Overview
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
CDC Office and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice (DEHSP) of the National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. May also be remote.
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.
Project Description: This opportunity offers a mentored learning experience focused on advancing scientific understanding of micro- and nanoplastics in the environment and evaluating potential human exposure through air, water, soil, and biological media. Participants will engage in research activities such as systematic literature review, study design exploration, and analysis of environmental health and exposure data related to microplastics, nanoplastics, and associated chemical contaminants. The research experience may also include opportunities to collaborate with researchers and public health professionals across national and international organizations to better understand interdisciplinary approaches to emerging environmental health concerns. Through participation in these research and training activities, individuals will gain exposure to how environmental health research informs public health assessment and scientific knowledge development within a federal research setting.
Learning Objectives: Through this mentored research experience, you will develop knowledge and research skills in environmental health sciences with a focus on the identification, characterization, and assessment of micro- and nanoplastics in environmental and biological media. You will strengthen your abilities in systematic literature review, study design, and analysis of environmental health and exposure data while gaining experience applying epidemiologic, exposure-assessment, and biostatistical methods relevant to public health research. You will also build scientific communication and interdisciplinary collaboration skills through interaction with researchers and public health professionals engaged in emerging contaminant research at national and international levels. In addition, you will gain insight into how environmental epidemiology and exposure science contribute to public health risk assessment, research coordination, and evidence development within a federal public health research environment.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Yulia Carroll (eya3@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: September 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.
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 and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) 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 or be currently pursuing a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields (environmental health sciences, environmental epidemiology, public health, data science and/or environmental engineering). Degree must have been received within the past five years, or be anticipated to receive by 10/5/2026.
Preferred skills:
Data analysis and/or epidemiology skills
Writing manuscripts skills
Previous microplastics and nanoplastics research preferred
Environmental health and exposure assessment knowledge preferred
Point of Contact
Rachel
Eligibility Requirements
Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 10/5/2026 11:59:00 PM.
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.
