CDC Fellowship Opportunities

Fellowship Positions at the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Center for Environmental Health
Division of Laboratory Sciences

The Protein Biomarker-Lipid Reference Laboratory at the National Center for Environmental Health, CDC is performing research in the areas of human biomonitoring and chronic diseases. This research involves the development of analytical methods to measure biomarkers such as steroid hormones, lipids, hemoglobin adducts, and trans-fatty acids, which have been associated with chronic disease, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. Information obtained from this research will be used to determine the level of exposure in the population and to determine normal ranges for chronic disease biomarkers. This information will be used to help to identify population subgroups potentially at risk as a result of exposure, to evaluate public health activities, and to better diagnose diseases.

The research involves activities such as sample preparation using automated equipment, analysis of samples by mass spectrometry, data processing and analysis, and presentation of results. The candidate will perform these tasks in compliance with CDC and CLIA policies and regulations, which requires record keeping activities and performing administrative tasks.

This fellowship will provide the opportunity to obtain hands-on experience in human exposure research as well as laboratory medicine, using state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and procedures, working in a CLIA regulated environment, and in biomonitoring related public health activities.


We are seeking candidates at the Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. levels with a degree in science (Minimum GPA: 3.0) and experience in chemical and analytical laboratory work.

At the Doctoral level, the following skills are desired:
• The ability to conceive, organize and carry out applied research directed towards expanding scientific knowledge and understanding of human measurements of lipids and/or chemistry principles associated with clinical measurements.
• The aptitude to review scientific literature, formulate research plans, conduct laboratory experiments, interpret and evaluate results and other findings, and write reports describing the results and conclusions.
• The ability to interact with professional and technical laboratory personnel detailed to assist in accomplishing specifically designated program activities.
• Experience with HPLC, GC, and MS instrumentation is required.

At the Master’s level, the following skills are desired:
• The ability to organize and carry out applied research directed towards expanding scientific knowledge and understanding of human measurements of lipids and/or chemistry principles associated with clinical measurement.
• The aptitude to review scientific literature, formulate research plans, conduct laboratory experiments, interpret and evaluate results and other findings, and write reports describing the results and conclusions.
• Experience with HPLC, GC, and MS instrumentation is required.

At the Bachelor’s level, the following skills are desired:
• Experience conducting routine laboratory tasks.
• HPLC, GC, and MS instrumentation experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

This fellowship is administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) (visit http://orise.orau.gov/cdc/ for further information). The initial appointment is for one year, but may be renewed for up to four year. The participant will receive a monthly stipend depending on educational level and experience and following the federal salary tables (GS tables). The appointment is full-time at CDC in the Atlanta, Georgia, area. Participants do not become employees of CDC or the program administrator, and there are no fringe benefits paid.

Applications should be emailed to Heather Kuiper, Ph.D. (HKuiper@cdc.gov) by July 10th, 2015. The application should include a curriculum vitae or resume, copy of official transcripts, citizenship status, current pay stub or salary on letterhead (if applicable) and two letters of recommendation on letterhead (letters by E-mail are sufficient).