CDC Training in Administration and Operations for Fellowships and Workforce Development Programs

About the research opportunity

A research opportunity is available at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. This mentored educational opportunity focuses on applied public health research, program evaluation methods, and informatics approaches used to better understand and improve public health programs and scientific training activities.

Project description

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will engage in collaborative learning experiences related to data interpretation, evaluation methodologies, scientific communication, and program improvement. You will gain exposure to data-driven decision-making and the development and assessment of public health initiatives. Participation may include involvement in discussions, analytical reviews, and exploratory activities related to public health informatics, evaluation science, and continuous improvement approaches.

Mentored learning activities

• Participating in training activities including those focused on data organization, analytical review methods, and evaluation approaches used in public health research settings
• Learning how scientific summaries, informational materials, and communication products are developed for technical and public health audiences
• Contributing to discussions related to evaluation science, informatics applications, and data-informed approaches to program improvement
• Exploring methods used to assess trends, organize information, and interpret findings within public health initiatives
• Participating in collaborative learning activities with multidisciplinary teams to gain exposure to scientific coordination, research communication, and evaluation practices
• Observing how public health data systems, analytical tools, and informatics frameworks contribute to research and program assessment activities and participating in those activities

Learning objectives

Through this mentored research experience, the participant will develop knowledge and practical skills related to public health research methods, evaluation science, informatics applications, and scientific communication practices.

• Gain experience with analytical approaches used to organize, review, and interpret public health information and evaluation findings
• Develop an understanding of how data-informed methods and evaluation strategies contribute to public health research and continuous improvement activities
• Learn how scientific communication materials, summaries, and informational resources are prepared for technical and multidisciplinary audiences
• Strengthen collaboration and professional communication skills through participation in multidisciplinary research discussions and learning activities
• Develop familiarity with informatics concepts, workflow analysis methods, and systems-based approaches used in public health research environments
• Gain exposure to data interpretation practices and analytical frameworks that contribute to public health research and scientific learning

Mentor

The mentor for this opportunity is Melonie Thomas (mqt8@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.

Appointment details

• Anticipated start date: Fall 2026 (flexible)
• Appointment length: Initially one year, may be renewed upon recommendation of CDC and contingent on availability of funds
• Level of participation: Full time
• Citizenship: U.S. Citizens only
• Health insurance: Proof of health insurance is required; 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 is a U.S. Citizen with an interest in Public Health who has received or is currently pursuing a degree in one of the relevant fields from an accredited university.

Preferred skills

• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Able to exhibit initiative
• Studies in the fields of our current fellowship programs including evaluation, computer science, data analytics, data science, disease modeling, or health economics

Eligibility

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree
• Disciplines: Business (Business Administration, Human Resources, Logistics, Project Management, Communications and Graphics Design), Computer, Information, and Data Sciences, Engineering, Life Health and Medical Sciences, Other Non-Science & Engineering
• Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s)

Additional requirements

I certify that I have not previously been employed by CDC or by a contractor working directly for CDC. CDC does not permit individuals with a prior employment relationship with CDC or its contractors to participate as trainees in the ORISE program. (Exceptions may be granted for individuals who, since the previous CDC employment, have obtained a new STEM degree which necessitates training in a new field.) Established Scientist appointments are considered on a case-by-case basis and must have earned a college degree more than five years ago, remain within the two-year limit for a single ORISE program, demonstrate subject matter expertise aligned with the program mission, and be assigned to a new research or training area, mentor (not a previous colleague or supervisor), and facility/lab.