CDC Import Permit Program Fellowship in Data Analytics, Automation, and BioPermit Innovation

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The CDC IPP opportunity in Atlanta, GA offers hands-on experience with BioPermit enhancements and data analysis of infectious biological agents importation. You will collaborate with computer and health scientists to support regulatory science and biosafety improvements.

Participants gain skills in data management, analysis, and visualization of trends, while learning how public health policy intersects with information technology in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in data science, bioinformatics, health informatics, computer science, information systems, statistics, biological sciences, microbiology, or related field (degree received within last 5 years).

Responsibilities

• Support CDC efforts to prevent the introduction and spread of infectious biological agents into the United States.
• Collaborate with computer scientists and public health professionals to enhance the BioPermit information technology system and electronic database.
• Analyze and visualize trends related to importing infectious biological agents into the United States.
• Gain exposure to the intersection of public health policy, biosafety, regulatory science, and health information technology.

Skills

Data analytics

Data visualization

Power BI

Excel

SQL

Python

R

AI/ML interest

Software testing

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in data science / bioinformatics / health informatics / CS / related field

Tools

Power BI

Excel

R

Python

SQL

Job description

Organization

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Reference Code

CDC-2026-0073

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 in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) located in Atlanta, Georgia.

Research Project

This exciting opportunity with the CDC IPP supports CDC’s mission to protect America from health, safety and security threats. The CDC IPP regulates the importation of infectious biological materials that could cause disease in humans to prevent their introduction and spread into the U.S. The program ensures that the importation of these agents is monitored and that facilities receiving permits have appropriate biosafety measures in place to use the imported agents. Import permits are issued through a new I.T. system, BioPermit. Training as a member of the CDC IPP, you will collaborate with computer and health scientists to develop enhancements for BioPermit and improvements to the electronic database. Additionally, you will also gain experience analyzing and visualizing trends related to importing infectious biological agents into the United States.

Learning Objectives

• Gain experience supporting CDC efforts to prevent the introduction and spread of infectious biological agents into the United States.
• Learn how the CDC Import Permit Program regulates the importation of infectious materials that may cause human disease.
• Develop an understanding of permit-review processes, biosafety requirements, and oversight of facilities receiving imported infectious agents.
• Collaborate with computer scientists and public health professionals to enhance the BioPermit information technology system and electronic database.
• Build skills in data management, analysis, and visualization of trends related to infectious biological-agent importation.
• Gain exposure to the intersection of public health policy, biosafety, regulatory science, and health information technology.

Mentor(s)

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

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

2026.

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 a bachelor's or master's degree in one of the relevant fields (data science, bioinformatics, health informatics, computer science, information systems, statistics, biological sciences, microbiology, or a related field). Degree must have been received within the past five years.

Preferred Skills

• Interdisciplinary training combining biological or public health sciences with data analytics or information technology is desirable.
• Experience with data analysis, data visualization, data modeling, database design, and/or data curation
• Experience using Microsoft Power BI and Excel to analyze data and develop reports, dashboards, or other data products
• Familiarity with relational databases, data management, and data quality principles
• Experience with analytical or automation tools such as R, R Markdown, Python, SQL, or similar technologies
• Experience or interest in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, or AI-assisted workflow automation
• Experience with software testing, beta testing, user acceptance testing, or information system development
• Ability to analyze complex datasets, identify trends, and effectively communicate findings to technical and nontechnical audiences
• Interest in applying data science and technology to public health, regulatory science, biosafety, biological risk assessment, or infectious diseases
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and collaborative skills

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 (
  • Artificial Intelligence (including Robotics, Computer Vision, Human Language Processing, and Machine Learning)
  • Computer Architecture and Grids
  • Computer Science - Languages and Systems
  • Computer Science - Theoretical Foundations
  • Computer Science (general)
  • Computer Systems Analysis
  • Computer Systems Design (including Signal Processing)
  • Data Science
  • Databases, Information Retrieval, and Web Search
  • Graphics and Visualization
  • Human Computer Interaction
  • Information Science and Technology
  • Information Security and Assurance
  • Networks and Communications
  • Operating Systems and Middleware
  • Scientific Computing and Informatics
  • Software Engineering
• Life Health and Medical Sciences (5 )

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.)