CDC Public Health Infrastructure Science and Informatics/IT Research Fellowship

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), located in Atlanta, Georgia, offers a one-year, full-time ORISE opportunity in PHIC’s Office of Science and the Informatics and Data Science Unit (IDSU). Participants train on public health infrastructure science, collaborate across data management, informatics, and data science teams, and develop dissemination materials under mentor guidance.

Eligibility includes U.S.

Qualifications

• Master's degree; degree received within the last five years.

Responsibilities

• Train on how a public health infrastructure science agenda is developed.
• Collaborate with science, informatics, and data science units on data-related learning activities.
• Gain experience disseminating scientific information under mentor guidance.

Skills

Systems improvements

Organizational efficiencies

Public health infrastructure

Project experience

Information systems understanding

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree

Job description

Organization

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Reference Code

CDC-2026-0124

Application Deadline

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

Description

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

CBC Office and Location: An opportunity is currently available in the National Center for State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial Public Health Infrastructure and Workforce (PHIC) at 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.

This opportunity will include activities in both PHIC’s Office of Science and the Informatics and Data Science Unit (IDSU). PHIC’s Office of Science provides leadership in determining the scientific direction of PHIC programs, assuring compliance to federal scientific policies for dissemination, and scientific clearance of products. The office acts to promote scientific quality and integrity of CDC scientific products. The mission of the IDSU is to lead Center-wide stewardship of data and information technology (IT) assets, empower staff to use these resources effectively and securely, and employ informatics and data science expertise to transform data into actionable insights that advance Center priorities.

Research Project

Under the guidance of the mentors, you will train on how a public health infrastructure science agenda is developed; learn how scientific tools, educational job aids, and standard operating procedures are developed; gain experience exploring innovative approaches to presenting data from reporting activities; and learn to collaborate across data management, informatics, and data science. You will also have an opportunity to learn about process improvement approaches; observe system implementation practices; and gain experience exploring how data storage, tracking, and visualization tools are developed and maintained. Additionally, you will be able to strengthen soft skills such as communication, diplomacy, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

Learning Objectives

• Learn how a public health infrastructure science agenda is developed through collaboration with mentors and scientific staff.
• Gain experience collaborating with science, informatics, and data science units on data-related learning activities.
• Learn how reporting on scientific activities is planned and implemented within the center.
• Learn how scientific strategic planning activities are monitored, including how metrics and timelines are tracked.
• Synthesize and align information and data to address key questions.
• Explore methods to visualize data in ways that resonate with intended users.
• Gain experience developing dissemination communications (e.g., presentations, educational job aids) under mentor guidance.
• Writing and editing scientifically technical documents.
• Learn about data-management improvement activities, including contributing to an educational inventory of data assets and observing how consistent standards support stewardship.

Mentor(s)

The mentors for this opportunity are Zewditu Demissie ([e-mail]) and Katherine Butler Smart ([e-mail]). If you have questions about the nature of the project, please contact the mentors.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

December 7, 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.

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 a master’s degree. Degree must have been received within the past five years.

Preferred Skills

• Experience or strong interest in gaining experience in systems improvements, organizational efficiencies, public health infrastructure, or related areas.
• Experience with being a part of projects.
• Understanding of information systems.
• Strong communication, strategic thinking, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong written and oral communications skills.
• Ability to collaborate with other scientific and professional staff.

Point of Contact

Rachel

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
• Degree: Master's Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
• Discipline(s): Communications and Graphics Design (Health Communications, Science Writing).
• Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (6)
• Life Health and Medical Sciences (51)
• Mathematics and Statistics (1)
• Social and Behavioral Sciences (30)

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.)