CDC Molecular Biology Training Opportunity - Malaria and Parasitic Diseases Laboratory

Reference Code: CDC-2026-0050

Application Deadline: 10/9/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: October 1, 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

About the role

The Malaria laboratory supports malaria research and surveillance as well as control and prevention activities in the US and overseas. In addition, the laboratory is ramping up laboratory support for Chagas and Babesiosis surveillance. Activities include diagnostics to improve detection, surveillance for anti-malaria drug resistance, and outbreak support. The Division collaborates with several disease programs within CDC, state public health laboratories, and academic and research institutions within the US and overseas.

The laboratory’s goal is to develop molecular biology techniques and implement them in testing assays for malaria and other parasitic diseases such as Babesiosis and Chagas disease. A major part of the project involves next generation sequencing (NGS) including use of the Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) and the Illumina NextSeq 1000/2000 platforms for malaria genomic testing.

This is a full-time, 1-year fellowship with possible extension as funding permits. The training location will be the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Roybal campus in Atlanta, Georgia. You may also be trained in other laboratories in CDC as well as academic institutions within the US and overseas. This opportunity may involve both domestic and overseas travel.

Responsibilities

• Gain experience in ordering reagents and laboratory supplies, tracking inventory, and learning laboratory resource management practices.
• Draft CDC-compliant biological and chemical risk assessment forms relevant to laboratory assays.
• Develop laboratory protocols and supporting documents based on published literature and other scientific information sources.
• Conduct testing and follow-up analyses using the ONT sequencing output, organize accurate tracking of ONT sequencing outputs, metadata, and results.
• Draft CDC-compliant analysis protocols and supporting documents based on published literature for utilizing sequenced results.
• Test and analyze malaria parasite genomic sequences in support of Malaria Molecular Surveillance (MMS) and genotyping for diagnostic resistance markers using Illumina NextSeq 1000/2000 or other platforms.
• Identify potential new markers of anti-malarial drug resistance.
• Design experiments to describe assay performance, including development of validation plans, conducting proposed experiments, analyzing results, and development of a validation report.
• Use laboratory tests to support epidemiological investigations for Babesia, Chagas disease, and malaria.
• Conduct data analysis and collaborate with epidemiologists within and outside the division to generate actionable reports.
• Receive training on all required CDC laboratory and method-specific procedures and establish competency for assigned assays.
• Learn about quality assurance activities and how to compile data and information from the laboratory in compliance with CDC’s Quality Manual for Microbiological Laboratories (QMML).
• Provide oral and written project updates for internal and external audiences, present at scientific meetings, and/or publish in scientific journals.

Qualifications

• Received a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field within the past five years.
• U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR).

Skills

• Molecular Biology experience.
• Some experience in genomic sequencing, including next generation sequencing is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and manage time and effort.
• Demonstrated ability to compile and analyze laboratory-generated data.
• Highly capable of tracking, summarizing, and reporting lab activities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and organizational skills.
• Proficient use of different computer programs (Microsoft Office and lab analysis software).
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated success as a team player.
• Ability to interact with individuals from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds.

Pay

Stipend rates may vary based on numerous factors, including opportunity, location, education, and experience. If interviewed, you can inquire about the exact stipend rate at that time.

Schedule

The appointment is full time.