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*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and this opportunity may close before the application deadline.
CDC Office and Location: A research opportunity is available with the Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases (DFWED) in the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NEZID) at 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 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 be training in an interdisciplinary environment with experts in the fields of statistics, epidemiology, laboratory science, and bioinformatics to apply or develop statistical methods for the analysis of genetic/WGS data and other forms of “big data” resulting from wastewater surveillance, other surveillance systems, and CDC’s Advanced Molecular Detection (AMD) initiative. The Fellow will participate in developing, evaluating, and validating statistical models and algorithms for improving understanding of disease transmission and incidence, as well as risk factors for and predictors of multiple foodborne, waterborne, and environmental pathogens. Reports, manuscripts, presentations, and tools will be produced and disseminated to make scientific findings and advancements available and translatable to improve public health. The Fellow will also train in interpretation of results and will practice developing and providing the Division and external partners with training on tools developed.
Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor, research activities will include, but are not limited to:
- Practice evaluating, extending, and developing methods of statistical analysis and applying these methods to projects related to foodborne, waterborne, and environmental (mycotic) disease studies, surveillance, investigations, and interventions
- Training with scientists in the Division to prepare complex analyses of datasets, often involving data from multiple sources
- Practice advising and assisting Division branches on statistical models, methods, and machine learning projects, studies, and investigations
- Collaboration with others in the Division to produce software implementation of tools developed
- Preparing presentations for professional meetings and participating in the writing of reports and published manuscripts
- Collaborating and coordinating with Division Branches, including the Enteric Disease Epidemiology and Laboratory Branches, and the Outbreak Response and Prevention Branch, the Mycotic Diseases Branch, as well as other scientific groups.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: June 2022. 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: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.
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).