CDC HIV Testing and Laboratory Fellowship

Organization
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Reference Code
CDC-NCHHSTP-2021-0126
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
6/2/2021 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

CDC Office and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the Behavioral and Clinical Surveillance Branch (BCSB) of the Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention (DHAP) 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. 

Research Project: This fellowship offers the opportunity to gain experience in public health surveillance. With 23 participating metropolitan project areas throughout the United States, the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) system collects and reports data on three populations at increased risk for HIV infection: men who have sex with men, persons who inject drugs and heterosexually active persons at increased risk for HIV in the United States. NHBS data are used to monitor issues affecting these populations, which include describing racial disparities, reporting HIV prevalence and awareness, exploring the prevalence HIV-related risk behaviors, such as drug use and sex, and examining access to HIV testing, care and prevention. NHBS collects data through personal interviews and HIV testing and is the only national source of data on HIV-negative members of high-risk populations. Experience through this fellowship will focus on biological surveillance and data management activities as part of NHBS.

Learning ObjectivesSpecific opportunities during the fellowship may include:
  • Participate in learning proper sample collection and storage of dried blood spots (DBS) for HIV testing in field settings.
  • Process and record specimens for long-term storage and testing.
  • Conduct data entry and analysis of serologic and NAT data.
  • Manage and assist in development of large databases of surveillance and laboratory data.
  • Review data entered by health departments and field sites to identify and resolve data quality issues.
  • Correspond with health department partners regarding DBS collection, quality, and packaging and shipping issues.
  • Assist with coordination of NHBS implementation activities.
  • Learn about sampling and testing methods for a large, multi-site surveillance program.
  • Conduct data analyses and participate in preparation of reports and articles for peer-reviewed journals.
  • Assist in the development of guidance documents for NHBS.
  • Research technical issues that arise from data collection and management processes.
  • Help provide training to health department staff.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Kathryn Lee (hgi2@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Spring 2021.  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.

Questions: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email ORISE.CDC.NCHHSTP@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, or be currently pursuing one of the degrees with completion by May 2021. Degree must have been received within the past five years.

Preferred skills:
  • Experience using statistical software (SAS preferred) and data management software (Excel, Access)
  • Strong data management skills
  • Strong writing and communication skills
  • Knowledge of HIV prevention and infectious disease
  • Experience with HIV testing
Eligibility Requirements
  • Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 5/31/2021 11:59:00 PM.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (7 )
    • Mathematics and Statistics (1 )
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