CDC Environmental Health Technical Writing Fellow

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) offers a research opportunity with CDC in Atlanta, focusing on technical writing and risk communication related to chemical emergencies and environmental health. You will work with a writer/editor team under a mentor to review and update content for the Chemical Emergencies website and related products.

The program emphasizes plain language, health literacy, and audience-appropriate materials for public, professional, and emergency response

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields (e.g. Communications, Environmental Health, Public Health).
• Degree must have been received within the past five years, or anticipated to be received by 12/31/2026.

Responsibilities

• Review and update content for the Chemical Emergencies website and related communication products.
• Translate complex scientific content into clear, actionable language for diverse audiences.
• Assist in message testing and developing or improving environmental health content.

Skills

Writing skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Doctoral degree in Environmental Health

Doctoral degree in Communications

Job description

Organization

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Reference Code

CDC-2026-0036

Application Deadline

10/9/2026 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 and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (NCEH/ATSDR), 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

This opportunity focuses on technical writing and risk communication related to chemical emergencies and environmental health at the National Center for Environmental Health and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (NCEH/ATSDR). Under the guidance of a mentor, you will collaborate and learn from a writer/editor team to review and update content for the Chemical Emergencies website and related communication products. You may also participate in message testing, deliver writing-related training, and help develop or improve environmental health content. The research experience may include reviewing medical, veterinary, toxicological, and environmental health information; translating complex scientific content into clear, actionable language; and adapting materials for public, professional, and emergency response audiences. You may also gain exposure to content evaluation, web communication practices, Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication principles, and interdisciplinary coordination during emergency response activities.

Learning Objectives

Through this mentored learning experience, you will strengthen technical writing and editing skills while developing knowledge of chemical emergencies, toxicology, and environmental health. You will gain experience reviewing and synthesizing scientific and clinical information, applying plain language and health literacy principles, and developing accurate web information for diverse audiences. You will also build skills in incorporating subject matter feedback, evaluating the clarity and usability of communication materials, and organizing information so that health and safety guidance can be quickly understood during an emergency. In addition, you will gain familiarity with emergency communication coordination processes and the role of multidisciplinary teams in chemical incident response.

Mentor(s)

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

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

September 14, 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.

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 doctoral degree in the one of the relevant fields (e.g. Communications, Environmental Health, Human or Veterinary Medicine, Clear writing, Public Health, Environmental Science). Degree must have been received within the past five years, or anticipated to be received by 12/31/2026.

Preferred Skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills, strong writing and editing skills, and be flexible and able to adapt to shifting priorities.

Stipend

$6,581.00 Monthly

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
  • Bio-inorganic Chemistry
  • Bio-organic Chemistry
  • Biophysical Chemistry
  • Chemistry (General)
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Materials Sciences
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Theoretical Chemistry
• Communications and Graphics Design (6 )
• Environmental and Marine Sciences (2 )
• Life Health and Medical Sciences (36 )

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.)