CDC Ending Cholera Fellowship

Organization
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Reference Code
CDC-DFWED-2022-0121
How to Apply

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A complete application consists of:
  • An application
  • 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.

Application Deadline
12/27/2022 11:59:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

CDC Office and LocationA research opportunity is available in the PulseNet, Reference, Outbreak and Surveillance Team (PROST) in the Enteric Diseases Laboratory Branch (EDLB) in the Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases (DFWED) in the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), located in Atlanta, Georgia.

CDC is one of the major operation components of the Department of Health and Human Services. CDC works to protect 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.

Research ProjectCDC is a founding member of the Global Task Force on Cholera Control (GTFCC). In October 2017, the GTFCC launched Ending Cholera: The Global Roadmap to 2030. This plan aims to reduce cholera deaths by 90% by 2030 through a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach by engaging experts on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), case management, epidemiology and surveillance, laboratory, and vaccines. EDLB contributes laboratory expertise and works with international partners to build capacity to identify Vibrio cholerae.

As part of this work, EDLB is developing new training materials and resources for a variety of laboratory methods used for cholera surveillance and during outbreaks. EDLB is also updating and adapting existing training materials to be delivered remotely or in-person. Training materials and resources will be shared with international partners. Well-designed training modules and clear training materials are key to building sustainable lab capacity and a competent workforce, as well as building partnerships between EDLB and international scientists. The fellow will work closely with members of EDLB who
are experts in cholera and have experience working in international settings. Activities will include:

  • Working in a laboratory to learn microbiological and molecular methods to isolate, identify and characterize enteric bacteria, prioritizing epidemic Vibrio cholerae
  • Reviewing lists of lab supplies, materials, equipment and associated protocols; reviewing lab assessments as needed
  • Participating in landscape analysis of existing training materials (internally and externally available relevant materials)
  • Preparing power point presentations and associated training materials for delivery to international audiences
  • Adapting in-person training materials to virtual platforms
  • Attending seminars/webinars
  • Participating in meetings with EDLB members to discuss training priorities, timelines, assess progress on materials
  • Depending on the COVID-19 pandemic situation, international travel with a team of CDC scientists (country TBD) may be
    an option, but is not guaranteed or a requirement.

Learning Objectives

  • Become proficient in a variety of microbiological and molecular methods, with an emphasis on understanding the context for appropriate test method selection and required supplies, materials, and equipment
  • Synthesize information from landscape analysis to identify gaps and priorities for training needs
  • Understand and apply considerations for virtual, international audiences when developing/adapting training materials

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Sherricka Stephens (gii8@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: January 2023.  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: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.

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 fellow will be subject to standard federal background investigation, Department of Justice background investigation, and initial and ongoing personnel suitability review.

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 ORISE.CDC.NCEZID@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a master's or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields (e.g. Biological Sciences, Public Health) or be currently pursuing the degree with completion by July, 2022. Degree must have been received within the past five years.

Preferred skills:

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • French or other foreign language skills highly desired, but not necessary
  • Experience developing and/or delivering training (lecture or hands-on) on any subject
  • Experience working in a multicultural environment
  • Strong interpersonal skills preferred for teamwork and extensive interaction with people across CDC and with external partners working abroad
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (including Excel or Access, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, MS Teams)
  • Experience reading and following laboratory protocols
  • Experience reading and summarizing scientific literature or other scientific documents and using reference management software
  • Familiarity with the following is helpful, but not required:
    • Traditional microbiological isolation and identification techniques for bacterial organisms 
    • Conventional and/or real-time PCR assays
Eligibility Requirements
  • Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 5/31/2022 11:59:00 PM.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Communications and Graphics Design (6 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (9 )
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