CDC Public Health Analysis Fellowship (Policy Liaison)

*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.

The Division of Population Health, within the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, is a dynamic cross-cutting division consisting of a wide variety of programs.  Some of these programs target specific diseases and population groups, while others provide information and research that support prevention efforts throughout all of CDC. Programs in the Division include: Alzheimer’s Disease and Healthy Aging; Arthritis; Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; Epilepsy; Excessive Alcohol Use Prevention; Healthy Tribes; Lupus; the Prevention Research Centers; and Social Determinants of Health, including social connectedness. The ORISE fellow would gain exposure to public health programs of major national importance and learn about public health, operation of public health programs, public health data systems, prevention, and public health policy and risk management. 

Research Project: The primary purpose of this fellowship is to train in policy activities in the Division of Population Health within the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  The trainee will collaborate with the Policy Team with support and maintenance of initiatives to advance the mission of the Division; conduct legislative and policy analyses for the purposes of developing recommendations on issues related to public health policy; and learn about the coordination of program planning and development, communications, and issues management.  

Project Goals and Objectives:

• Train directly with the Lead Public Health Analyst (Policy Team Lead) in the Office of the Director, as well as closely with other Division and Branch leadership. 
• Learn about responsibility for policy-related tasks with a program or programs within the Division (a selection from those listed above). 
• Collaborate with programs within the Division to learn about and help improve program direction, program objectives, messages for external audiences about the program, and program accomplishments and successes. 
• Gain experience preparing briefing materials and presentations for internal and external audiences, including senior leadership. 
• Collaborate between Division programs and planning, evaluation, legislation, and public health policy coordinating units within CDC. 
• Train to prepare and provide input for Center, Agency, HHS, White House, and Congressional inquiries and public health policy issues affecting programs in the Division. 

Learning Objectives: The trainee will accomplish the following learning objectives:   

• Disseminate information through written documents, presentations, and by maintaining key relationships to support the accomplishment of public health initiatives  
• Take care of issues by drafting briefings, alerting management of issues, and maintaining accurate records that support legislation, in order to advance the mission of the organization.  
• Analyze and define the need for establishing, interpreting, and/or clarifying mission-related programs/policy development, interpretation, or guidance. 
• Help in the development and/or implementation of public health programs through effective communication and collaboration with internal and external partners. 

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Jennifer M LeClercq (cqn2@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: 2024/2025. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for slightly less than one year 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.NCCDPHP@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.