CDC Next Generation Sequencing, Subtyping and Microbiology Laboratory Fellowship
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
CDC Office and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the Next Generation Sequencing and Sub-typing Unit (NGSSU) in the Enteric Diseases Laboratory Branch, in the Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases (DFWED), National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia.
To maintain long-term viability, food-borne enteric pathogen outbreak surveillance systems must keep up with rapidly changing technology and translate this new technology via training to members of the surveillance system.
NGSSU is the wet laboratory at PulseNet Central. We work with the other teams in EDLB, state public health laboratories, and other groups to develop complete and accurate work flows covering specimen identification and sub-typing.
Research Project: As a part of this work, NGSSU is offering a fellowship to support the development and optimization of laboratory procedures utilizing sequencing existing and finding new protocols for pathogen surveillance. Research activities of the successful candidate will include gain valuable experience and skills in following areas: collaborating with other project scientists to develop project plans, interpreting data, writing protocols, and presenting results to partner public health organizations. The participant will receive extensive laboratory mentoring with the goal of developing a robust molecular and microbiological skill set that will include many techniques commonly used in public health laboratories around the USA. Validated best practices resulting from this project will be distributed to public health laboratories.
Learning Objectives:
- Evaluate, develop, and implement a variety of next generation sequencing (NGS) approaches for testing of specimens for public health deployment
- Operate specialized equipment such as Illumina Sequencers (MiSeq,iSeq, others), Agilent Fragment Analyzer, PCR machines
- Use standard microbiological techniques to safely maintain primary clinical samples and pathogen isolates
- Extract DNA from pathogen isolates for NGS
- Perform maintenance of shared laboratory spaces and equipment
- Maintain laboratory notebook and other project related records
- Communicate results to other project scientists and external collaborators
- Complete safety and quality management systems training. Champion laboratory safety.
This opportunity involves working with human pathogen isolates and possibly human clinical specimens. Relevant vaccinations for working with human clinical samples will be required. Extensive biosafety and chemical safety training and over site will be provided.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Rebecca Lindsey (wmi1@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: June 2021. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of CDC and is contingent on the availability of funds.
Level of Participation: The appointment is full-time.
Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.
Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.
ORISE Information: This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and CDC. Participants do not become employees of CDC, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.
Questions: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email ORISE.CDC.NCEZID@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.