Laboratory Leadership Service (LLS)
Protecting the public’s health and safety is a coordinated effort. It takes experts from a range of health and science disciplines working together to address the public health threats we face in our communities and the country at large. Laboratory scientists are a critical link in this chain. The CDC Laboratory Leadership Service (LLS) program gives PhD laboratory scientists a unique opportunity to go beyond the bench for guided instruction and hands-on problem-solving alongside the elite corps of public health professionals who protect America’s health and safety 24/7.
The 2-year LLS fellowship provides a one-of-a-kind training experience for laboratory scientists who are ready to apply their expertise inside and outside of the lab. Fellows conduct cutting-edge research, support rapid response to disasters and disease outbreaks, help investigate emerging health threats, and enhance the laboratory systems and practices essential for public health. LLS seeks laboratory scientists looking to take their careers to the next level while doing work that delivers real benefits to communities across the country.
LLS fellows are CDC disease detectives who train with Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) partners and subject matter experts across the public health workforce. The LLS fellowship provides service-based training opportunities and experiential learning projects focusing on applied laboratory science, quality, and safety while emphasizing leadership and advanced communication skill-building.
To be eligible for LLS, you must have:
- A doctoral-level degree in a laboratory-related discipline (e.g., microbiology, molecular biology, organic chemistry, environmental chemistry, genetics, bioinformatics); other health professionals are welcome to apply, but must also hold a relevant doctoral-level degree
- US citizenship or US permanent resident status at the time of application
- Must defend thesis or dissertation before March 31 of the year entering LLS
Contact the LLS program if you have any questions regarding eligibility.