CDC Laboratory Research Fellowship in Arbovirology
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
CDC Office and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the Arboviral Diseases Branch (ADB) within the Division of Vector-Borne Diseases (DVBD), National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Fort Collins, Colorado.
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 fellowship offers opportunity to gain hands-on laboratory experience in molecular virology research of Arboviruses, particularly flaviviruses. The project focuses on identifying molecular determinants of viral replication and pathogenesis, as well as assay development to improve molecular and serologic assays for virology, diagnostic and vaccine research. The experiments performed in the project include reverse genetics, DNA/RNA extraction, RT-PCR (classical and real-time), genome sequencing, virus culture, ELISA, neutralization antibody assay, virus titrations, protein chemistry, immune fluorescent microscopy, flow-cytometry, image-based cytometry, virus-vector interactions, and small animal studies.
Learning Objectives: The participant will receive the following training and experience:
- Knowledge in flaviviruses and other arboviruses
- BSL2 and potentially BSL3 laboratory practices
- Laboratory skills in molecular biology: DNA/RNA extraction, molecular cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, genome sequencing, RT-PCR, and reverse genetics
- Laboratory skills in virology and serology: cell and virus cultures, virus titrations, various serologic assays, IFA, and potentially animal and mosquito experiments
- Skills in experimental planning, data recording, organization, and analysis
- Improve confidence and skills in communication and collaboration in a team setting. Report experimental results to the team members.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Claire Huang (yxh0@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: September 15, 2021. 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 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.
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 (CDC-DVBD-2021-0190) for this opportunity.