CDC Fellowship in Water-Soluble Vitamin Biomarker Method Validation, Implementation, and Application to Large-Scale Population Studies

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stipend provided

Job summary

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) invites applicants for a full-time research opportunity with CDC's National Center for Environmental Health in Atlanta, GA.

Selected candidates will gain hands-on experience with HPLC-MS/MS, biomarker quantitation, and analytical method development within NHANES-related studies, under mentor guidance. A bachelor’s degree in chemistry or biology within the last five years is required, and U.S. citizenship is mandatory.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or a related field, with some analytical laboratory experience.
• Degree must have been received within the past five years.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Appointment is initially for one year and may be renewed based on CDC/funds.

Responsibilities

• Gain hands-on experience with HPLC-MS/MS instrumentation for quantitative assessment of nutritional biomarkers.
• Learn biomarker measurement in serum, plasma, or whole blood matrices.
• Participate in method development, optimization, and validation to assess performance characteristics.
• Operate instrument setup, calibration, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting and data integrity practices.
• Engage in NHANES-related laboratory measurements and data management for high-quality results.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Laboratory techniques

NHANES experience

Education

Bachelors in Chemistry/Biology

Tools

HPLC-MS/MS

Job description

Organization

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Reference Code

CDC-2026-0095

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 with the National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH) at 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 project focuses on improving the assessment of water-soluble vitamin status and supporting research on the relationships with health.

Learning Objectives

• Hands-on expertise in HPLC-MS/MS: You will gain hands-on experience with HPLC-MS/MS instrumentation for quantitative assessment of nutritional biomarkers of water-soluble vitamins and clinically relevant metabolites.
• Specialized biomarker measurement skills: The fellowship will provide comprehensive training in the quantitation of water-soluble biomarkers (e.g., vitamins B1, B2, and B6, methylmalonic acid) in serum, plasma, or whole blood matrices.
• Analytical method development and validation: You may gain experience in carrying out mentor-guided experiments for method development, optimization, and validation to assess performance characteristics such as accuracy, precision, analytical measurement range, limits of detection, specificity, recovery, stability and carryover, prepare a validation summary and interpret experimental findings.
• Instrument operation and troubleshooting competency: Laboratory activities will enable you to carry out instrument setup, calibration, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and other essential practices for maintaining robust HPLC-MS/MS performance.
• Experience with large-scale population health studies: Participation in laboratory measurements for NHANES will offers insights into routine steps needed to ensure high-quality laboratory data in national health and nutrition surveillance initiatives.
• Laboratory data-management skills: You will learn to operate various instrument software and a laboratory management database for analytical result review, laboratory information management, and maintenance of accurate and traceable records.
• Quality assurance and regulatory laboratory practices: Exposure to NHANES and CLIA-related activities will provide an understanding of quality systems, documentation protocols, standard operating procedures, data integrity protection, and the necessity of generating reliable laboratory results.
• Scientific data interpretation and problem-solving skills: You will learn to critically assess analytical runs, identify potential issues, analyze quality-control results, and make informed decisions regarding data acceptability.
• Scientific communication and engagement: Opportunities for oral and written communication, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and team engagement will be available through mentor-led data reviews, technical summaries, presentations, and potential contributions to abstracts, reports, manuscripts, or scientific events.
• Transferable career skills: Upon completion of the fellowship, You will possess advanced competencies in HPLC-MS/MS, analytical method validation, laboratory quality systems, data management, biomarker analysis, and epidemiological laboratory research applicable to roles in public health laboratories, clinical laboratories, academia, and the biotechnology/pharmaceutical industries.

Mentor(s)

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

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

November 2, 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 have received a bachelor's degree in one of the relevant fields(e.g. chemistry, biology, or a related field with some analytical laboratory experience). Degree must have been received within the past five years.

Point of Contact

Rachel

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Chemistry (General)
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
• Life Health and Medical Sciences (4 )

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.)