CDC Dissemination and Implementation Science Fellow – Community-Based Solutions in Preparedness and Response

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), offers a one-year research opportunity in Atlanta, Georgia. You will work with multidisciplinary teams to advance infection prevention and public health preparedness.

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will develop evidence-based tools, trainings, and resources, with a focus on populations with access and functional needs during public health emergencies.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in relevant field, completed within last 5 years or by 12/31/2026.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with scientists and researchers across teams to prepare evidence-based tools, resources, trainings, and communications focused on preparedness and response for infection prevention and control of infectious diseases.
• Learn and apply behavioral science principles to public health preparedness and communication efforts.
• Engage in development of evidence-based tools, trainings, and educational resources and disseminate findings.

Skills

Public health preparedness

Statistics

SAS

Stata

R

SPSS

Oral & written communication

MS Office

Virtual communications platforms

Education

Master's degree in relevant field

Tools

SAS

Stata

R

SPSS

Job description

Organization

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Reference Code

CDC-2026-0087

Application Deadline

11/6/2026 12:00:00 AM 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), Office of Readiness and Response (IOD/ORR), 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

You will collaborate with scientists and researchers across teams within the branch to participate in an educational research project that will provide you an opportunity to learn about the needs of populations and settings with access and functional needs before, during, and after public health emergencies. Under the guidance of a mentor, you will engage in the preparation of evidence-based tools, resources, trainings, and communication and dissemination activities that are focused on preparedness and response for infection prevention and control of infectious diseases, and behavioral science and health outcomes, especially for specific populations and settings (e.g., schools, correctional facilities, homeless shelters). This is an opportunity to gain hands-on experiences which provide a direct impact to the nation’s public health preparedness and response initiatives. This includes an opportunity to learn more about other aspects of public health preparedness and response as well opportunities to engage with many CIOs and NGOs.

Learning Objectives

• Understand public health preparedness and response for populations with access and functional needs.
• Learn infection prevention and control strategies in settings such as schools, correctional facilities, and homeless shelters.
• Understand how to apply behavioral science principles to public health preparedness and communication efforts.
• Learn how to engage in the development of evidence-based tools, trainings, and educational resources.
• Strengthen skills in public health communication, research, and dissemination.
• Build skills necessary to effectively engage with multidisciplinary teams, federal partners, and NGOs.
• Hone skills in interpreting scientific literature and public health data to support preparedness activities.
• Gain hands-on experience in national public health preparedness and response initiatives.

Mentor(s)

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

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

October 1, 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).

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 degree in the one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past 5 years, or anticipated to be received by December 31, 2026.

Preferred Skills

• Experience or knowledge in public health preparedness and response is strongly preferred.
• Strong analytical, quantitative skills with a proficient understanding of statistics and proficiency in coding software such as SAS, Stata, R, or SPSS; qualitative skills is a plus but not required.
• Strong oral and written communication skills for various audiences is strongly preferred.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
• Experience or knowledge in virtual communications platforms is preferred.

Point of Contact

Rachel

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Master's Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 12/31/2026 12:00:00 AM.
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences
    • Emergency and Incident Management
    • Epidemiology
    • Nursing
    • Public Health
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 )