CDC Disaster Epidemiology Fellowship

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

CDC Office and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice (DEHSP) of the National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH) 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 works to protect 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.

Research Project: The Disaster Epidemiology & Response Unit within CDC’s Emerging Environmental Hazards and Health Effects Branch conducts surveillance, epidemiologic investigations, and applied research related to disasters, environmental hazards, and toxic exposures. The Disaster Epidemiology & Response Unit provides help to state, tribal, local, and territorial (STLT) public health agencies on disaster epidemiology methods, including the Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) and other rapid needs assessment (RNA) approaches; supports disaster-related surveillance and response activities; develops training and guidance materials; and advances methods to improve public health preparedness, response, and recovery.

Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor and disaster epidemiologists and data scientists, you will be involved in the following training opportunities:

• Gain experience in the activities within the Disaster Epidemiology Community of Practice (DECoP)
• Learn how CDC facilitates information sharing and collaboration among disaster epidemiology practitioners through DECoP by coordinating DECoP
• Gain experience developing communication products for DECoP members, such as newsletters, announcements, resource summaries, and other relevant content.
• Explore available collaboration platforms of DECoP and gain experience with maintaining and improving DECoP resources.
• Gain knowledge and experience in disaster epidemiology RNA methodologies
• Learn how CDC supports STLT partners in planning, implementing, analyzing, and disseminating findings from CASPERs and other RNAs.
• Collaborate on preparation, implementation, data management, and reporting activities for field assessments and help requests, as opportunities arise.
• Gain experience with questionnaire development, data collection tools, sampling materials, data management processes, and report generation used in disaster epidemiology assessments.
• Learn how epidemiologic findings are translated into actionable public health information to support preparedness, response, and recovery activities.
• Gain experience converting assessment instruments and reporting templates into reproducible analytic products, including R-compatible templates, YAML-based table specifications, and dashboard components
• Learn how CDC builds capacity among partners through training and response support
• Observe and participate in technical activities provided to STLT partners on disaster epidemiology methods and practices.
• Gain experience with communications for disaster epidemiology trainings, exercises, workshops, and educational materials.
• Learn about federal, STLT, and international approaches to disaster epidemiology preparedness and response.
• Gain knowledge of disaster epidemiology surveillance activities, including disaster-related mortality surveillance, shelter health surveillance, syndromic surveillance, and toxicosurveillance, and learn how these systems are used to inform public health preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.
• Learn about development of scientific products and improve presentation and communication skills
• Gain experience with data analysis, literature reviews, manuscript development, and other activities related to scientific publications and applied research projects as opportunities arise.
• Gain experience in scientific writing, data interpretation, and dissemination of public health findings
• Develop oral and written communication skills through participation in team meetings, trainings, and collaborative projects.
• Gain experience presenting fellowship activities, project updates, or lessons learned at Section, Branch, or other internal meetings at least once per year. 

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Amy Helene Schnall (GHU5@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: September 7, 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 and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) 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.