CDC Diagnostic and Reference Laboratory Fellowship

Organization
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Reference Code
CDC-DVBD-2020-0005
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
12/3/2019 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

A research opportunity is currently available with the Diagnostic and Reference team in the Bacterial 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 Diagnostic and Reference Team is responsible for public health and research activities aimed at diagnosis and characterization of vector-borne bacterial diseases, including Lyme disease, relapsing fever, plague, and tularemia. The selected participant will be involved in a variety of activities related to improving diagnosis of these diseases. The participant will contribute to the validation and implementation of newly developed assays for human diagnostic use. Research opportunities will focus on enhancing the diagnosis, detection, and characterization of bacterial vector-borne pathogens.

Under the guidance of a mentor (senior Diagnostic and Reference Team personnel), the selected participant will gain experience in the following:

  • Development and validation of diagnostic laboratory tests under Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) regulations
  • Performance, optimization, and troubleshooting of molecular biology assays, including PCR and next-generation sequencing
  • Implementation of laboratory quality management systems (LQMS), including writing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and other laboratory documentation in collaboration with laboratory subject matter experts
  • Laboratory quality control and quality assessment activities
  • Maintaining good records of laboratory activities
  • Writing technical reports and project summaries

The participant will have opportunities to attend CDC seminars and training courses to enhance existing knowledge in microbiology/biological sciences, epidemiology and public health.

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:

  • Experience with molecular biology techniques, such as PCR and sequencing
  • Strong written communication skills
  • Prior hands-on experience in a CLIA-regulated diagnostic laboratory
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 (9 )