CDC Postgraduate Biology Fellowship

Organization
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Reference Code
CDC-NCHHSTP-2022-0232
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
7/25/2022 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 Division of STD Prevention (DSTDP) within the National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) located in Atlanta, Georgia. 

The goal of DSTDP is to help people be safer and healthier by preventing sexually transmitted diseases and their complications.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is one of the major operation components of the Department of Health and Human Services. CDC works to protect America from health, safety and security threats, both foreign and in the U.S. Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are chronic or acute, curable or preventable, human error or deliberate attack, CDC fights disease and supports communities and citizens to do the same.

Research Project: This research opportunity is focused on whole genome sequencing (WGS) of the STD pathogens Treponema pallidum and Chlamydia trachomatis, the causative agents of syphilis and chlamydia, respectively. The selected participant will obtain “hands on” experience with processing clinical specimens, performing PCR diagnostic tests, WGS, and sequence-based typing methods. The participant will also be involved in quality control activities, analyzing and interpreting test results, and developing troubleshooting skills. The fellow will collaborate closely with CDC microbiologists to contribute to molecular surveillance activities on syphilis and chlamydia.

Learning ObjectivesThis fellowship may provide the opportunity to be involved in the following activities:

  • Performing clinical diagnostic testing, WGS, and genotyping assays to support STD surveillance activities
  • Operation of automated laboratory instrumentation
  • Contributing to the preparation of project protocols and documents, summaries, presentations, manuscripts and figures of laboratory data and results. 
  • Enhancing professional growth and development by participating in trainings, workshops, conferences, and in-service meetings

Mentor(s)The mentor for this opportunity is Allan Pillay (ajp7@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: September 1, 2022.  Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment LengthThe 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 ParticipationThe appointment is full-time.

Participant StipendThe participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.

Citizenship RequirementsThis 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 InformationThis 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.

The successful applicant(s) will be required to comply with Environmental, Safety and Health (ES&H) requirements of the hosting facility, including but not limited to, COVID-19 requirements (e.g. facial covering, physical distancing, testing, vaccination).

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 bachelor's or master's degree in one of the relevant fields, or be currently pursuing one of the degrees with completion by August 31, 2022. Most recent degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

Preferred Skills:

  • Knowledge of bacterial pathogens and their detection, typing, and genetic characterization
  • Knowledge of molecular biology methods
  • Experience with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques
  • Experience with nucleic acid extraction methods
  • Interest in STD pathogens and public health
  • Familiarity with quality management and good laboratory documentation skills
  • Strong oral and written communication skills and strong interpersonal skills
Eligibility Requirements
  • Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 8/31/2022 12:00:00 AM.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (48 )
Affirmation

I certify that I have not previously been employed by CDC or by a contractor working directly for CDC.  I understand that CDC does not permit individuals with a prior employment relationship with CDC or its contractors to participate as trainees in the ORISE program. (Exceptions may be granted for individuals who, since the previous CDC employment, have obtained a new STEM degree which necessitates training in a new field.)