CDC Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Data Automation
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 fellowship opportunity is available in 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.
Research Project: The Capacity Building and Technical Assistance Development Branch (CTAB) is the Division of State and Local Readiness’s (DSLR) central hub for technical assistance, training, and communities of practice that strengthen national public health preparedness. CTAB’s ability to supports DSLR and state, tribal, local, and territorial (STLT) health departments is limited by fragmented, manual processes that slow response times and impede data-driven decisions. Workflow inefficiencies reduce the speed and quality of technical assistance and training needed to strengthen national readiness. Modernizing these workflows ensures timely support and improved program performance.
CTAB facilitates targeted technical assistance and capacity-building support to STLT health departments. This opportunity focuses on training and gaining experience modernizing CTAB’s core operational workflows, including technical assistance, training, resource development, and evaluation, by learning to implement automation, integrating data across systems (SharePoint, Teams, Salesforce, and 1CDP (Palantir System), and creating operational dashboards under the guidance and supervision of mentors. The learning experience may include participation in the development of DSLR’s Artificial intelligence (AI) and data modernization strategy by refining workflows, optimizing the Salesforce system, modernizing knowledge management systems, and developing decision-support dashboards used across the agency. Because this spans technical assistance, training, evaluation, and core operational systems, you will gain experience across a broad, division-wide transformation. The goal of this project is to increase efficiency, standardize processes, reduce manual burden, and improve CTAB’s ability to support national preparedness.
Learning Objectives: Through this mentored learning experience, you will develop knowledge and experience in conducting systems evaluation to identify system efficiencies resulting in workflow maps and potential automations. You will strengthen skills in both generative and agentic artificial intelligence. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to develop dashboards and other visualizations to support data-informed decision making. In addition, you will build scientific communication and professional development skills through participation in presentations, seminars, conferences, collaborative discussions, and preparation of summaries or manuscripts related to public health communication research.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Phyllis Stoll (pstoll@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: 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 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:
Highly desired skills for this fellowship are the ability to learn quickly, adapt to new processes and technologies, and apply emerging tools to real-world public health challenges. Success relies on curiosity, flexibility, and a willingness to explore, iterate, and refine solutions in a rapidly evolving environment. Useful skills include:
- Flexibility and strong learning orientation, with the ability to quickly develop new competencies.
- A creative, self-starting mindset, with the ability to propose new approaches, test prototypes, and contribute to division-wide AI and data modernization.
- Strong communication and facilitation skills, including engaging diverse stakeholders, gathering feedback, and translating priorities into practical technical solutions.
- Ability to manage and analyze data (e.g. SharePoint, Dataverse, Salesforce)
- Interest in AI and automation tools (Power Automate, generative and agentic AI, natural-language processes) and a willingness to experiment and innovate.
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.)
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