CDC Influenza Vaccine and Viral Evaluation Fellowship
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
A research opportunity is currently available within the Influenza Division (ID), Virology, Surveillance and Diagnosis Branch, of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The Molecular Epidemiology Team (MET) within the Virology, Surveillance and Diagnosis Branch conducts comprehensive characterization of influenza viruses, including antigenic and antiviral susceptibility analyses. The MET conducts research studies on the mechanisms of antigenic drift of seasonal and zoonotic influenza viruses, with emphasis on neuraminidase and on the mechanisms of antiviral resistance. A multidisciplinary approach is applied using genetics, virology, molecular biology, biochemistry, epidemiology and bioinformatics.
The selected participant will be involved with research and development efforts to improve the current knowledge of the mechanisms of antigenic drift in the neuraminidase, the selection of vaccine candidates, and evaluation of neuraminidase properties in various influenza vaccines. The research studies are to be conducted on seasonal and zoonotic influenza viruses to improve public health countermeasures and pandemic preparedness.
Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will be involved in the following research activities:
- Molecular biological and biochemical analyses designed to understand mechanisms underlying antigenic drift in neuraminidase of seasonal and zoonotic influenza viruses
- Designing and constructing plasmids and rescuing reverse genetically engineered influenza A and B viruses
- Transiently expressing recombinant viral neuraminidase using baculovirus system
- Sequencing (Sanger and/or NGS) and sequence data analysis
- Statistical analyses for data interpretation
- Partnering with branch personnel and other researchers in the division
- Preparing summaries, presentations and manuscripts of complex data and results
- Enhance professional growth and development by reviewing current literature and by participating in educational programs, workshops, conferences, and in-service meetings
- Preparing and drafting manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication
If you have questions, send an email to ORISE.CDC.NCIRD@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity (CDC-ID-2021-0043) in your email.