CDC Public Health Implementation Science Fellowship

Reference Code: CDC-2026-0046

About the role

A research opportunity is available in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP), Division of Cancer Prevention and Control (DCPC), Comprehensive Cancer Control Branch (CCCB) located in Atlanta, Georgia.

The 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. As the nation’s health protection agency, CDC saves lives and protects people from health threats by conducting critical science and providing health information.

The NCCDPHP's Division of Cancer Prevention and Control (DCPC) works with partners to address preventable cancers, find cancer early, and improve outcomes for cancer survivors. The Comprehensive Cancer Control Branch (CCCB) supports national, state, tribal, and territorial cancer control initiatives through program funding, evaluation, science translation, technical assistance, training, and partnership development.

Research Project

This fellowship provides a doctorate-level trainee with an immersive, practice-focused experience in population-based cancer prevention and control programs, combining applied learning with sustained mentorship from senior scientists and public health advisors within the DCPC Comprehensive Cancer Control Branch (CCCB).

• Engage in research and evaluation projects under the guidance of experienced mentors, applying implementation science frameworks to assess cancer prevention, screening, and survivorship interventions.
• Participate in research studies to inform implementation of evidence-based interventions addressing risk factors for preventable cancers, early detection and treatment, survivorship, and improving outcomes for cancer survivors.
• Collect and analyze data, collaborate with public health professionals, and disseminate findings through peer-reviewed scientific publications and presentations.
• Gain experience preparing public health practice technical packages for comprehensive cancer control programs.
• Participate in professional development activities focused on science communication, including peer-reviewed manuscripts and oral presentations, stakeholder engagement, and translation of evidence into public health practice.

This educational opportunity is designed to complement your academic background and foster growth in areas aligned with CDC’s mission. You will not supervise staff, manage budgets, or act as a federal representative. Project assignments are appropriate for an education and training program and do not involve employment-related responsibilities.

Learning Objectives

Under the guidance of a mentor within the CCCB Scientific Support and Clinical Translation Team, you will:

• Gain experience applying implementation science frameworks to design and implement research studies and evaluation projects.
• Participate in research to inform implementation of evidence-based interventions for cancer prevention and control.
• Disseminate research findings through scientific publications and presentations.
• Develop skills in science communication, stakeholder engagement, and translation of evidence into public health practice.

Appointment Details

Anticipated appointment start date: September 13, 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

The appointment will initially be for 1 year but may be renewed upon recommendation of CDC and is contingent on the availability of funds.

The appointment is full-time.

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in a relevant field within the past five years.

Preferred Skills

• Behavioral and social science theories
• Evidence-based public health interventions
• Population-based public health practice
• Implementation and evaluation science
• Program evaluation
• Mixed methods research and evaluation
• Applied prevention research
• Systematic literature reviews
• Data analysis, interpretation, and visualization
• Scientific writing and communication
• Statistical programming and analysis using software such as SAS, SUDAAN, and R

Stipend

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

Mentor

The mentor for this opportunity is Eric Tai, MD, MS (cvn5@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.