CDC Preparedness and Response Planning Opportunity

Oak Ridge Associated Universities; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education offers a one-year fellowship in the Plans, Exercise, and Evaluation Branch (PXE) within the CDC in Atlanta, GA. The program emphasizes public health emergency preparedness, threat analysis, and the development of response plans under mentorship. Applicants should be pursuing or have recently earned a master's degree and be a U.S.

citizen. The appointment is full time, with stipend-based compensation and an emphasis on hands-on training,

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field; within the last five years or anticipated by 1/1/2027.
• Experience or knowledge in emergency management and public health preparedness is preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Gain hands-on training in developing and revising public health emergency management plans.
• Collaborate with the PXE Branch on threat identification and analysis.
• Assist in preparing training, articles, and scientific publications.

Skills

Public health preparedness

Emergency management basics

NIMS/ICS familiarity

Policy interpretation

Communication skills

MS Office proficiency

Education

Master's degree in a relevant field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Organization

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Reference Code

CDC-2026-0083

Description

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

CDC Office and Location:

A fellowship opportunity is available in the Plans, Exercise, and Evaluation Branch (PXE), Division of Emergency Operations within the Office of Readiness and Response, 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 project with the Plans Team of the PXE Branch will provide an opportunity to learn about public health emergency preparedness and response and train in the development and revision of public health emergency management response plans, including the CDC All Hazards Plan. As part of the plan development process, you will also learn about threat identification and analysis. Under the guidance of a mentor, you may collaborate on the preparation of training that focuses on public health emergency response activities. This is an opportunity to gain hands-on training in and the development of preparedness plans which provide a direct impact to the nation’s public health preparedness. This includes an opportunity to learn more about other aspects of public health response and preparedness.

Learning Objectives:

• Gain experience applying emergency-management principles, laws, regulations, and directives to domestic and global public health preparedness and response planning.
• Gain experience with the development of coordinated, proactive emergency response plans for CDC programs and public health operations.
• Build skills in developing and implementing procedures, protocols, and templates that support emergency-management planning and response functions.
• Develop experience in hazard-vulnerability, risk, and public health capability assessments.
• Strengthen scientific and professional communication skills by collaborating with the Plans Team on articles, presentations, and scientific publications.

Mentor(s):

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

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: October 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:

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 be currently pursuing or have received a master's degree in the one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years, or anticipated to be received by 1/1/2027.

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge or experience in public health preparedness and emergency management, including infectious disease outbreaks, natural disasters, mass casualty incidents or other public health emergencies.
• Familiarity with the basic principles of emergency management, including the National Incident Management System (NIMS), Incident Command System (ICS), Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs), and incident management structures. This includes the completion of FEMA independent study courses.
• Experience or knowledge developing, reviewing, or evaluating emergency operations plans, continuity plans, response plans, or preparedness frameworks.
• Ability to interpret and apply public health preparedness and emergency management policies, frameworks, and guidance.
• Ability and willingness to be in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities during emergency activations or response operations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for various audiences, including preparation of documents and presentations.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office products.

Point of Contact

Rachel

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Master's Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 1/1/2027 12:00:00 AM.
• Discipline(s): Communications and Graphics Design (
• Health Communications
• Life Health and Medical Sciences (51 )

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.)