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
• Two educational or professional references

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

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

A fellowship opportunity is currently available with the Molecular Diagnostics and Typing Laboratory (MDTL) in the Laboratory Reference and Research Branch (LRRB), Division of STD Prevention, within the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia.

LRRB’s mission is to provide reference and research activities for syphilis, Neisseria gonorrohoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis infections, lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), chancroid, genital herpes, donovanosis, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis.  The branch supports domestic and global laboratory capacity to improve laboratory-based methods of detection of STDs and successful treatment though evidence-based laboratory science regarding diagnostics and clinical intervention strategies.  Specific LRRB activities include conducting and participating in clinical, field, and laboratory research to develop, evaluate, and improve laboratory diagnostic capacity, develop, and publish laboratory guidelines, drug therapies, and epidemiologic tools for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs); conduct laboratory assessment of antimicrobial resistance in STDs; consult with and support laboratory efforts for domestic and international activities including serving as a World Health Organization (WHO) and Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) collaborating center for STDs, and collaboration with NIH, FDA, NCI, and other government agencies.  The LRRB provides subject matter expertise to collaborative centers domestically and globally.

The MDTL team supports LRRB’s mission both domestic and international through surveillance and research programs focused on infections caused by all STD pathogens. For international focuses, LRRB is in partnership with the CDC International laboratory branch (ILB), Division of Global HIV and TB (DGHT) to strengthen STI laboratory capacity in PEPFAR countries to support surveillance, program monitoring and evaluation. The scope of work is aimed to achieve the following overarching programmatic objectives:

The fellow will be involved in the following team activities:

• Improving the quality of STI laboratory surveillance data collected as a component of WHO/UNAIDS recommended second generation HIV surveillance and integrated behavior and STI/HIV biomarker surveys

• Enhancing national STI diagnosis capacity to support STI/HIV intervention activities targeting the most-at-risk-population groups (MARPs)

• Measuring the burden of STIs among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and to support implementation of integrated STI diagnosis and treatment at HIV care and treatment centers

• Implementing STI molecular testing capacity at the regional, sub-regional and national reference laboratories

• Promoting the implementation of national STI laboratory quality assurance program, in partnership with other laboratory quality assurance activities such as the laboratory quality assurance program for HIV, TB and Malaria

• Developing, validating and field testing innovative and cost-effective STI laboratory techniques that are appropriate for use in resource poor settings

• Supporting integrated programmatic efforts in selected countries, such as eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis

• Providing technical assistance to WHO in formulating the guidance on global STI laboratory capacity strengthening activities

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 is for 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 or the program administrator, and there are no fringe benefits paid.

Applicants must have a master’s degree (with minimum of 2 year of laboratory experience) or doctoral degree in microbiology, biology, or other related scientific field of study received within the last five years is required.

Experience in the following is desirable:

• Basic microbiologic techniques (e.g., aseptic technique, bacterial culture) is required

• Basic molecular biology techniques (e.g., nucleic acid extraction, PCR, sequencing), as well as knowledge on STDs and molecular diagnostics is desired

• Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (4 )