CDC Post-Masters Fellowship in Training and Outreach

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. This is a full-time research opportunity with the Division of Regulatory Science and Compliance (DRSC), within the Office of Readiness and Response (ORR) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia.

About the CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is one of the major operation components of the Department of Health and Human Services. CDC protects 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. CDC increases the health security of our nation. As the nation's health protection agency, CDC saves lives and protects people from health threats. To accomplish its mission, CDC conducts important science and provides health information that protects our nation against expensive and dangerous health threats, and responds when these arise.

Research Project

The Division of Regulatory Science and Compliance works to ensure that important scientific research and related public health activities involving certain biological materials are conducted as safely and securely as possible. DRSC includes the Federal Select Agent Program (FSAP), the Import Permit Program (IPP), and the U.S. National Authority for Containment of Poliovirus (NAC). These programs support public health preparedness, laboratory biosafety and biosecurity, regulatory oversight, and risk reduction.

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will train with DRSC's Biosafety, Science, Training, and Expertise Branch to engage in and learn from a project supporting training programs for new and experienced DRSC inspectors and auditors within FSAP, IPP, and NAC.

Learning Objectives

During the appointment, you will have opportunities to:

• Develop knowledge of biosafety and regulatory science by learning how scientific principles related to laboratory biosafety, biosecurity, and risk are incorporated into regulatory and oversight environments.
• Apply STEM knowledge to educational design by learning how complex scientific and technical information can be translated into measurable learning objectives, competency-based curricula, educational materials, and assessment strategies.
• Develop skills in instructional curriculum and design through application of adult-learning principles, instructional design frameworks, and evidence-informed approaches to science and technical education.
• Apply analytical methods to training evaluation data by learning approaches for organizing, analyzing, interpreting, and communicating data related to learner outcomes and program efficacy.
• Develop experience with iterative program improvement by examining evaluation findings and learning how evidence can inform refinement of curriculum content, instructional approaches, and assessment methods.

By the end of the fellowship, you will have developed a stronger understanding of how STEM expertise, regulatory science, instructional design, and educational evaluation intersect in the development of technical training programs.

Mentor

The mentor for this opportunity is Anne Lopez-Ona (lgz9@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.

Appointment Details

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: 2026. 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.

Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.

Participant Stipend

Stipend rates may vary based on numerous factors, including opportunity, location, education, and experience. If you are interviewed, you can inquire about the exact stipend rate at that time and if selected, your appointment offer will include the monthly stipend rate.

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. The successful applicant(s) will be required to comply with Environmental, Safety and Health (ES&H) requirements of the hosting facility, including but not limited to, COVID-19 requirements (e.g., facial covering, physical distancing, testing, vaccination).

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a master's degree in one of the relevant fields (e.g., Biological sciences, Microbiology, Biomedical sciences, Science communication, Health communication, Adult education with a STEM focus). Degree must have been received within the past five years, or anticipated to be received by November 30, 2026.

Preferred Skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong analytical and project coordination skills.
• Interest in regulatory science, biosafety, biosecurity, laboratory safety, training, or continuous improvement.
• Ability to synthesize and deliver complex scientific or technical information to different audiences.
• Ability to engage effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Attention to detail and ability to handle multiple assignments.
• Basic understanding of biology, microbiology, biosafety, or infectious disease concepts is preferred.
• Laboratory experience handling infectious biological agents and donning/doffing personal protective equipment is preferred, but not required.

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Master's Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 11/30/2026 12:00:00 AM.

Contact

Point of Contact: Rachel

Questions: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email CDCrpp@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.