CDC Parasitic Diseases Molecular Diagnostics Fellowship

Organization
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Reference Code
CDC-CGH-2020-0065
How to 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.

If you have questions, send an email to ORISE.CDC.CGH@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.

Application Deadline
3/10/2020 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

A research opportunity is currently available within the Parasitic Diseases Branch (PDB), Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria (DPDM) of the Center for Global Health (CGH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) located in Atlanta, Georgia.

Parasitic diseases continue to be an important domestic problem in the U.S., increasingly associated with travel and immigration, immunodeficiency, and emerging and reemerging infectious agents. PDB is responsible for conducting diagnosis, surveillance, investigations, and studies of parasitic diseases to define disease etiology, mode of transmission, and populations at risk. The role of the PDB Reference Diagnostics Laboratory is to provide diagnostic reference laboratory service to state and local health departments and health care providers. We also conduct research to develop effective methods for diagnosis, prevention, control, and elimination of several parasitic diseases.                            

Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will be trained in the following activities:

  • Performing PCR-based tests to identify and characterize parasites in human clinical specimens, including Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania species, Plasmodium species and Babesia microti
  • Extracting DNA from human clinical specimens, including feces, blood, tissue, and body fluids
  • Development of new diagnostic assays and testing algorithms to enhance and maintain the reference diagnostic and testing capacity
  • Comply with procedures to maintain and improve on the Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure compliance with CDCs guidelines and federal regulations concerning laboratory diagnostic testing on human patients (CLIA)
  • Understand and analyze laboratory results and prepare data for oral and written presentations
  • Follow all standard operating procedures and safety measures for the laboratory

This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and CDC. The initial appointment can be up to one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of CDC contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. The appointment is full-time at CDC in the Atlanta, Georgia, area. Participants do not become employees of CDC, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a master's degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

Preferred skills:

  • Proficiency in using PCR-based methods (e.g., PCR, real-time PCR, RT-PCR) to detect microorganisms
  • Proven good oral and written communication skills
  • Prior experience working in a clinical/diagnostic laboratory
  • DNA extraction from complex specimens (stool, soil, food, etc.)
  • Next generation sequencing (NGS) methods and bioinformatics
Eligibility Requirements
  • Degree: Master's Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
  • Discipline(s):
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (1 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (45 )
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