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CDC Laboratory Internship in Evolutionary Analysis and Ecology

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

CDC Office and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the Evolutionary Analysis and Ecology (EAE) Team of the Poxvirus and Rabies Branch (PRB), Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology (DHCPP) at the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia.

The EAE Team focuses on the study of evolutionary and ecological aspects of zoonotic poxviruses and lyssaviruses (including rabies virus) through integrative approaches that involve field work, genetic/genomic analyses, spatial analyses and modeling. 

Research Project: This fellowship provides the opportunity to be involved in a variety of research projects aimed to the study of zoonotic viruses in their natural hosts and at the animal-to-human interphase. The participant will perform diagnostic assays for the detection of potential infection with orthopoxviruses and rabies virus in animals; more specifically, samples collected in the field through various projects around the world will be tested using diagnostic methods, which include ELISA, viral culture, conventional and real-time PCR, among others. The participant will also assist with the validation and optimization of such diagnostic assays. The participant will support sequencing activities for further diagnosis, molecular analyses and molecular epidemiology of these viruses. Additional activities will be assigned to support other critical activities and projects within the Team and the Branch.

Learning Objectives:
  • Participating in multidisciplinary research projects involving ecology and epidemiology
  • Process diagnostic samples in the research setting in Biosafety Level 2 and 3 laboratories
  • Supporting ecological investigations on zoonotic poxviruses and lyssaviruses by performing molecular tests and sequencing
  • Collaborating with members of other teams within the Branch and colleagues within CDC and external
  • Participate in projects involving the integration of ecological, epidemiological and molecular data to study zoonoses
  • Participate in the analysis and writing of scientific manuscripts
  • Gain experience communicating research outcomes through presentations, publications and reports

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Yoshinori Nakazawa (inp7@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: February 2022.  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: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. 

Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.

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.

Questions: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email ORISE.CDC.NCEZID@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.