CDC Post-Masters Fellowship in Regulatory Policy and Communications

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

CDC Office and Location: A fellowship opportunity is currently available with the Division of Regulatory Science and Compliance (DRSC), within the Office of Readiness and Response (ORR) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 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 Division of Regulatory Science and Compliance works to ensure that important scientific research and related public health activities involving certain biological materials are conducted as safely and securely as possible. DRSC includes the Federal Select Agent Program, the Import Permit Program, and the U.S. National Authority for Containment of Poliovirus. These programs support public health preparedness, laboratory biosafety and biosecurity, regulatory oversight, and risk reduction.

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will learn from DRSC's Policy and Communications Team engaged in projects that support regulatory policy development, issues management, stakeholder communications, and program coordination across the division. You will gain experience participating in a federal regulatory environment that involves complex public health, biosafety, biosecurity, and laboratory oversight issues.

Learning Objectives: Learning opportunities may include, but are not limited to:

• Understanding of the development, review, and coordination of regulatory and policy documents, guidance materials, briefing materials, reports, and other written materials.
• Understanding policy analysis related to the Federal Select Agent Program, Import Permit Program, and U.S. National Authority for Containment of Poliovirus.
• Honing skills required to develop communications materials for regulated entities, federal partners, public health partners, and other stakeholders.
• Learning how to participate in project-related activities and engage in issue identification and resolution efforts associated with DRSC programs.
• Learning how to conduct background research and environmental scans on public health policy, regulatory science, biosafety, biosecurity, and laboratory safety topics.
• Understanding how to translate technical or scientific information into clear, accurate, and audience-appropriate materials.
• Learning how to engage effectively with multi-disciplinary teams across DRSC branches, CDC offices, federal partners, and external stakeholders.
• Developing important communication skills through participation in meetings, workgroups, and project teams focused on regulatory policy, program improvement, communications, and public health preparedness.

You will have opportunities to engage with and learn from policy analysts, communications specialists, microbiologists, biosafety professionals, program officials, and other subject matter experts at CDC and partner agencies. Additionally, you will gain a broader understanding of federal regulatory programs, public health policy development, risk communication, biosafety and biosecurity, and the role of policy and communications in supporting science-based regulatory programs.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Shaw Gargis (kfo2@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.