Overview
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
CDC Office and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 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 works to protect 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.
Research Project: This opportunity focuses on research and communication related to vaccine-preventable diseases, respiratory illnesses, and public health prevention strategies within the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD) Office of Center Communication. Under the guidance of a mentor, participants will engage in training activities that explore how audience research, health communication, and evaluation approaches are used to inform public health messaging across the lifespan. The learning experience may include participation in qualitative and quantitative research activities related to knowledge, attitudes, practices, and communication preferences associated with vaccines, immunization, and respiratory illness prevention. Participants may also gain exposure to communication strategies used to educate diverse audiences about vaccine-preventable and non-vaccine-preventable diseases within the scope of the Center’s mission.
Learning Objectives: Through this mentored learning experience, you will develop knowledge of vaccine-preventable diseases, respiratory illness prevention, immunization communication, and audience-centered public health messaging. You will strengthen skills in qualitative and quantitative research methods, including literature review, needs assessment, development of evaluation approaches, design of data collection instruments, and interpretation of research findings related to health communication. You will also gain experience developing and refining communication materials and messages tailored to specific populations using evidence-informed communication strategies. In addition, you will build scientific communication and professional development skills through participation in presentations, seminars, conferences, collaborative discussions, and preparation of summaries or manuscripts related to public health communication research.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Dayle Kern (ltt0@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: September 28, 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 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, 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 have received a master’s degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years.
Preferred skills:
Public health
Behavioral science
Health communication
Behavioral theory
Qualitative data analysis
Quantitative data analysis
Evaluation
Point of Contact
Rachel
Eligibility Requirements
Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
Degree: Master’s Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
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 works to protect 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.
