CDC Quality Control Management and Clinical Diagnostic Testing Fellowship

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, GA offers a research opportunity in the Poxvirus and Rabies Branch. The role focuses on gaining experience with clinical test regulations and quality management systems within a federal public health setting.

The position emphasizes learning diagnostic methods, data analysis, and collaboration with seasoned staff, under mentorship. Applicants must hold a master’s degree and be prepared for a full-time assignment through ORISE.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field and completed within the past five years.
• Experience or interest in laboratory quality systems and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Gain experience with clinical test regulations and quality management systems.
• Learn to support implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the laboratory QMS.
• Collaborate with the branch to ensure laboratory operations comply with federal requirements and accreditation standards.
• Learn to perform and validate diagnostic methods using real-time PCR or novel techniques.

Skills

Molecular virology

Lab operations

GLP basics

Scientific writing

Collaboration

Education

Master's degree

Tools

Real-time PCR

Job description

Organization

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Reference Code

CDC-2026-0060

Application Deadline

10/23/2026 12:33:39 PM Eastern Time Zone

Description

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

CDC Office and Location

A research opportunity is available in the Poxvirus and Rabies Branch of the Division of High‑Consequence Pathogens and Pathology (DHCPP), within the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), 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.

Research Project

• Gain experience with clinical test regulations and quality management systems
• Learn to support implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the laboratory QMS
• Collaborate with branch to ensure laboratory operations comply with applicable federal requirements, organizational policies, laboratory procedures, accreditation standards, and other quality and safety requirements.
• Learn to perform and validate diagnostic methods using real-time PCR or novel diagnostic techniques
• Organize and present data for method evaluation and publication
• Analyze and present data, with the opportunity to publish

Learning Objectives

• Apply knowledge of clinical laboratory regulations and quality management systems (QMS) to support high‑quality diagnostic testing for poxviruses and rabies virus.
• Perform and validate clinical diagnostic methods, including real‑time PCR and novel diagnostic techniques for poxviruses and rabies virus.
• Evaluate and interpret laboratory data generated during diagnostic method development, validation, and quality control activities.
• Organize, analyze, and present scientific data to clearly communicate findings from method evaluations and research activities.
• Develop practical experience in laboratory quality management and clinical diagnostic testing through mentored participation in research and diagnostic laboratory projects.

Mentor(s)

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

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

September 14, 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 have received a master's degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years.

Preferred Skills

• Strong background in laboratory science, with preference for molecular virology
• General understanding of laboratory operations and good laboratory practices
• Demonstrated interest in learning laboratory quality systems, regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, and quality assurance practices
• Strong written and oral communication skills exemplified by scientific publications and presentations
• Ability to collaborate with other scientific and professional staff

Point of Contact

Rachel

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Master's Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences
  • Biology (General)
  • Microbiology
  • Public Health
  • Virology