CDC Novel Vaccines for Measles, Mumps and Rubella Fellowship
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
MUST APPLY THROUGH EXTERNAL LINK. MUST SUBMIT RESUME WITH APPLICATION.
Two research opportunities are currently available within the Viral Vaccine Preventable Diseases Branch (VVPDB), Division of Viral Diseases (DVD), National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) located in Atlanta, Georgia.
Mumps virus continues to cause outbreaks in the U.S. with over 20,000 U.S. mumps cases reported since 2014. These outbreaks have ranged in size and setting with the majority seen among fully vaccinated persons and in close contact settings. Phylogenetic analysis of the mumps samples genotyped from 2015 through 2019 determined that the vast majority of mumps genotypes detected were genotype G (>98%). Multiple factors appear to contribute to mumps susceptibility among highly vaccinated populations including a two-dose vaccine effectiveness of only 88%, waning immunity, a weak immune response overall as well as antigenic differences between circulating wild-type viruses and the vaccine strain. Although there is no clearly defined neutralizing antibody titer that correlates with immunity, a third dose of mumps vaccine resulted in only minimal boosts in neutralizing antibody titer after one month and by one year titers had essentially returned to baseline. New strategies are needed to improve the longevity and intensity of the immune response to mumps vaccination.
The selected participant will join the mumps team within VVPDB. Under the guidance of a mentor, opportunities may include:
- Evaluate novel subunit mumps vaccine candidates using IFNa/b -/- mice as a model
- Contribute to the evaluation of novel mumps vaccine candidates in a non-human primate model
- Investigate the ability of genetically distinct mumps genotypes to neutralize vaccine induced immune responses
The immune response to mumps is inherently weak and some individuals fail to maintain mumps specific memory B cells and high quality antibody. Antigenic differences between vaccine and wild-type viruses likely contribute to susceptibility and suggest that vaccine candidates that induce broader neutralizing antibody responses are needed. The results of this project will provide VVPDB with a better understanding of mumps susceptibility among vaccine recipients and ultimately could lead to the development of an improved mumps vaccine. The selected participant will collaborate with subject matter experts and team members who are performing various aspects of this research.
The participant will also be part of the VVPDB team that is evaluating the immune response to measles and rubella vaccines delivered by a microneedle patch.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: August 3, 2020
This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and CDC. The initial appointment can be up to one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of CDC contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. The appointment is full-time at CDC in the Atlanta, Georgia, area. Participants do not become employees of CDC, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should have received a master's or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields, or be currently pursuing one of the degrees and will reach completion by the start date of the appointment. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.
If you have questions, send an email to ORISE.CDC.NCIRD@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity (CDC-NCIRD-2020-0113) in your email.