CDC Global Immunization and Polio Eradication Fellowship

Organization
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Reference Code
CDC-2026-0139
How to Apply

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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Description

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

CDC Office and Location: A research opportunity is currently available 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.

Research Project: You will participate in a mentored fellowship with CDC’s Global Immunization Division (GID) focused on the scientific and public health approaches associated with global polio eradication. Through interactions with CDC technical personnel, you will learn about strategic, analytical, epidemiologic, and communication approaches used in polio eradication, including preparedness for and response to poliovirus outbreaks. As learning opportunities arise, you may also gain exposure to broader emergency preparedness and response approaches, including those used within CDC’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Incident Management Structure (IMS).

You will learn how technical and regional teams collaborate on global polio eradication activities; gain experience analyzing and synthesizing epidemiologic, programmatic, and outbreak-related information; and develop an understanding of how briefings, updates, and other informational materials communicate scientific findings. You will also strengthen collaboration skills through interactions across CDC programs and gain insight into partnerships involving Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) organizations and U.S. Government counterparts.
 
You may gain mentored research experience related to outbreak preparedness and response, including analysis of outbreak and response data, examination of response-planning approaches, and research on guidance documents and information systems associated with outbreak readiness. Additional learning opportunities may include gaining familiarity with analytical tools and resources used to assess preparedness and observing or participating in educational and research activities related to polio outbreak response alongside experienced epidemiologists and other technical personnel.

Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor, you will strengthen skills in applied epidemiology, data analysis, global immunization program approaches, outbreak preparedness and response research, and scientific communication. You will gain experience analyzing and interpreting epidemiologic and outbreak-related information, learn how scientific evidence informs public health practice, and develop an understanding of the epidemiologic, analytical, and collaborative approaches used in global polio eradication and emergency preparedness.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Monica Fleming (njl9@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: January 11, 2027. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be between January 2027 - September 2027, 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, poliovirus requirements (e.g. immunization, testing prior to laboratory access).

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.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received or be currently pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in one of the relevant fields. 

Preferred skills:

  • Graduate-level training or equivalent experience in public health, epidemiology, global health, immunization, infectious diseases, emergency management, or a related field.
  • Experience analyzing epidemiologic, surveillance, programmatic, or operational data.
  • Familiarity with infectious disease prevention, vaccination programs, outbreak response, emergency preparedness, or public health programs.
  • Ability to synthesize complex information into concise briefings, reports, presentations, dashboards, and other decision-support items.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to explain technical information to diverse audiences.
  • Ability to collaborate with domestic and international partners, manage multiple priorities, act independently, and adapt to evolving program needs.
Stipend
$5,439.25 Monthly
Point of Contact
Eligibility Requirements
  • Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (3 )
    • Communications and Graphics Design (1 )
    • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (1 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (13 )
    • Mathematics and Statistics (1 )
    • Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 )
Affirmation

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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