CDC Tobacco and Volatiles Branch - Tobacco Products Laboratory 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 will take place in the Tobacco and Volatiles Branch (TVB) Tobacco Products Laboratory, where analytical methods are developed and applied to quantify addictive and toxic substances in tobacco and tobacco-alternative products using state-of-the-art instrumentation.  Training will include automated sample preparation; gas and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analyses; and data processing and interpretation using specialized software. All laboratory activities are conducted in accordance with DLS policies and ISO 17025-aligned quality and regulatory requirements.

Please learn more about the ORISE training opportunity, here

Learning Objectives: Training will include:

• Understand the core chemistry of addictive and toxic substances in tobacco and tobacco-alternative product emission samples.
• Gain experience performing sample preparation, including handling, extraction, cleanup, and preparation, to ensure accurate analyte quantification.
• Operate GC/LC–MS/MS instruments learning competency in tuning, calibration, maintenance, and routine analysis.
• Process and interpret analytical data using specialized software and evaluate analytical run performance according to laboratory standards.
• Learn to apply division and ISO 17025 quality practices, including method validation, documentation control, performance checks, proficiency testing, and corrective actions.
• Gain experience communicating scientific results clearly through concise data summaries and presentations

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Maria Morel-Espinosa (vpy8@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.