CDC ME/CFS Data Analysis and Symptom Characterization Fellowship

Overview

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

CDC Office and Location: A research opportunity is available in 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 operation components of the Department of Health and Human Services. CDC protects America from health, safety and security threats, both foreign and in the U.S. 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 health security of our nation. As the nation’s health protection agency, CDC saves lives and protects people from health threats. To accomplish its mission, CDC conducts important science and provides health information that protects our nation against expensive and dangerous health threats, and responds when these arise.

The Chronic Viral Diseases Branch (CVDB) is located within the Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in Atlanta, Georgia. CVDB conducts research on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and HPV to reduce disease burden through population-based epidemiology, laboratory research, and public health education. CVDB’s ME/CFS epidemiology program applies population-based surveillance, clinical cohort analysis, and patient-reported outcome methods to improve understanding of ME/CFS and related infection-associated chronic conditions and illnesses (IACCIs).

Research Project: A research participation opportunity is available in the Chronic Viral Diseases Branch (CVDB) to train on epidemiologic research using ME/CFS clinical and population-based datasets. Under mentor guidance, you will gain experience applying advanced epidemiologic and biostatistical methods using R or SAS to evaluate illness prevalence, symptom burden, comorbidities, and patient-reported outcomes, such as PROMIS instruments, COMPASS-31 measures, etc. The project may include descriptive analysis, multivariable modeling, and integration of findings across epidemiologic datasets to improve understanding of infection-associated chronic conditions and illnesses. This research aligns with CVDB’s public health mission to strengthen evidence supporting improved recognition and characterization of ME/CFS.

Learning Objectives: You will:

Gain experience analyzing ME/CFS clinical and surveillance data using R or SAS.
Learn advanced epidemiologic methods for PROMIS and COMPASS-31 measures.
Gain exposure to multivariable regression, illness symptom analyses, and interpretation of clinical cohort findings.
Develop scientific communication skills through literature summaries, research discussions, and optional presentations.
Learn how epidemiologic findings inform public health understanding of ME/CFS and other related infection-associated chronic conditions.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Joanna Regan (DLO8@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of CDC and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The appointment is full time.

Participant Stipend: Stipend rates may vary based on numerous factors, including opportunity, location, education, and experience. If you are interviewed, you can inquire about the exact stipend rate at that time and if selected, your appointment offer will include the monthly stipend rate.

Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.

ORISE Information: This program, 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), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and CDC. 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. Health insurance 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).

Questions: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email CDCrpp@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in the one of the relevant fields.

Preferred skills:

Area of Interest: ME/CFS epidemiology, public health surveillance, clinical epidemiology, biostatistics, patient-reported outcomes, or infection-associated chronic conditions
Point of Contact
Rachel
Eligibility Requirements
Degree: Doctoral Degree.