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 in the Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Herpesvirus Laboratory Branch (MMRHLB), Division of Viral Diseases (DVD) of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia.

DVD is responsible for disease surveillance for many RNA viruses associated with vaccine preventable and non-vaccine preventable viral diseases. MMRHLB is a Global Specialized Laboratory within the WHO Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network. Understanding the prevalence of measles and rubella antibodies in a population can help verify vaccination coverage rates and identify populations that may be at risk of measles or rubella virus transmission and outbreaks. The current methods for measuring humoral immunity to a multi-antigen vaccine are not conducive to evaluating large numbers of samples cost-effectively or efficiently. Therefore, other serology assays such as the multiplex immunoassay (MIA) will provide a benefit to evaluating population seroprevalence. To help accomplish this goal, the fellow will join the measles team within MMRHLB.

The fellow may gain experience by:

• Evaluating the existing laboratory protocol for a measles and rubella MIA, comparing this to standard serological assays including enzyme immunoassays (EIA) and plaque reduction neutralization assays (PRN), evaluating the limit of detection, efficiency, cost and throughput

• Evaluating several antigen preparations for bead coupling to be used in the MIA

• Helping to test large panels of sera by MIA to be compared with current serology assays used including EIA and PRN

• Establishing a panel of sera to be used for quality control of future bead lots

The results of this fellowship will provide MMRHLB with an optimized multiplex immunoassay that will be used to generate serosurveillance data for countries in the measles and rubella laboratory network. The selected fellow will support subject matter experts and team members who are working on establishing the MIA in MMRHLB, and will provide technical and experimental support for transferring the assay to other countries.

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 bachelor’s or master’s degree in virology, microbiology, molecular biology, genetics or a related discipline received within five years of the appointment start date.

• Experience in serologic methods is desired.

• Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (5 )