CDC Quality Control Management and Clinical Diagnostic Testing Fellowship

Reference Code: CDC-2026-0060

About the role

A research opportunity is available in the Poxvirus and Rabies Branch of the Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology (DHCPP), within the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) located in Atlanta, Georgia.

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 and citizens to do the same. CDC increases the nation’s health security. As the nation’s health protection agency, CDC saves lives and protects people from health threats. To accomplish its mission, CDC conducts critical science and provides health information that protects the nation against expensive and dangerous health threats, and responds when these arise.

Research Project

Through this opportunity, you will train on projects related to quality control management and clinical diagnostic testing for poxviruses and rabies virus. Under the guidance of a mentor, you will:

• Gain experience with clinical test regulations and quality management systems
• Learn to support implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the laboratory QMS
• Collaborate with branch to ensure laboratory operations comply with applicable federal requirements, organizational policies, laboratory procedures, accreditation standards, and other quality and safety requirements
• Learn to perform and validate diagnostic methods using real-time PCR or novel diagnostic techniques
• Organize and present data for method evaluation and publication
• Analyze and present data, with the opportunity to publish

Learning Objectives

By the end of the fellowship, you will be able to:

• Apply knowledge of clinical laboratory regulations and quality management systems (QMS) to support high-quality diagnostic testing for poxviruses and rabies virus
• Perform and validate clinical diagnostic methods, including real-time PCR and novel diagnostic techniques for poxviruses and rabies virus
• Evaluate and interpret laboratory data generated during diagnostic method development, validation, and quality control activities
• Organize, analyze, and present scientific data to clearly communicate findings from method evaluations and research activities
• Develop practical experience in laboratory quality management and clinical diagnostic testing through mentored participation in research and diagnostic laboratory projects

Mentor

The mentor for this opportunity is Nishi Patel (fhw6@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.

Appointment Details

• Anticipated Start Date: September 14, 2026 (flexible depending on various factors)
• Appointment Length: Initially for one year, renewable upon recommendation and contingent on availability of funds
• Level of Participation: Full-time
• Citizenship Requirements: U.S. Citizens only

This program is 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). 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.

Qualifications

• The qualified candidate should have received a master's degree in one of the relevant fields within the past five years

Preferred Skills

• Strong background in laboratory science, with preference for molecular virology
• General understanding of laboratory operations and good laboratory practices
• Demonstrated interest in learning laboratory quality systems, regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, and quality assurance practices
• Strong written and oral communication skills exemplified by scientific publications and presentations
• Ability to collaborate with other scientific and professional staff