CDC Newborn Screening Fellowship

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) offers a CDC NSMBB fellowship in Atlanta, GA. You will work on newborn screening research, data modernization, and partner engagement under experienced public health scientists.

The program provides hands-on project development, writing and presenting materials for diverse audiences, and collaboration with state programs, national organizations, families, and partners nationwide.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Public Health or related field, completed within past 60 months or by 12/31/2026.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate professionally with peers and partners.
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills.
• Proficient in writing for summaries, presentations and reports.
• Interest in engagement with public health programs, families, and partners.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing, implementing, and evaluating newborn screening initiatives.
• Monitor project activities, document progress, and summarize outcomes.
• Draft and distribute informational communications for public health audiences.
• Analyze public health datasets to support program planning and evaluation.
• Support proposal writing, abstracts, presentations, and reports.
• Foster collaborations with state programs, national organizations, families, and partners.

Skills

Public health

Collaboration

Project coordination

Technical writing

Engagement

Program evaluation

Laboratory sciences familiarity

Education

Master's degree in Public Health or related field

Job description

Organization

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Reference Code

CDC-2026-0112

Application Deadline

11/20/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Description

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

CDC Office and Location

A fellowship opportunity is available in the Division of Laboratory Sciences (DLS), National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH), at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. Fellowship training will occur in the Division of Laboratory Science (DLS), Newborn Screening and Molecular Biology Branch (NSMBB), Partner Engagement team.

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.

NSMBB provides states with quality control dried blood spot materials, technical assistance, and training. This support helps ensure that newborn screening to identify serious but treatable conditions remains reliable for millions of babies each year. For more information, visit: www.cdc.gov/newborn-screening

Research Project

NSMBB has an opportunity for an ORISE participant to be train in project development, health services research, data modernization, and engagement with partners. This fellowship will provide hands‑on experience on projects that advance newborn screening efforts. Under the guidance of public health scientists, you will help evaluate activities to improve early detection of serious conditions in newborns. Activities may include:

• Gain practical experience developing, implementing, and evaluating initiatives that support advancement of newborn screening.
• Learn to monitor project activities, document progress, and summarize project accomplishments and outcomes.
• Develop skills in planning, drafting, reviewing, and distributing informational communications for public health audiences.
• Build experience analyzing public health datasets to support program planning, evaluation, and evidence-informed decision-making.
• Strengthen professional and scientific writing skills through development of project proposals, abstracts, presentations, and reports.
• Learn strategies for developing, sustaining, and collaborating through public health partnerships.

Learning Objectives

Under the guidance of scientists and other public health staff within NSMBB, you will gain experience in:

• Developing, planning and conducting activities to advance newborn screening, including enhancing collaboration with and awareness among state public health programs, national organizations, families, and other partners.
• Reporting key findings and messages using communication best practices and data visualization techniques.
• Preparing and promoting items and publications tailored for different audiences.

Mentor(s)

The mentor for this opportunity is Marcus Gaffney ([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 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.

Stipend

$65,271.00 Yearly

Citizenship Requirements

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) 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 or be currently pursuing a master’s degree in one of the relevant fields (Public Health, or related field). Degree must have been received within the past five years, or anticipated to be received by 12/31/2026.

Preferred Skills

• Academic background or demonstrated interest in public health.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate professionally with peers and partners.
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills, including the ability to be involved in multiple projects and activities.
• Ability to review, analyze, and summarize information into clear, actionable findings.
• Proficient in writing, with an interest in learning clear communication skills to develop summaries, presentations, and other materials for various audiences.
• Interest in engagement, and collaboration with public health programs, national organizations, families, and other partners.
• Interest in program evaluation, performance measurement, and/or data analysis is desirable.
• Familiarity with laboratory sciences is desirable but not required.

Point of Contact

Rachel

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
• Degree: Master's Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 12/31/2026 12:00:00 AM.
• Discipline(s):
  • Business
    • Marketing
    • Project Management
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (1)
  • Communications and Graphics Design (3)
  • 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.)