CDC Influenza Gene Synthesis and Pandemic Preparedness Fellowship

Organization
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Reference Code
CDC-ID-2019-0184
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.NCIRD@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.

Application Deadline
9/4/2019 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

A research opportunity is currently available with the Virology, Surveillance and Diagnosis Branch (VSDB) of the Influenza Division (ID), National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. 

The Vaccine Preparedness Team within the Virology, Surveillance and Diagnosis Branch is seeking a qualified individual to join a team focused on influenza vaccine research and development. The selected participant will play a critical role in the development of new approaches to generate and improve influenza vaccine candidate viruses. Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will be involved in study design, data interpretation, manuscript writing and will present research at national and international conferences.

The participant may have the opportunity to be trained in the following activities:

  • Develop methods to rapidly clone influenza genes and introduce site-directed or random mutations
  • Develop methods to rapidly synthesize/assemble influenza genes from oligonucleotides and small DNA fragments
  • Develop methods to improve efficiency of influenza virus rescue by reverse genetics
  • Conduct influenza genomic sequencing, analyze and interpret the data
  • Contribute to the development of processes and strategies to generate synthetic influenza viruses based on digital sequences in the shortest time for pandemic preparedness
  • Establish and maintain collaborations with a broad range of laboratory researchers inside and outside of CDC

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: September 30, 2019;  start date is flexible

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 or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields, with an emphasis in molecular biology or biochemistry, or be currently pursuing one of the degrees and will reach completion by December 2019. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

Preferred skills:

  • Experience in molecular cloning and gene synthesis
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including contributing to co-authored scientific publications
Eligibility Requirements
  • Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 12/31/2019 11:59:00 PM.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
    • Engineering (2 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (1 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (45 )
    • Science & Engineering-related (1 )
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