CDC Poxvirus and Rabies Viral Genomics Research Fellowship

Reference Code: CDC-2026-0052

About the Organization

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is one of the major operational components of the Department of Health and Human Services. CDC protects America from health, safety, and security threats, both foreign and domestic. 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 to do the same. As the nation’s health protection agency, CDC saves lives and protects people from health threats by conducting critical science and providing health information.

About the Role

A research opportunity is available in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) located in Atlanta, Georgia. This fellowship is designed for a highly motivated individual to join and learn from a community of scientists and researchers engaged in projects related to genomic sequencing and genomic epidemiology of poxviruses and rabies virus within the Poxvirus and Rabies Branch.

Research Project

This ORISE Fellowship Opportunity focuses on genomic sequencing and genomic epidemiology of poxviruses and rabies virus in the Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases.

Learning Objectives

• Learn how to perform viral genome sequencing and sequence analysis.
• Gain experience running, developing, and improving Nextflow pipelines.
• Learn how to develop and validate novel bioinformatic pipelines, including improving surveillance and detection of recombination in poxviruses.
• Gain experience in the roll-out of a national rabies virus sequence database.
• Sharpen skills to organize, analyze, and present data for method evaluation, presentations, and publication.
• Understand how to standardize bioinformatic processes and protocols.
• Learn how to engage in outbreak and case investigations for rabies and poxvirus disease.
• Develop skills to engage with U.S., international, and industry public health partners.

Mentor

The mentor for this opportunity is Crystal Gigante (lzu1@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.

Appointment Details

Anticipated appointment start date: September 14, 2026. The start date is flexible and will depend on various factors. The appointment will initially be for one year but may be renewed upon recommendation of CDC and is contingent on the availability of funds. This is a full-time opportunity.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizen.
• Must have received a master’s or doctoral degree in bioinformatics or a relevant field, or be currently pursuing one with the degree conferred by August 31, 2026.
• Degree must have been received within the past five years.

Preferred Skills

• Strong background in bioinformatics and sequence analysis, with preference for molecular virology.
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages.
• Experience with wet laboratory is beneficial.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, exemplified by scientific publications and presentations.
• Ability to work on own initiative.
• Ability to engage with members of a diverse team and collaborate with scientific and professional staff.
• Maintain excellent records.

Stipend

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.

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only.
• Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by August 31, 2026.