicine education activities.
• Learn instructional design and health communication best practices.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts and the web team.

Skills

Strong verbal and written comms

Office 365 proficiency

Microsoft Teams

Website design

Instructional design interest

Education

Master's degree

Doctoral degree

Tools

Outlook

Microsoft Teams

SharePoint

Job description

Organization

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Reference Code

CDC-2026-0111

Description

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

CDC Office and Location

A research opportunity is available in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) located in Atlanta, Georgia.

About CDC

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

Through this Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) fellowship, you will train with ATSDR’s Office of Capacity Development and Applied Prevention Science (OCDAPS) in the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of environmental medicine educational activities for clinicians. You will learn best practices in instructional design and health communication, including web communication, application of CDC’s quality training standards, user experience, digital content design, and plain language practices. You will engage with subject matter experts in environmental medicine and the web team to use education development resources, web content design tools, and platforms and learn about ATSDR’s environmental medicine educational products and how to improve quality and efficiency through data-driven design and digital content principles.

Learning Objectives

• Acquire important skills in health communication and instructional design.
• Further your understanding of educational development, web content design, and environmental medicine fields through participation in professional meetings and trainings and networking with experts.

Mentor(s)

The mentor for this opportunity is Linda Hansen ([e-mail]). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

October 11, 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 [e-mail] and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received or be currently pursuing a master's or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields.

Preferred Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, the ability to participate effectively in group settings, and proficiency in organizing and completing complex tasks.
• Proficiency in Office 365 Suite of Products: Outlook; TEAMS; SharePoint
• Ability to use Microsoft Teams for communication
• Experience with website design and user experience
• Interest or background in instructional design

Point of Contact

Rachel

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
• Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
• Discipline(s):
  • Communications and Graphics Design
    • Communications
    • Health Communications
• Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (5 )
  • Engineering (1 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (1 )
      • Life Health and Medical Sciences (2 )
        • Other Non-Science & Engineering (1 )

  Affirmation

  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.)