CDC Assessing Tobacco Exposure in People Fellowship

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) offers a research opportunity with the CDC in Atlanta, focusing on tobacco exposure biomarker analysis using LC/MS and automated sample prep. You will work with a multidisciplinary team to perform lab-based research and data interpretation.

The role emphasizes hands-on LC/MS methods, data review, and presentation of results, with strong QA emphasis and the potential for renewal based on funding and performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry or relevant STEM field, earned within the last 60 months.
• Strong interest in analytical chemistry and laboratory research.
• Good communications skills and ability to collaborate in a team.
• Independent performance of routine lab tasks with strict QA procedures.
• Experience handling biological samples and sample inventory.
• Mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography experience.
• Data review, management, reporting, and presentation.
• Statistical analysis experience.

Responsibilities

• Analyze tobacco exposure biomarkers using LC/MS.
• Train with multidisciplinary scientists on exposure-assessment activities.
• Process biological specimens (urine, blood) with automated equipment.
• Develop data visualizations and present analytical results.
• Ensure QA/QC practices compliant with CLIA requirements.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Mass spectrometry

Liquid chromatography

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Communication

QA procedures

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or relevant STEM field

Master’s degree in Chemistry or relevant STEM field

Tools

Mass spectrometry instrumentation

LC/MS instrumentation

Laboratory QA/QC procedures

Job description

Organization

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Reference Code

CDC-2026-0108

Application Deadline

11/20/2026 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), National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH), Division of Laboratory Sciences (DLS), Tobacco and Volatiles Branch (TVB) in Atlanta, Georgia. TVB develops methods, analyzes samples, and measures toxic and addictive substances in tobacco products, tobacco smoke, other emissions, and biological or product matrices.

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

This training opportunity is focused on the analysis and characterization of tobacco exposure related biomarkers using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), automated sample preparation approaches, and related analytical techniques. You will train alongside a multidisciplinary team of scientists on exposure-assessment activities and laboratory research.

Learning Objectives

• Gain hands-on experience processing biological specimens, including urine and blood, using automated laboratory equipment and established sample-preparation techniques.
• Develop proficiency analyzing biological samples with advanced analytical instrumentation, including liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS).
• Build skills in processing, reviewing, and interpreting analytical data using specialized software, established data-evaluation procedures, and statistical methods.
• Strengthen scientific communication skills by presenting analytical results through effective data visualizations and scientific presentations.
• Gain experience maintaining quality-control and quality-assurance practices consistent with applicable Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) requirements.
• Develop experience designing, optimizing, validating, and troubleshooting analytical methods to detect and quantify exposure biomarkers in biological matrices.

Mentor(s)

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

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

October 15, 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length

The appointment will initially be for one year 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.

Stipend

$4,446.75 – $5,439.25 Monthly

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 have received a bachelor's or master's degree in one of the relevant fields (chemistry or relevant STEM field). Degree must have been received within the past five years.

Preferred Skills

• Strong interest in analytical chemistry and laboratory research.
• Does not use any tobacco or nicotine-containing products.
• Good communications skills, and collaborate well in a team environment.
• Independent performance of routine laboratory tasks and careful adherence to laboratory quality procedures.
• Handling and processing of biological samples, manage sample inventory.
• Solid-phase extraction and other sample-preparation techniques.
• Mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography.
• Data review, management, reporting, and presentation.
• Statistical analysis.

Point of Contact

Rachel

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
• Minimum Overall GPA: 3.30
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Bio-inorganic Chemistry
  • Bio-organic Chemistry
  • Biophysical Chemistry
  • Chemistry (General)
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Materials Sciences
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Theoretical Chemistry
• Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (3 )
• Environmental and Marine Sciences (1 )
• Life Health and Medical Sciences (3 )
• 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.)