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.

Research Project: As an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) participant, you will engage in training in scientific methods and analytical approaches used to support the mission of the ATSDR Office of Innovation and Analytics (OIA). You will gain hands-on experience with computational, data science, and other analytical tools, including software and open-source resources, to evaluate, analyze, interpret, and communicate scientific information relevant to environmental and public health. Training will include literature reviews, principles of public health, toxicology, chemistry, exposure science, risk assessment, data analytics, technical report preparation, and oral communication skills to effectively communicate scientific findings to technical and non-technical audiences. Through participation in OIA projects and activities, you will develop a broad understanding of innovative scientific approaches that support ATSDR's mission to protect communities from harmful environmental exposures.

You will have a chance to participate with Simulation Science Section (SSS), Toxicology Section (TS), and Geospatial Research, Analysis, and Services Program (GRASP) scientists. 

Learning Objectives: 

• When training with the SSS, under the guidance of a mentor, you will further your understanding of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) and the application of machine learning/artificial intelligence (ML/AI) in environmental health.  This project aligns with ATSDR's current strategic initiatives and will provide you with opportunities to engage in emerging scientific priorities while advancing innovative methods that support the agency's public health mission. 
• When training with TS, under the guidance of a mentor, you will further your understanding of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) as well as risk assessment. You will gain experience engaging with complex scientific information from a variety of disciplines related to MNPS, as well as data visualization via experience engaging with the tox dashboard. 
• There is also an opportunity to train within the Geospatial Research Analysis and Services Program (GRASP). You will have the opportunity to gain experience in the production of maps and analyses of geospatial factors relevant to environmental exposure, emergency response and other public health topics, which will occur under the direction of a GRASP advisor/mentor.

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

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: October 12, 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, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.

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 be currently pursuing or have received a master's or doctoral degree in the one of the relevant fields. 

Preferred Skills:

• Strong skills in data analysis and database management; statistics and programming knowledge preferred (e.g. R/R Studio, SAS, Stata, SQL, Python, etc.)
• Knowledge of environmental health science highly preferred
• Research with microplastics 
• For training with the SSS, it is preferred that you have a PhD or be a postdoctoral researcher
• For training with TS, experience with Tableau and SQL is preferred

• Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (1 )
  • Communications and Graphics Design (2 )
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (1 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (2 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (11 )
  • Mathematics and Statistics (2 )

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.)