CDC Analytical Method Development for the Measurement of Viral Proteins

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia offers a research opportunity administered by ORISE. The Clinical Chemistry Branch conducts work to detect, diagnose, treat, and prevent chronic and infectious diseases, including vaccine-related research. The appointment is full-time and based in Atlanta, GA.

Details include a rolling review, a one-year initial appointment with possible renewal, and stipend support. Citizenship: U.S. citizens only.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or has completed a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or Life Sciences.
• GPA minimum 3.0 as stated in eligibility.
• U.S. citizenship required for this opportunity.

Responsibilities

• Gain experience supporting detection, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases.
• Develop methods to measure viral proteins for vaccine quality.
• Learn sample preparation using automated instrumentation.
• Gain mass-spectrometry–based data analysis experience.
• Collaborate with CDC influenza researchers, vaccine manufacturers, and regulatory agencies.

Skills

Lab experience

Undergrad research

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry / Life Sciences

Job description

Organization

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Reference Code

CDC-2026-0080

Application Deadline

11/6/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

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.

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: The Clinical Chemistry Branch (CCB) at the Division of Laboratory Sciences (DLS), National Center for Environmental Health, CDC, conducts research and provides laboratory support to improve the detection, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of various chronic/infectious diseases. CCB develops analytical methods for the measurement of viral proteins to improve the quality of vaccines for respiratory diseases (influenza, COVID-19, RSV) and decrease the time required to produce vaccines in the event of a pandemic. CCB collaborates with CDC’s influenza division, vaccine manufacturers and regulatory agencies with a variety of projects related to this mission.

The research involves activities such as sample preparation using automated equipment, analysis of samples by mass spectrometry, data processing and analysis using complex software and data evaluation procedures, and presentation of results.

Learning Objectives

• Gain research experience supporting the detection, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of chronic and infectious diseases.
• Develop analytical methods to measure viral proteins and evaluate vaccine quality for respiratory diseases, including influenza, COVID-19, and RSV.
• Learn laboratory procedures for sample preparation using automated instrumentation.
• Gain hands-on exposure to mass-spectrometry-based sample analysis and related quality-assurance procedures.
• Build skills in processing, evaluating, and interpreting complex laboratory data using specialized software.
• Gain experience communicating scientific findings through data summaries, reports, and presentations.
• Collaborate with CDC influenza researchers, vaccine manufacturers, and regulatory agencies to train on projects that support pandemic preparedness and vaccine development.

Mentor(s)

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

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

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 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).

Qualifications

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

Preferred Skills

• Experience conducting routine laboratory tasks independently.
• Undergraduate research laboratory experience; chemical, biological, and/or analytical laboratory research.
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Point of Contact

Rachel

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree.
• Minimum Overall GPA: 3.00
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences
    • Analytical Chemistry
    • Chemistry (General)
  • 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.)