CDC Virology Fellowship

Organization
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Reference Code
CDC-DVBD-2019-0171
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.NCEZID@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.

Application Deadline
8/16/2019 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

Two research opportunities are currently available in the Arboviral Diseases Branch within the Division of Vector-Borne Diseases (DVBD), of the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Fort Collins, Colorado.

The project involves virological and entomological research to support our Team research efforts and our collaborating overseas laboratory. The research includes reagent development, assay evaluation, and mosquito testing.

The selected participant will be involved with multiple projects designed to support the broad mission of the Virology Team to more fully prepare the Branch to respond to arboviral emergence events.  The Branch activities include preparedness for and response to detection of arbovirus emergence events both domestically and in our overseas research sites (ie- Indonesia). Our virology team performs research to aid in this preparedness for both our branch and international partners. 

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

  • Contributing to the development and evaluation of novel antigens and antibodies that can detect specific viruses
  • Testing these materials in both existing assays and participating in the development of new assays when needed
  • Extracting nucleic acid to use for molecular testing
  • Helping make molecular testing materials to detect the existing strains of viruses
  • Determining if these products (such as vaccines) could be transmitted by mosquitoes (safety evaluations)

Learning objectives for this opportunity include: 

  • Develop arboviral classical lab skills such as cell culture maintenance, virus isolation
  • Develop molecular virology skills including nucleic acid extraction, RT-PCR, primer design, sequencing, cloning, etc.,
  • Learn to rear and safely handle colony mosquitoes
  • Learn serological assay methods such as ELISA techniques
  • Learn reagent purification and evaluation

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: September 12, 2019

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 Fort Collins, Colorado, 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 be currently pursuing or have received a bachelor's or master's degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

Preferred skills:

  • general laboratory experience (biosafety, pipetting, disinfection techniques, etc.)
  • cell culture, RT-PCR, nucleic acid extraction
  • ELISA experience
  • database entry/analysis
  • mosquito rearing and/or manipulation
  • animal handling (mice)
Eligibility Requirements
  • Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (8 )