CDC Poliovirus Wastewater Surveillance and Containment Sciences

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 20,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, GA invites applications for a fully funded ORISE research opportunity focused on poliovirus detection and public health preparedness. The role emphasizes translating wastewater genomic data into actionable guidance, risk assessment, and biosafety compliance within a national containment framework.

The candidate will engage in literature reviews, study design, lab data analysis, and manuscript development while collaborating across CDC

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in a relevant life science field completed within the last five years.
• Experience in molecular biology and wastewater-based testing preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct systematic literature reviews and study design exploration.
• Analyze laboratory data and document findings for manuscripts and presentations.
• Collaborate with CDC researchers and external partners on interdisciplinary approaches.
• Translate wastewater data into actionable public health guidance.

Skills

Molecular biology

Wastewater sequencing knowledge

Public health communication

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Laboratory safety

Education

Doctoral degree in Biology, Microbiology, Virology, Immunology, Public Health

Job description

Organization

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Reference Code

CDC-2026-0069

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

CDC Office and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the National Authority for Containment of Poliovirus (U.S. NAC) within the Office of Readiness and Response (ORR) in collaboration with the Polio and Picornavirus Branch (PPB) within the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD) 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

This opportunity offers a mentored learning experience focused on advancing early detection and risk assessment of poliovirus in the United States by translating wastewater genomic data into clear public health actions and guidance, enhancing preparedness for potential outbreaks, improving biosafety assurance at facilities handling live poliovirus through validated wastewater testing for viral inactivation, advancing innovative methods to increase detection sensitivity, and developing evidence-based containment guidance. You will engage in research activities such as systematic literature review, study design exploration, research experimentation, analysis of laboratory data, and communications such as development of manuscripts and presentations. The research experience may also include opportunities to collaborate with researchers and public health professionals across CDC and external partners to inform research design and leverage interdisciplinary approaches to emerging agnostic pathogen detection technologies. Through participation in these research and training activities, you will gain exposure to how multidisciplinary teams collaborate to implement new technologies, interpret laboratory findings, and support surveillance efforts that inform public health decision-making for poliovirus detection and response.

Learning Objectives

• Gain a mentored research experience focused on improving early detection and risk assessment of poliovirus through wastewater surveillance.
• Develop skills in translating wastewater genomic and laboratory data into actionable public health guidance, outbreak preparedness, and response strategies.
• Learn approaches for validating wastewater testing methods that assess viral inactivation and support biosafety assurance at facilities handling live poliovirus.
• Gain exposure to innovative methods for improving pathogen-detection sensitivity and developing evidence-based poliovirus containment guidance.
• Participate in systematic literature reviews, study design, laboratory experimentation, data analysis, manuscript development, and scientific presentations.
• Collaborate with CDC researchers, public health professionals, and external partners on interdisciplinary approaches to pathogen detection and surveillance.
• Develop an understanding of how multidisciplinary teams implement emerging technologies, interpret laboratory findings, and inform public health decision-making.

Mentor(s)

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

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

September 1, 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

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 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, including but not limited to, poliovirus requirements (e.g. immunization, testing prior to laboratory access).

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 doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields (Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Virology, Immunology, Biomedical Sciences, Public Health). Degree must have been received within the past five years.

Preferred Skills

• Prior experience in molecular, microbiological (BSL2, or BSL3), or biomedical laboratories
• Knowledge of nucleic acid sequencing, metagenomics (next generation sequencing), and diagnostic test method development and validation
• Ability to collaborate with diverse internal and external partners
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Beneficial: Previous knowledge of wastewater-based testing technology and virological concepts/methods

Point of Contact

Rachel

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
• Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (
  • Basic Biomedical Sciences
  • Biology (General)
  • Environmental Health
  • Genetics, including Genome Sciences
  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Public Health
  • Virology

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.)