CDC Non-infectious Environmental Epidemiology Fellowship
Application Deadline
9/11/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
CDC Office and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice (DEHSP) of the National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 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 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 mission of the CDC’s National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH), Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice (DEHSP), Emerging Environmental Hazards and Health Effects Branch (EEHHEB), Environmental Epidemiology Unit (EEU) is to prevent illness and disease associated with non-infectious environmental hazards through workforce development, evidence-based research, rapid public health response, and the implementation of effective strategies that reduce harmful environmental exposures and improve population health.
The EEU partners with state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) health departments to investigate unusual patterns of cancer (UPC) and address community concerns related to cancer incidence, cancer types, and geographic distribution. The unit also provides technical assistance, training, and scientific expertise to strengthen SLTT capacity to investigate UPCs, toxic outbreaks, and other environmental health events. Through competency-based training, standardized guidance, and collaborative partnerships, EEU equips public health professionals with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to conduct rigorous investigations, communicate findings effectively, and respond to environmental health concerns using consistent, science-based approaches that protect and promote community health.
Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a multidisciplinary team of epidemiologists and health scientists, you may have opportunities to:
- Gain hands-on experience with scientific and programmatic activities within the Environmental Epidemiology Unit (EEU).
- Develop skills in conducting systematic reviews of scientific and grey literature related to environmental epidemiology and public health.
- Learn to analyze and interpret large epidemiological datasets using both quantitative and qualitative research methods.
- Build collaborative experience with CDC/ATSDR staff, state and local health departments, academic institutions, and other public health partners.
- Strengthen scientific writing skills by contributing to reports, manuscripts, abstracts, and presentations for dissemination of research findings.
- Enhance communication skills by developing website content, fact sheets, and outreach materials for diverse audiences.
- Gain experience in the development of training curricula, guidance documents, and resource materials for public health professionals.
- Learn to support meeting planning and coordination, including preparing summaries and tracking action items.
- Improve your ability to synthesize information from surveys, focus groups, literature reviews, and expert consultations.
- Enhance written and oral communication skills through presentations at internal meetings, professional conferences, and public health forums.
- Expand interdisciplinary research experience by collaborating across fields to address complex environmental public health challenges using evidence-based approaches.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Tesfaye Bayleyegn (bvy7@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: August 17, 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for two years, 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 doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields (public health or a related scientific discipline with training or experience in epidemiology, environmental health, or healthcare program management). Degree must have been received within the past five years.
Preferred skills:
- Training and hands-on experience in quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis
- Experience with synthesizing and summarizing scientific information
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage complex tasks that require attention to detail
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Familiarity and/or interest in learning about non-infectious environmental epidemiology, and toxic outbreak investigation
Point of Contact
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 month(s).