What are the responsibilities and job description for the CDC ATSDR’s Region 10 Office Fellowship position at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)?
*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), Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), located in Seattle, Washington.
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.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one of the major operation components of the Department of Health and Human Services. ATSDR protects communities from harmful health effects related to exposure to natural and human-made hazardous substances. ATSDR responds to environmental health emergencies, investigates emerging environmental health threats, conducts research on the health impacts of hazardous waste sites, and builds the capabilities of, and provides guidance to, state and local health agencies.
Research Project: ATSDR’s Region 10 Office requests to host an ORISE research participant to train on public health activities related to environmental health assessments, data analysis, community engagement, and scientific communication. The appointment will provide structured research and professional development experience for an emerging public health professional. The Region 10 Office includes the Pacific Northwest and Alaska including 271 Tribes and has various hazardous waste sites related to mining, smelting, metal production, lumber or paper processing, and agriculture applications and staff balance multiple concurrent projects. You will have the opportunity to conduct in-depth literature reviews, analyze large data sets, develop educational materials, evaluate program outcomes, and contribute to research-oriented activities while gaining practical experience. In addition, you may have the opportunity to participate in community meetings with ATSDR public health professionals, other federal partners, community members, and Tribal representatives to better understand community health concerns and incorporate this information into the evaluation of potential health risks associated with environmental exposures.
Learning Objectives: You will have the opportunity to:
- Gain experience developing clear, accurate technical reports for environmental health projects.
- Build skills in analyzing and interpreting environmental and public health data.
- Learn to prepare, manage, and evaluate large datasets using R, including data visualization techniques.
- Develop multimedia communication skills by creating videos that demonstrate how ATSDR supports communities.
- Gain experience collaborating with communications and regional staff to develop effective social media messaging.
- Gain experience with quality-improvement and program-evaluation projects that inform environmental health practices and services.
- Apply public health assessment methods.
- Gain experience interpreting environmental exposure data.
- Develop scientific writing and communication skills.
- Learn federal public health operations and emergency response.
- Develop a foundational understanding of how to respectfully engage and collaborate with Tribal Nations
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is LaVedia Smith (zpn3@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: September 28, 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.