CDC ATSDR National ALS Registry 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) located in Atlanta, GA.

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 project will involve the National ALS Registry's mission to better understand the epidemiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by advancing research on disease occurrence and potential risk factors. You will participate in efforts to improve the collection, integration, and analysis of national surveillance and research data to characterize ALS incidence and prevalence in the United States and identify environmental, occupational, genetic, lifestyle, and other factors that may contribute to disease risk.

You will train and engage with Registry scientists to conduct epidemiologic analyses using data from the National ALS Registry and associated research initiatives, including the National ALS Biorepository. Activities may include evaluating data quality and completeness, integrating information from multiple data sources, conducting statistical analyses, and interpreting findings to inform scientific publications and public health practice. You will also participate in identifying research gaps, developing research questions, and engaging in studies designed to improve understanding of ALS etiology and disease burden.

Using these findings, you will learn to develop analytic approaches and research products that strengthen the Registry's ability to monitor ALS nationally and support evidence-based research on disease risk factors. Educational activities may include statistical analysis plans, scientific manuscripts, surveillance reports, presentations, and recommendations for future epidemiologic research priorities. Together, these activities will enhance the National ALS Registry's capacity to generate high-quality scientific evidence that informs ALS research, surveillance, and public health decision-making under the guidance and mentorship of CDC/ATSDR scientists.

Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor, you will:

• Build skills in evaluating and integrating national ALS surveillance and research data.
• Learn to conduct epidemiologic and statistical analyses describing ALS occurrence and potential risk factors.
• Strengthen ability to interpret findings and contribute to scientific communication and public health insights.
• Train with Registry scientists to apply analytic methods using data from the National ALS Registry and Biorepository.
• Understand how to identify research gaps, refine research questions, and participate in studies on ALS etiology and disease burden.
• Develop analytic approaches and research products that enhance national ALS monitoring and evidence-based research.
• Practice creating scientific materials such as analysis plans, manuscripts, presentations, and surveillance-focused reports.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Kevin Horton (DTH9@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: October 12, 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, 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.