CDC Disease Ecology Fellowship

A research opportunity is available with the Entomology and Ecology team in the Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch within the Division of Vector-Borne Diseases (DVBD) of the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia.

Under the guidance of a mentor, the selected participant will study rickettsial organisms and their arthropod vectors in laboratory and field settings, enhancing their understanding of the biology, ecology, and pathogenesis of vector-borne infections. The participant will receive insight into natural maintenance and transmission of multiple human pathogens and provide potential avenues for improvement of diagnosis, prevention, and control. The participant will learn laboratory techniques, and enhance their aptitude, knowledge, and skills in the fields of rickettsiology and public health.

The participant will take part in studies of biology, ecology, pathogenicity, and natural transmission of tick-borne rickettsial pathogens (including genera Rickettsia, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma). Specifically, the participant will assist in establishment and maintenance of laboratory colonies of infected and uninfected ticks; learn and utilize safe handling of various laboratory animals in studies aimed at understanding of processes involved in natural transmission of pathogens between ticks and their hosts. The participant will participate in field work for collecting of ticks from vegetation in locations throughout the US for supplementation of laboratory colonies. The participant will maintain laboratory records (paper and electronic), prepare reports and assist in general laboratory maintenance. The participant will have an opportunity to learn and utilize various microbiological and molecular techniques, such as, DNA extraction, PCR (qualitative and quantitative), and serology in support of the laboratory objectives. The skills developed under this program may be applied to a number of ongoing and planned projects over the course of the research period.

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 inter-agency 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.

If you have questions, send an email to ORISE.CDC.NCEZID@orau.org.