CDC Global Health Laboratory Fellowship

Oak Ridge Associated Universities; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 16,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

CDC is offering a mentored ORISE research opportunity in the Office of the Associate Director for Laboratory Science (ADLS) within the Global Health Center in Atlanta, GA. The role focuses on global public health laboratory systems, data analysis, and communication of findings to diverse audiences.

Ideal candidates have a recent BA/BS or MS in a relevant field, strong English writing skills, and the ability to collaborate in a multidisciplinary environment.

Qualifications

• The qualified candidate should have received a bachelor’s or master’s degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years.

Responsibilities

• Support analysis of CDC's global public health laboratory activities.
• Assist in data interpretation and reporting for surveillance and laboratory programs.

Skills

Strong written and verbal comms

Critical thinking

Data interpretation

Collaboration across teams

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in relevant field

Job description

Organization

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Reference Code

CDC-2026-0143

Application Deadline

1/1/2027 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Description

• Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis and applications may close before the deadline.

CDC Office and Location

A research opportunity is currently available with the Office of the Associate Director for Laboratory Science (ADLS) in the Global Health Center (GHC) 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

ADLS supports integration and promotion of strong public health laboratory systems in international settings with CDC’s overseas offices, Ministries of Health and other partners. The integration of strong quality public health laboratory systems improves our ability to detect and respond to disease threats where they are to protect Americans. Analysis of CDC’s global public health laboratory activities helps to coordinate efficiencies across the Agency and overseas offices, as well as with our interagency partners. Data are used to improve reporting systems and tools and will impact leadership decisions around disease surveillance, preparedness, and response.

This mentored research experience focuses on global public health laboratory systems and their role in disease detection, surveillance, preparedness, and response. You will gain knowledge of approaches used to examine CDC’s global laboratory activities and public health laboratory systems in collaboration with overseas offices, Ministries of Health, and other public health organizations. Research activities may include analyzing and interpreting laboratory program data, examining reporting systems and analytical tools, and learning how scientific findings are communicated to public health audiences.

Learning Objectives

• Learn about global public health laboratory systems and CDC’s scientific approaches related to disease detection, surveillance, preparedness, and response.
• Develop skills in generating, analyzing, and interpreting data and gain knowledge of methods used to evaluate laboratory reporting systems and analytical tools.
• Learn how laboratory data are synthesized and interpreted to characterize public health trends and contribute to scientific understanding of surveillance, preparedness, response, and recovery.
• Strengthen oral and written scientific communication skills through mentored learning activities, multidisciplinary research discussions, and opportunities to communicate analytical findings.
• Gain exposure to public health laboratory research, technical communities of practice, and international laboratory collaboration, and learn how epidemiologic and laboratory information is examined during outbreak preparedness and response activities.

Mentor(s)

The mentor for this opportunity is Anne Purfield ([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 eleven months, 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 a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years.

Preferred Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, including the ability to communicate technical information to diverse audiences
• Ability to think critically and analyze findings
• Experience synthesizing, summarizing, and presenting information from multiple sources in written reports, presentations, or other communications
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to handle multiple activities
• Experience with data management, analysis, and visualization is beneficial
• Experience in a laboratory setting is advantageous

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).

Discipline(s):

• Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (
• Data Science
• Databases, Information Retrieval, and Web Search
• Graphics and Visualization
• Information Science and Technology

Life Health and Medical Sciences (14 )

Age: Must be 18 years of age

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.)