CDC Microbiology Fellowship

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

CDC Office and Location: A fellowship opportunity is available with the National Botulism Laboratory (NBL), in the Enteric Diseases Laboratory Branch, at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia.

NBL serves as CDC’s subject matter resource for laboratory science related to botulism. Its primary mission is to maintain scientific expertise for laboratory investigations of botulism, including preparedness for intentional events. NBL provides laboratory testing capacity and consultation to United States and international public health laboratories. In addition, NBL's mission includes developing and validating methods designed to detect botulinum toxin in clinical, food, and environmental samples.

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: The fellow will gain experience by assisting with outbreak investigations of botulism through CLIA-certified laboratory tests.

Learning Objectives: 

• Develop expertise in microbiological and molecular methods for detection of botulinum toxin and isolation and characterization of Clostridium botulinum and related species.
• Collaborate with team members and other colleagues in the branch, division, etc., including networking and other training opportunities.
• Communicate scientific objectives and findings through project proposals, data summaries, and scientific presentations.
• Enhance professional growth and development by reviewing current literature, participate in educational opportunities, having access to wide range of subject matter experts, participating in leadership trainings, and attending scientific conferences.

These skills will prepare the fellow for a career in public health, with potential opportunities to support laboratory-based surveillance and outbreak response activities in EDLB and elsewhere.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Carolina Luquez (fry6@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: July 15, 2024. 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, 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.

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.NCEZID@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or relevant field of study or be currently pursuing the degree with expected completion before the appointment start date. Such a degree must have been received within the past five years.  

The fellow will be subject to standard federal background investigation, Department of Justice background investigation, and initial and ongoing personnel suitability review, required for opportunities involving Biological Select Agents and Toxins. 

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Bachelor's Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
• Academic Level(s): Post-Bachelor's or Undergraduate Students.