CDC Post-Doctorate Fellowship in Regulatory Microbiology

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) is hosting a CDC-based research opportunity in Atlanta, GA, within the Division of Regulatory Science and Compliance (DRSC) of the ORR. The program emphasizes rigorous regulatory science, biosafety, and policy development, with opportunities to engage with federal agencies.

The successful candidate will work on regulated-laboratory review processes, develop guidance, and produce training materials for inspectors, with a focus on select

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in a relevant Life Health and Medical Sciences field.
• Degree must have been received within the past five years or anticipated by 11/30/2026.

Responsibilities

• Understand how to review requests from regulated laboratories.
• Develop guidance for the regulated community.
• Perform literature reviews on biological agents and toxins.
• Collect and analyze program data.
• Develop training materials for inspectors.
• Engage with new initiatives to develop programmatic improvements.
• Create content for outreach to regulators and partners.

Skills

Regulatory knowledge

Oral and written communication

Analytical skills

Lab practices knowledge

Education

Doctoral degree

Job description

Organization

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Reference Code

CDC-2026-0082

Application Deadline

12/4/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Description

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

CDC Office and Location

A research opportunity is currently available with the Division of Regulatory Science and Compliance (DRSC), within the Office of Readiness and Response (ORR) 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

Research with select agents and toxins provides important scientific discoveries that have led to improved detection and prevention of human, animal and plant diseases, as well as diagnostic and treatment options to address them. Common examples of select agents and toxins include Bacillus anthracis (the causative agent of anthrax), variola major virus (the causative agent of smallpox) and botulinum neurotoxins. The Federal Select Agent Program (FSAP) regulates laboratories that conduct research on these potentially dangerous select agents and toxins, while ensuring this work is done as safely and securely as possible.

Learning Objectives

• Understanding how to review requests from regulated laboratories
• Learning how to develop guidance for the regulated community
• Developing skills required to perform literature reviews on biological agents and toxins
• Learning how to collect and analyze program data
• Understanding how to develop training materials for inspectors
• Understanding how to engage with new initiatives and projects to develop programmatic improvements
• Building skills required to develop content for, and engage in outreach to, the regulated community and other partners

You will also learn how to apply subject matter expertise and answer scientific questions that arise. You will gain experience engaging with other microbiologists and subject matter experts at CDC and other federal agencies, and will gain a broader knowledge of scientific regulation, biosafety and biocontainment, and policy development. You may also be participate with the Policy Team to learn about strategic planning, facilitating oversight studies of DRSC, and regulatory and policy matters related to FSAP.

Mentor(s)

The mentor for this opportunity is Shaw Gargis ([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 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).

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in the one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years, or anticipated to be received by November 30, 2026.

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with the select agents and toxins regulated by the Federal Select Agent Program
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent analytical skills
• Strong understanding of standard microbiological and molecular laboratory practices

Point of Contact

Rachel

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 11/30/2026 12:00:00 AM.
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (Basic Biomedical Sciences)
  • Biochemistry
  • Bioinformatics
  • Biology (General)
  • Cellular and Molecular Biology
  • Comparative Medicine and Laboratory Animal Medicine
  • Computational Biology
  • Genetics, including Genome Sciences
  • Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses
  • Microbiology
  • Public Health
  • Veterinary Sciences
  • Virology
• Social and Behavioral Sciences (2 )

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.)