CDC Laboratory Science/Public Health Training Opportunity

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

CDC Office and Location: A public health lab training opportunity is available in the Chronic Viral Diseases Branch (CVDB) within the Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology (DHCPP) at the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), 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 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.

CVDB's work includes developing lab methods and studying HPV infection, vaccine effectiveness, and associated diseases for control and prevention. HPV, the most common sexually transmitted virus in the U.S., can lead to various cancers and other conditions. The branch’s projects include the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the HPV Vaccine Impact Monitoring Project, and collaborations with international partners.

Research Project: Rigorous HPV surveillance requires large sample sets and accurate reference materials. Maintaining accuracy over an ever-changing specimen inventory is thus paramount. Following computer-based and hands-on training, the intern will gain valuable experience with CDC’s Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to accurately inventory recent specimens and residuals according to testing progress and project-based needs. With successful demonstration of performing inventory, data management, and archiving, the intern may gain fundamental hands-on experience in molecular biology techniques. The intern may further be exposed to more advanced synthetic biology skills used to generate reference materials for HPV surveillance. This skillset may include in vitro homologous recombination, site-directed mutagenesis, and in vivo recombineering. Depending on progress and recommendation of the mentor, the intern may have an opportunity to present their research at the CDC Office of Laboratory Systems and Response’s (OLSR) 9th Annual Laboratory Science Symposium (LSS) taking place March 11th-12th, 2025.

Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will gain experience in:

• Cataloging, processing, and storing biologic samples received in the HPV DNA laboratory while observing all safety guidelines
• Recording and maintaining hardcopies and electronic copies of laboratory notebooks detailing experiments and results
• Helping in laboratory quality management activities as assigned
• Attending regular meetings at the Team, Branch, and Division levels
• Gaining insight into career opportunities in public health through informational interviews
• Attending or presenting at scientific journal clubs
• Participating in the CDC Fellows Collective, which offers periodic seminars, career mentorship, and networking with other fellows/interns across the CDC
• Supplementing mentor-led training with CDC trainings or external online courses to further develop new skills that support the Team’s goal and personal career path

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Troy Querec (hep0@cdc.org). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Early 2025 or January 6, 2025. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment length is flexible and contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The appointment is full time or part time. Opportunities are available for participation levels averaging from 8 hours to 40 hours per week. The application should indicate average available hours per week for internship participation during 7 am through 5 pm, Monday through Friday.

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

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing an associate's or bachelor's degree in the one of the relevant fields.

Preferred skills:

• Applicant should clearly demonstrate interest in public health careers and describe next educational or career goals after graduation for current academic institution.

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Currently pursuing an Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree.
• Overall GPA: 3.00