Survey Operations Fellowship in CDC's Division of Adolescent and School Health

Reference Code: CDC-2026-0043

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 and citizens to do the same. As the nation’s health protection agency, CDC saves lives and protects people from health threats. The Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH) and School-based Surveillance Branch (SBSB) supports adolescent health through surveillance activities, programmatic support, research, evaluation, policy, partnerships, and communications strategies.

About the Role

A research opportunity is available within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. This educational research participation opportunity focuses on public health surveillance research related to the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) and School Health Profiles surveys.

Research Project

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will engage in collaborative research and training activities centered on:

• Survey questionnaire design and methodology
• Data management and analysis
• Evaluation approaches to better understand adolescent health behaviors and school health policies

You will gain exposure to the planning, implementation, and assessment of large-scale public health surveys while learning how scientific data inform public health practice and research initiatives at local, state, and national levels. Through this mentored experience, you will collaborate on research discussions, survey evaluation activities, and analytical reviews designed to strengthen the quality and interpretation of surveillance data.

Learning Objectives

• Develop knowledge and practical skills related to public health surveillance systems, survey operations, and collaborative research practices
• Gain experience in questionnaire development and assessment, survey planning, data quality evaluation, and data analysis interpretation
• Learn how public health surveys are designed and administered to support evidence-based decision-making
• Strengthen professional communication and collaboration skills through engagement with multidisciplinary research teams and public health partners
• Prepare summaries, presentations, and scientific communications related to surveillance activities
• Demonstrate increased competency in project coordination, public health data interpretation, research collaboration, and application of survey science principles within a public health research setting

Mentor

The mentor for this opportunity is Malaika Washington (pzp9@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.

Appointment Details

• Anticipated Start Date: September 1, 2026 (flexible depending on various factors)
• Appointment Length: Initially for one year, renewable upon recommendation and contingent on the availability of funds
• Level of Participation: Full time

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or have received a master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., epidemiology, health sciences, program administration, or allied sciences)
• U.S. citizenship required

Preferred Skills

• Experience or knowledge in public health, epidemiology, and surveillance
• Strong organizational, communication, and writing skills
• Experience or knowledge in survey development and implementation
• Ability to coordinate and collaborate with internal and external partners
• Ability to work with scientific and professional staff on surveillance activities

Benefits

• Stipend rates vary based on opportunity, location, education, and experience (inquire during the interview process for exact rates)
• Health insurance is required and can be obtained through ORISE

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Master's Degree received within the last 60 months
• Discipline(s): Life Health and Medical Sciences (e.g., Epidemiology, Public Health, Social and Behavioral Sciences)
• No prior employment with CDC or its contractors (exceptions may apply for new STEM degrees necessitating training in a new field)