To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.

A complete application consists of:

• An application
• Transcripts – Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts
• A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
• One educational or professional recommendation. Your application will be considered incomplete, and will not be reviewed until one recommendation is submitted.

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

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*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

CDC Office and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the Division of Communication Science and Services of the Office of Communications (OC) 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.

The Division of Communication Science and Services at CDC supports the scientific practice of health communication and shares evidence-based knowledge to public health practitioners through technical assistance, training, and tools. We help develop and share health communication messages and products that are understandable, accessible, and actionable across various audiences such as the general public, public health practitioners, and healthcare professionals.

Research Project: In this educational research participation opportunity with the Campaign and Audience Research Team (CART) in the Division of Communication Science and Services, you will engage in a mentored learning experience focused on communication science research and public health communication practices. Through participation in qualitative and quantitative communication research activities, message testing, literature reviews, and communication training initiatives, you will gain exposure to methods used to develop and evaluate public health messaging and audience engagement strategies. You will also have opportunities to learn about approaches used to assess and promote communication resources and emerging tools and technologies relevant to communication science. If opportunities arise, you may additionally gain exposure to communication activities associated with a public health emergency response as part of your broader educational experience.

The fellow may also have the opportunity to apply learning objectives through supporting a public health emergency response.

Learning Objectives: Through this mentored training experience, you will have opportunities to:

• Apply communication science techniques and evidence-informed practices to public health communication activities and research experiences.
• Build skills communicating with internal and external, governmental and non-governmental audiences through participation in communication research and collaborative discussions.
• Gain experience analyzing audience research data and learning how communication messages are tailored to meet audience needs and program objectives.
• Learn how communication channels are selected and evaluated to support dissemination of public health messages and materials.
• Develop familiarity with innovative tools and technologies, including Generative AI applications, used to assist in the development and evaluation of communication materials and messaging strategies.
• Gain exposure to communication approaches used during a public health emergency response, if opportunities arise during the training experience.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Laura Pechta (VYA9@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: August 10, 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 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, 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 CDCrpp@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

The qualified candidate should have received a master's or bachelor's degree in one of the relevant fields (public health, communication, or related field). Degree must have been received within the past five years. 

• Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
  • Communications and Graphics Design (6 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (1 )

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.)