CDC Import Permit Program Fellowship in Data Analytics, Automation, and BioPermit Innovation
Application Deadline
11/6/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
CDC Office and Location: A research opportunity is available in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) located in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is one of the major operation components of the Department of Health and Human Services. CDC protects 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. CDC increases the health security of our nation. As the nation’s health protection agency, CDC saves lives and protects people from health threats. To accomplish its mission, CDC conducts important science and provides health information that protects our nation against expensive and dangerous health threats, and responds when these arise.
Research Project: This exciting opportunity with the CDC IPP supports CDC’s mission to protect America from health, safety and security threats. The CDC IPP regulates the importation of infectious biological materials that could cause disease in humans to prevent their introduction and spread into the U.S. The program ensures that the importation of these agents is monitored and that facilities receiving permits have appropriate biosafety measures in place to use the imported agents. Import permits are issued through a new I.T. system, BioPermit. Training as a member of the CDC IPP, you will collaborate with computer and health scientists to develop enhancements for BioPermit and improvements to the electronic database. Additionally, you will also gain experience analyzing and visualizing trends related to importing infectious biological agents into the United States.
Learning Objectives:
- Gain experience supporting CDC efforts to prevent the introduction and spread of infectious biological agents into the United States.
- Learn how the CDC Import Permit Program regulates the importation of infectious materials that may cause human disease.
- Develop an understanding of permit-review processes, biosafety requirements, and oversight of facilities receiving imported infectious agents.
- Collaborate with computer scientists and public health professionals to enhance the BioPermit information technology system and electronic database.
- Build skills in data management, analysis, and visualization of trends related to infectious biological-agent importation.
- Gain exposure to the intersection of public health policy, biosafety, regulatory science, and health information technology.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Glen DeGruy (ivj7@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: 2026. 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: Stipend rates may vary based on numerous factors, including opportunity, location, education, and experience. If you are interviewed, you can inquire about the exact stipend rate at that time and if selected, your appointment offer will include the monthly stipend rate.
Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.
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.
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 CDCrpp@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 (data science, bioinformatics, health informatics, computer science, information systems, statistics, public health, biological sciences, microbiology, or a related field). Degree must have been received within the past five years.
Preferred skills:
- Interdisciplinary training combining biological or public health sciences with data analytics or information technology is desirable.
- Experience with data analysis, data visualization, data modeling, database design, and/or data curation
- Experience using Microsoft Power BI and Excel to analyze data and develop reports, dashboards, or other data products
- Familiarity with relational databases, data management, and data quality principles
- Experience with analytical or automation tools such as R, R Markdown, Python, SQL, or similar technologies
- Experience or interest in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, or AI-assisted workflow automation
- Experience with software testing, beta testing, user acceptance testing, or information system development
- Ability to analyze complex datasets, identify trends, and effectively communicate findings to technical and nontechnical audiences
- Interest in applying data science and technology to public health, regulatory science, biosafety, biological risk assessment, or infectious diseases
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and collaborative skills
Prior biosafety or regulatory experience is favorable but not required.
Point of Contact
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 60 month(s).