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 available in 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.

Project Description: This mentored educational opportunity focuses on applied public health research, program evaluation methods, and informatics approaches used to better understand and improve public health programs and scientific training activities. Under the guidance of a mentor, you will engage in collaborative learning experiences related to data interpretation, evaluation methodologies, scientific communication, and program improvement. You will gain exposure to data-driven decision-making the development and assessment of public health initiatives. Participation in this experience may include involvement in discussions, analytical reviews, and exploratory activities related to public health informatics, evaluation science, and continuous improvement approaches.

• Mentored learning activities may include:
• Participating in training activities including those focused on data organization, analytical review methods, and evaluation approaches used in public health research settings.
• Learning how scientific summaries, informational materials, and communication products are developed for technical and public health audiences.
• Contributing to discussions related to evaluation science, informatics applications, and data-informed approaches to program improvement.
• Exploring methods used to assess trends, organize information, and interpret findings within public health initiatives.
• Participating in collaborative learning activities with multidisciplinary teams to gain exposure to scientific coordination, research communication, and evaluation practices.
• Observing how public health data systems, analytical tools, and informatics frameworks contribute to research and program assessment activities and participating in those activities.

Learning Objectives:

Through this mentored research experience, the participant will develop knowledge and practical skills related to public health research methods, evaluation science, informatics applications, and scientific communication practices.

You will:

• Gain experience with analytical approaches used to organize, review, and interpret public health information and evaluation findings.
• Develop an understanding of how data-informed methods and evaluation strategies contribute to public health research and continuous improvement activities.
• Learn how scientific communication materials, summaries, and informational resources are prepared for technical and multidisciplinary audiences.
• Strengthen collaboration and professional communication skills through participation in multidisciplinary research discussions and learning activities.
• Develop familiarity with informatics concepts, workflow analysis methods, and systems-based approaches used in public health research environments.
• Gain exposure to data interpretation practices, and analytical frameworks that contribute to public health research and scientific learning.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Melonie Thomas (mqt8@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Fall 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.

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 is a U.S. Citizen with an interest in Public Health who has received or is currently pursuing a degree in one of the relevant fields from an accredited university. 

Preferred Skills:

• Strong written and oral communication skills. 
• Able to exhibit initiative. 
• Studies in the fields of our current fellowship programs including evaluation, computer science, data analytics, data science, disease modeling, or health economics.

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Business (4 )
  • Communications and Graphics Design (1 )
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (3 )
  • Engineering (1 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (2 )
  • Other Non-Science & Engineering (1 )
• Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).

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.)

Established Scientist appointments are considered on a case-by-case basis and must have earned a college degree more than five years ago, remain within the two-year limit for a single ORISE program, demonstrate subject matter expertise aligned with the program mission, and be assigned to a new research or training area, mentor (not a previous colleague or supervisor), and facility/lab.