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 HHSrpp@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.

A fellowship opportunity is currently available in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in the National Vaccine Program Office (NVPO).  This appointment will be served in one of the following cities:  New York, NY, Philadelphia, PA, Dallas, TX, or Denver, CO.

The research project may provide support one of the following subtopics: strategies and approaches that could be implemented or strengthened in the region; identifying and helping to promote the use of public health efforts or campaigns related to adult immunization; examining the use and functioning of immunization information systems (IIS) with a focus on increasing the inclusion of adult immunization records in IIS; assisting with developing measures and methods to monitor and evaluate the indicators and goals of the NAIP; or identifying or honing strategies that could increase community awareness of and demand for adult immunizations within the respective regions.

Each participant will support activities designed to increase adult immunization rates and/or reduce immunization rate disparities among adults. 

Research Participants will:  

• Develop or assist in the development of a research project with key objectives related to regional implementation of the NAIP, drawing on the Community Guide to Preventive Services as a source for what works to improve immunization rates [(e.g.,the implementation of the Standards for Adult Immunization Practice (aka "the Standards")]

• Develop a smaller project focused on one of NVPO's priorities: 1) the use and/or adoption of IIS for adult vaccination; 2) coordination and/or collaboration with community health centers, pharmacies, and other organizations that could help foster or promote adult immunization; 3) promoting HPV vaccinations; 4) expanding access to recommended adult vaccinations among uninsured or under-insured adults (e.g., through increased or improved delivery of immunization services to uninsured adults);5) identifying and helping implement projects or activities that could address and reduce disparities in adult vaccination coverage; or 6) helping identify whether and where vaccine or vaccination-related concerns may be causing low or decreased confidence in recommended adult vaccinations as well as helping identify strategies for measuring or addressing vaccine confidence-related concerns

• Participate on the Inter-agency Adult Immunization Detail and National Adult Immunization Summit, to help keep the groups apprised of regional issues, concerns, or opportunities that might need to be discussed and/or addressed

• Support the efforts of key partners and stakeholders, both public and private, on 1) National Adult Immunization Plan goals; 2) identifying research needs (e.g., ones related to vaccine confidence or vaccination acceptance); 3) on efforts or approaches that could improve or strengthen vaccination-related systems and infrastructure; or 4) on activities and efforts that would improve access to recommended adult vaccines and/or reduce disparities in access or use of recommended adult vaccines

• Serve as a conduit to and from NVPO – e.g., provide information to NVPO on region specific immunization needs and efforts as well as help provide information from NVPO to entities and key people in the region

• Collaborate with region office staff to promote and help implement priorities of the Assistant Secretary for Health

Research participants will learn:  how to make regular updates on regional needs and activities related to vaccines and immunization, how to write manuscripts, how to conduct and or develop evaluation protocols, write literature reviews, create blogs and newsletters, provide briefings of national presentations, meetings and conferences along with poster presentations and provide support to the meetings and presentations to NVPO staff and RHAs.

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 DHHS. The initial appointment is for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of DHHS 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 DHHS. Participants do not become employees of DHHS or the program administrator, and there are no fringe benefits paid.

Applicants must have received an MPH, PhD, or equivalent within the last five years.  Experience in either vaccine preventable infectious diseases research or immunization policy is preferable. Experience in health information technology, health communication and or/social behavioral sciences is also welcome. Vaccine preventable infectious diseases research or epidemiological work experience beyond the degree obtained is desirable, but not mandatory.

The candidate should have good knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of public health, epidemiology and biostatistics and experience with statistical software packages including SAS.

• Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
  • Communications and Graphics Design (1 )
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (1 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (7 )
  • Mathematics and Statistics (3 )
  • Other Non-Science & Engineering (1 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (7 )