Overview
Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis and applications may close before the deadline.
CDC Office and Location: A research opportunity is available within the Outbreak Response and Prevention Branch (ORPB) Communications, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases (DFWED), 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 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.
Research Project: You will engage in an advanced experiential learning opportunity focused on public health communications within the Outbreak Response and Prevention Branch. The project provides an educational opportunity to explore how communication strategies are developed to inform the public, industry partners, and public health partners during multistate enteric disease outbreak investigations. You will examine the processes used by federal agencies to determine when and how public health information is communicated and how scientific findings are translated into clear, actionable messages for diverse audiences. Project activities may be adapted throughout the appointment to align with your academic background, interests, and learning goals while supporting the branch’s scientific and educational objectives.
Learning Objectives: Through this project, you will gain experience developing communication products related to enteric disease outbreaks for a variety of audiences. You will learn how urgent public health messages are developed, reviewed, and disseminated through established CDC communication processes, including coordination with internal and external partners. Opportunities will be provided to strengthen written and verbal communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills while exploring how public health communication supports outbreak response. You will also gain an understanding of the collaborative processes used by federal, state, and local public health and regulatory partners to develop and refine public health messaging. This experience will connect communication theory and STEM concepts to real-world public health practice while expanding your understanding of effective risk communication during outbreak investigations.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Lauren Gollarza (knn0@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: October 15, 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.
Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.
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.
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 master’s degree in the one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years, or anticipated to be received by 12/31/2026.
Preferred skills:
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Excellent organizational skills
Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills
Strong research and analytical skills
Interest or related education/experience in outbreaks linked to food or animal contact, Epidemiology, Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses
Stipend
$5,439.25 Monthly
Point of Contact
Rachel
Eligibility Requirements
Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
Degree: Master’s Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 12/31/2026 12:00:00 AM.
About Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
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 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.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.
