CDC Office of Chief of Staff 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.

Research Project: The participant will engage in a mentored training experience within the CDC Office of the Chief of Staff, gaining exposure to public health research, evaluation, and scientific operations that support agency priorities. The participant will strengthen skills in epidemiologic methods, scientific literature review, longitudinal study design, and analysis of large administrative health datasets.

Appointment Activities:
1) Participate in mentor-guided training on epidemiologic research methods, study design, and evaluation approaches.
2) Observe and learn how longitudinal studies using large administrative health claims and other public health datasets are designed, conducted, and interpreted.
3) Gain experience with scientific literature reviews and evidence synthesis to support ongoing research and evaluation activities.
4) Receive training in the use of SAS and other analytic tools for data management, exploration, and descriptive analyses under mentor supervision.
5) Gain experience with large, complex health datasets while learning best practices for data quality, documentation, and reproducible analyses.
6) Participate in scientific discussions, project meetings, seminars, and collaborative activities to gain insight into multidisciplinary public health research.
7) Gain experience in preparing summaries, figures, or presentation materials under mentor guidance.
8) Receive regular mentoring and feedback on scientific communication, quantitative methods, and professional development.

Learning Objectives:

1) Describe the principles of longitudinal public health research and evaluation using large administrative health datasets.
2) Demonstrate foundational proficiency in using SAS and other analytic tools to manage and explore complex datasets.
3) Apply epidemiological concepts and quantitative methods to interpret public health data under mentor guidance.
4) Conduct and synthesize scientific literature reviews using established evidence review methods.
5) Explain how scientific analyses inform public health decision-making within a federal public health agency.
6) Strengthen scientific writing, data interpretation, and oral communication skills.
7) Develop an understanding of multidisciplinary collaboration and scientific operations supporting high-priority public health initiatives.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Mina Zadeh (maz8@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: August 31, 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 have received or be currently pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields.

Preferred skills:

Quantitative and qualitative data management and analysis skills preferred
Coursework or experience in epidemiology, biostatistics, public health, health services research, data science, or a related field
Written and verbal communication skills
Stipend
$4,446.75 – $7,887.83 Monthly
Point of Contact
Rachel
Eligibility Requirements
Degree: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, or Doctoral Degree.