CDC Analysis of Volatile Organic Compounds Fellowship

*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), National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH), Division of Laboratory Sciences (DLS), Tobacco and Volatiles Branch (TVB) in Atlanta, Georgia. TVB develops methods, analyzes samples, and measures toxic and addictive substances in tobacco products, tobacco smoke, other emissions, and biological or product matrices.

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: This fellowship opportunity is in the Tobacco and Volatiles Branch (TVB) of the DLS and supports CDC’s biomonitoring and exposure assessment initiatives to improve detection, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases by providing accurate measurement and interpretation of exposure to addictive and hazardous substances from a broad range of environmental sources such as tobacco smoke.

This specific training opportunity is centered on the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in blood and other matrices using equilibrium headspace gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).

Learning Objectives: Training will include:

• Learn to develop, implement, and troubleshoot comprehensive quantitative chemical and sample-analysis strategies for measurements at low parts-per-trillion concentrations using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and automated approaches.
• Gain experience identifying hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in product materials, including compound identification and structural elucidation in complex matrices.
• Build proficiency interpreting analytical data using SAS/JMP statistical approaches and laboratory information management system (LIMS) reporting tools.
• Maintain quality-control and quality-assurance practices in compliance with applicable Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) requirements.
• Strengthen data-analytics and scientific communication skills by developing effective visualizations and presentations of analytical findings.

Please learn more about the ORISE training opportunity, here

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Lanqing Wang (LFW3@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: October 15, 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

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: 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.

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.