CDC Development of High Resolution Screening and Discovery Assays for Chemical Threats

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, GA, offers an ORISE research fellowship in the Emergency Response Branch. You will engage in sample preparation, mass spectrometry analysis, and data processing to detect chemical exposure biomarkers using LC-MS platforms, and will contribute to scientific reporting.

A master's or doctoral degree in chemistry, biology, or related fields is required; a doctoral degree is preferred, with a strong emphasis on MS and chromatography

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in chemistry, biology, or related science; degree received within past five years or anticipated by 12/31/2026.
• Doctoral degree preferred, but master's with relevant experience may be considered.
• Stellar in mass spectrometry and chromatography-based biomarker detection methods.

Responsibilities

• Activities include sample preparation for human serum, plasma, and urine; analysis by mass spectrometry; data processing and evaluation using advanced software; and presentation of results.
• Gain experience communicating scientific findings through data summaries, reports, and presentations.

Skills

High-resolution MS

Sample preparation

Liquid chromatography

Communication skills

MS software proficiency

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemistry/Biology or related field

Job description

Organization

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Reference Code

CDC-2026-0128

Application Deadline

12/4/2026 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) 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 Emergency Response Branch (ERB) in the Division of Laboratory Sciences (DLS), National Center for Environmental Health, CDC, conducts research and provides laboratory support to improve the detection and identification of toxic chemical exposures. Specifically, ERB develops analytical methods to detect chemical exposure biomarkers such as protein adducts and agent metabolites to identify human exposure to chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals.

This fellowship involves activities such as sample preparation for human serum, plasma, and urine, analysis of samples by mass spectrometry, data processing and evaluation using advanced software, and presentation of results.

Learning Objectives

• Gain research experience supporting the detection and identification of human exposure to chemical threats.
• Gain experience developing databases for chemical threat biomarkers and building HRMS spectral libraries.
• Gain hands on experience with clinical sample preparation, mass spectrometry sample analysis, and CLIA quality assurance procedures.
• Gain experience with analytical method development for the detection and identification of biomarkers of chemical threat exposures using tandem mass spectrometry platforms, including LC-QQQ, LC-q-TOF, and LC-q-Orbitrap.
• 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 Brian Crow ([e-mail]). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

As soon as possible, 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.

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 chemistry, biology, or related science. Degree must have been received within the past five years, or is anticipated to receive by 12/31/2026.

Doctoral is preferred, but master's with relevant experience may also be considered.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with high resolution mass spectrometry (DIA and DDA) and data processing
• Experience with sample preparation
• Experience with liquid chromatography
• 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: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 12/31/2026 11:59:00 PM.
• Minimum Overall GPA: 3.25
• 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
• Life Health and Medical Sciences (6 )
• 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.)