CDC Analytical Method Development for the Measurement of Viral Proteins

*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 Clinical Chemistry Branch (CCB) at the Division of Laboratory Sciences (DLS), National Center for Environmental Health, CDC, conducts research and provides laboratory support to improve the detection, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of various chronic/infectious diseases. CCB develops analytical methods for the measurement of viral proteins to improve the quality of vaccines for respiratory diseases (influenza, COVID-19, RSV) and decrease the time required to produce vaccines in the event of a pandemic.  CCB collaborates with CDC’s influenza division, vaccine manufacturers and regulatory agencies with a variety of projects related to this mission.

The research involves activities such as sample preparation using automated equipment, analysis of samples by mass spectrometry, data processing and analysis using complex software and data evaluation procedures, and presentation of results.  

Learning Objectives:

• Gain research experience supporting the detection, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of chronic and infectious diseases.
• Develop analytical methods to measure viral proteins and evaluate vaccine quality for respiratory diseases, including influenza, COVID-19, and RSV.
• Learn laboratory procedures for sample preparation using automated instrumentation.
• Gain hands-on exposure to mass-spectrometry-based sample analysis and related quality-assurance procedures.
• Build skills in processing, evaluating, and interpreting complex laboratory data using specialized software.
• Gain experience communicating scientific findings through data summaries, reports, and presentations.
• Collaborate with CDC influenza researchers, vaccine manufacturers, and regulatory agencies to train on projects that support pandemic preparedness and vaccine development.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Tracie Williams-Evans (enn8@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: 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 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 CDCrpp@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.