Job Description
Organization
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Reference Code
CDC-2026-0070
Application Deadline
11/6/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description
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), Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), located in Seattle, Washington.
Research Project
ATSDR’s Region 10 Office requests to host an ORISE research participant to train on public health activities related to environmental health assessments, data analysis, community engagement, and scientific communication. The appointment will provide structured research and professional development experience for an emerging public health professional. The Region 10 Office includes the Pacific Northwest and Alaska including 271 Tribes and has various hazardous waste sites related to mining, smelting, metal production, lumber or paper processing, and agriculture applications and staff balance multiple concurrent projects. You will have the opportunity to conduct in-depth literature reviews, analyze large data sets, develop educational materials, evaluate program outcomes, and contribute to research-oriented activities while gaining practical experience. In addition, you may have the opportunity to participate in community meetings with ATSDR public health professionals, other federal partners, community members, and Tribal representatives to better understand community health concerns and incorporate this information into the evaluation of potential health risks associated with environmental exposures.
Learning Objectives
Gain experience developing clear, accurate technical reports for environmental health projects.
Build skills in analyzing and interpreting environmental and public health data.
Learn to prepare, manage, and evaluate large datasets using R, including data visualization techniques.
Develop multimedia communication skills by creating videos that demonstrate how ATSDR supports communities.
Gain experience collaborating with communications and regional staff to develop effective social media messaging.
Gain experience with quality-improvement and program-evaluation projects that inform environmental health practices and services.
Apply public health assessment methods.
Gain experience interpreting environmental exposure data.
Develop scientific writing and communication skills.
Learn federal public health operations and emergency response.
Develop a foundational understanding of how to respectfully engage and collaborate with Tribal Nations
Mentor(s)
The mentor for this opportunity is LaVedia Smith (zpn3@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: September 28, 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of CDC and is contingent on the availability of funds.
Level of Participation
Level of Participation: The appointment is full time.
Participant Stipend
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
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
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
This experience integrates multiple disciplines to serve communities that are exposed to chemicals in the environment, the following will be helpful in achieving that goal:
General environmental health science
Environmental chemistry and understanding chemical analytical methods, data analysis, and statistical evaluation
Environmental science principles that integrate biology, chemistry, physics, ecology, and social sciences to examine how natural functions intersect with human activities
Toxicology: How chemicals can adversely affect human health, which encompasses the dose-response relationship
Life sciences on how humans and animals function, grow, and reproduce
Public health: practice of preventing disease and promoting health at the community or population levels using evidence-based science
Community engagement, collaborating with communities to understand and address environmental issues affecting their health and well-being
Eligibility Requirements
Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
Degree: Master's Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
Discipline(s): Chemistry and Materials Sciences; Environmental Chemistry
Communications and Graphics Design (2 )
Environmental and Marine Sciences (2 )
Life Health and Medical Sciences (4 )
Mathematics and Statistics (1 )
Other Non-Science & Engineering (1 )
Affirmation
I certify that I have not previously been employed by CDC or by a contractor working directly for CDC. I understand that CDC does not permit individuals with a prior employment relationship with CDC or its contractors to participate as trainees in the ORISE program. (Exceptions may be granted for individuals who, since the previous CDC employment, have obtained a new STEM degree which necessitates training in a new field.)
#J-18808-Ljbffr Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
Job Tags
Full time, Contract work, For contractors, Traineeship, Work at office, Flexible hours