*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 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: The aim of the project is to conduct surveillance of Coxiella burnetii prevalence and genotypes in US wastewater and commercial meat samples. C. burnetii is a bacterial agent that causes the disease Q fever. This disease exists in an acute form but can also manifest as lethal endocarditis. C. burnetii has also been developed as a bioweapon by multiple countries. Domestic ruminants are the primary reservoirs of this bacterial pathogen, which can be excreted in the urine, feces, milk, and birthing products. Three C. burnetii genotypes are predominant throughout the US, all can cause disease in humans; however, virulence is typically decreased relative to other genotypes found worldwide. The introduction of these more virulent isolates could have major public health consequences; therefore, surveillance is important to understand the current landscape of C. burnetii in the US and respond to changes.

Learning Objectives:  The fellow’s training will include learning to conduct test validation on nucleic acid extraction procedures for the different sample matrixes. The fellow will train on extraction techniques which will include various commercially available kits in conjunction with an extraction robot. An in-house quantitative real-time PCR methodology will be utilized to detect the presence of C. burnetii DNA in extracted samples. The fellow will also train on how to employ PCR-based genotyping assays.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Halie Miller (lvj5@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: June 17, 2024. 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 ORISE.CDC.NCEZID@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.