CDC ME/CFS Data Analysis and Symptom Characterization Fellowship

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 31,248 - 40,176; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stipend provided

Mentorship program

Job summary

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) offers a CDC research participation opportunity in Atlanta, GA, focusing on ME/CFS epidemiology and public health surveillance. Under mentorship, you will apply advanced methods using R or SAS to study prevalence, symptom burden, and patient-reported outcomes, contributing to public health knowledge.

The appointment is full-time, with a stipend that varies by factors such as location and education.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in the relevant fields.
• Experience in ME/CFS epidemiology or public health surveillance preferred.
• Excellent scientific communication and literature review skills.

Responsibilities

• Train on epidemiologic research using ME/CFS clinical and population-based datasets.
• Apply advanced epidemiologic and biostatistical methods using R or SAS.
• Evaluate illness prevalence, symptom burden, comorbidities and PROs.
• Develop scientific communications through literature summaries and discussions.

Skills

ME/CFS epidemiology

Public health surveillance

Clinical epidemiology

Biostatistics

Patient-reported outcomes

Education

Doctoral degree

Job description

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Reference Code

CDC-2026-0028

Application Deadline

9/25/2026 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.

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.

The Chronic Viral Diseases Branch (CVDB) is located within the Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in Atlanta, Georgia. CVDB conducts research on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and HPV to reduce disease burden through population-based epidemiology, laboratory research, and public health education. CVDB's ME/CFS epidemiology program applies population-based surveillance, clinical cohort analysis, and patient-reported outcome methods to improve understanding of ME/CFS and related infection-associated chronic conditions and illnesses (IACCIs).

Research Project

A research participation opportunity is available in the Chronic Viral Diseases Branch (CVDB) to train on epidemiologic research using ME/CFS clinical and population-based datasets. Under mentor guidance, you will gain experience applying advanced epidemiologic and biostatistical methods using R or SAS to evaluate illness prevalence, symptom burden, comorbidities, and patient-reported outcomes, such as PROMIS instruments, COMPASS-31 measures, etc. The project may include descriptive analysis, multivariable modeling, and integration of findings across epidemiologic datasets to improve understanding of infection-associated chronic conditions and illnesses. This research aligns with CVDB's public health mission to strengthen evidence supporting improved recognition and characterization of ME/CFS.

Learning Objectives

• Gain experience analyzing ME/CFS clinical and surveillance data using R or SAS.
• Learn advanced epidemiologic methods for PROMIS and COMPASS-31 measures.
• Gain exposure to multivariable regression, illness symptom analyses, and interpretation of clinical cohort findings.
• Develop scientific communication skills through literature summaries, research discussions, and optional presentations.
• Learn how epidemiologic findings inform public health understanding of ME/CFS and other related infection-associated chronic conditions.

Mentor(s)

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

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

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, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.

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 be currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in the one of the relevant fields.

Preferred Skills

• Area of Interest: ME/CFS epidemiology, public health surveillance, clinical epidemiology, biostatistics, patient-reported outcomes, or infection-associated chronic conditions

Point of Contact

Rachel

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Doctoral Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences
    • Bio-inorganic Chemistry
    • Bio-organic Chemistry
    • Organic Chemistry
• Communications and Graphics Design (6 )
• Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (3 )
• Life Health and Medical Sciences (18 )
• Mathematics and Statistics (4 )
• Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 )

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.)