CDC Microbiology Fellowship
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
A research opportunity is currently available with the Laboratory Branch, Viral Hepatitis Division, within the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP) 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.
The Molecular Epidemiology and Bioinformatics Laboratory, has recently built a fully automated laboratory for advance molecular genetic characterization of hepatotropic viruses. The accurate detection of viral hepatitis transmissions would greatly improve outbreak investigations and surveillance. The selected participant will train in the development and optimization of fully automated, walk-away, high-throughput Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) methods for detection of viral hepatitis transmission networks.
Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will be trained in and contribute to:
- Experimental design: involves the design of a fully automated, walk-away protocol for sequencing different subgenomic regions of hepatotropic viruses
- Optimization: involves the optimization and validation of NGS methods in order to make it accurate and high-throughput
- Sample processing: Involves the weekly high-throughput laboratory processing of Viral Hepatitis samples
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Winter 2020-2021
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.
If you have questions, send an email to ORISE.CDC.NCHHSTP@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity (CDC-NCHHSTP-2021-0028) in your email.