CDC Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers Laboratory Fellowship
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
A research opportunity is currently available in the Viral Special Pathogens Branch (VSBP) within the National Center for Zoonotic and Emerging Infectious Diseases (NCEZID) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia.
The selected participant will be a part of the Genetic Systems Team, which is responsible for developing new molecular and genetic systems to study highly hazardous viral diseases to include Filoviruses (such as, Ebola and Marburg viruses), Arenaviruses (such as the Lassa virus), Nairovirales (such as the Rift Valley fever and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic viruses), plus viruses from other families. Under the guidance of the Team leader or his delegate, the participant will learn and contribute to the study of high-hazard viruses using standard and state of the art advanced molecular methods.
Specific learning opportunities will focus on the skill sets needed to design, develop, and assess/optimize methodologies under Biosafety Level 2, 3, and 4 in order to study high consequence viruses, and will include:
- Biosafety level 3 and 4 laboratory practices and regulations
- how to prepare samples, perform assays, and analyze data for the detection of high-hazard viruses, using standard and advanced molecular detection methods
- propagating and characterizing high-hazard viruses, including virus titration, detection of infected cultures by IFA, neutralization with antibodies, etc.
- performing PCR-based assays, and state-of-the-art next-generation sequencing (NGS)
- designing and creating reverse genetics systems to characterize BSL3 and BSL4 viruses
- modifying and optimizing reverse genetics systems
- how to investigate, compare and contrast commercial and in-house methodologies to improve the pathogen detection
- participating in seminars and conferences in the specific field of research
A travel/training allowance of up to $5,000 for participation and/or presentations at scientific conferences will be provided.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields, or be currently pursuing the degree and will reach completion by the start date of the appointment. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.
Preferred skills:
- Experience with molecular laboratory practices at Biosafety level 2, 3 and possibly 4
- Experience with virology and bacteriology
- Experience with advance molecular detection methods and procedures, such as designing new qRT-PCR assays
- Experience with next-generation sequencing (NGS)
- Experience with molecular biology and mutagenesis
If you have questions, send an email to ORISE.CDC.NCEZID@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity (CDC-VSPB-2020-0068) in your email.