CDC Analytical Method Development for the Measurement of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Serum

Oak Ridge Associated Universities; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The CDC-hosted ORISE fellowship in Atlanta offers a research opportunity in the Organic Analytical Toxicology Branch to develop and validate LC-MS/MS methods for PFAS detection in human serum. The program emphasizes hands-on sample preparation, data processing, and collaboration with a CLIA-certified lab.

Ideal candidates are doctoral-level chemists with experience in LC-MS/MS, PFAS chemistry, and strong communication skills, seeking a one-year appointment with potential renewal contingent on

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in Chemistry or Environmental Chemistry, awarded within the last 60 months or anticipated by 12/31/2026.

Responsibilities

• Conduct PFAS analytical method development and validation using LC-MS/MS.
• Perform sample extraction and preparation for biological matrices.
• Analyze data and prepare reports summarizing findings.
• Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to support NHANES-related biomonitoring goals.

Skills

LC-MS/MS expertise

HRMS

Method development

Sample extraction

PFAS chemistry

Scientific communication

Microsoft Office

Education

Doctoral degree in Chemistry or Environmental Chemistry

Tools

Microsoft Office

LC-MS/MS instrumentation

Job description

Organization Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Reference Code CDC-2026-0150

Application Deadline 1/15/2027 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Description

• Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis and applications may close before the deadline.

CDC Office and Location

A research opportunity is available in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the National Center for Environmental Health in the Division of Laboratory Sciences 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.

CDC's Division of Laboratory Sciences (DLS) enhances Americans' health by developing tests and using them to detect diseases and for chemical exposures. We also help labs in quality improvement and respond to health crises. We collaborate with U.S. government agencies, state and local health departments, academic institutions, community groups, philanthropy foundations, and international organizations.

Research Project

The Organic Analytical Toxicology (OAT) Branch in the Division of Laboratory Sciences (DLS), National Center for Environmental Health, CDC, conducts research that enhances Americans' health by developing tests and using them to detect diseases and chemical exposures. OAT develops and validates analytical methods to detect and quantify per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals", including new and emerging PFAS that are not yet well characterized in human exposure studies. This supports CDC's National Biomonitoring Program, including the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), by measuring PFAS in the U.S. population and informing public health understanding of exposure trends over time.

This fellowship involves activities such as identification and characterization of novel and emerging PFAS, extraction and preparation of human serum for PFAS measurement, method development and validation using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), data processing and evaluation using specialized software, and presentation of results.

Learning Objectives

• Gain research experience supporting the biomonitoring of PFAS exposure in the U.S. population.
• Gain experience developing and validating analytical methods for the detection and quantification of new and emerging PFAS in human serum.
• Gain hands-on experience with sample extraction, preparation, and analysis using LC-MS/MS platforms.
• Build skills in method development, including selectivity and sensitivity for novel PFAS.
• Gain experience with quality assurance and quality control procedures in a CLIA-certified laboratory environment.
• Build skills in processing, evaluating, and interpreting complex laboratory data using specialized software.
• Gain experience communicating scientific findings through data summaries, reports, and presentations.

Mentor(s)

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

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

2026/2027. 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 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.

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 be currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in the one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years, or anticipated to be received by 12/31/2026.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, specifically liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS)
• Experience with analytical method development and validation
• Experience with sample extraction and preparation for biological matrices
• Familiarity with PFAS chemistry and emerging contaminants
• Strong communication skills, ability to document processes, and research collaboratively as part of a team
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Point of Contact

Rachel

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 12/31/2026 12:00:00 AM.
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Environmental Chemistry
• Life Health and Medical Sciences

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.)