Life Sciences Fellowship at CDC, USA | Get $5,439 stipend with Global Immunization and Polio Eradication Fellowship
How do epidemiologic data and international collaboration support efforts to eradicate polio? This CDC life sciences fellowship at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers mentored experience exploring that question. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, the fellowship focuses on global immunization, outbreak preparedness, data analysis and scientific communication.
- Opportunity: CDC Global Immunization and Polio Eradication Fellowship
- Division: Global Immunization Division
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Reference code: CDC-2026-0139
About CDC and the Life Sciences Fellowship Program
CDC is a U.S. public health agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. Its work includes disease prevention, scientific research and responses to public health threats.
This fellowship is administered by ORAU through the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE). It is a mentored training appointment, and participants do not become employees of CDC, DOE or the program administrator.
CDC Life Sciences Fellowship: Research Overview
The fellow will learn how CDC technical and regional teams approach global polio eradication, including preparedness for and response to poliovirus outbreaks. Mentored activities may involve analysing epidemiologic and programmatic information, examining response-planning approaches and preparing materials that communicate scientific findings.
Depending on available learning opportunities, the fellow may also gain exposure to CDC’s Emergency Operations Center, Incident Management Structure and collaborations involving Global Polio Eradication Initiative partners.
Research and Learning Activities
- Analyse and interpret epidemiologic, programmatic and outbreak-related information.
- Explore how scientific evidence informs immunization and outbreak preparedness.
- Synthesize findings into briefings, reports, presentations and other informational materials.
- Examine guidance documents, information systems and analytical resources used in outbreak readiness.
- Learn from epidemiologists and technical personnel involved in polio response.
- Strengthen collaboration skills through interactions across CDC programs and partner organizations.
Education and Eligibility for the CDC Life Sciences Fellowship
Applicants to the CDC life sciences fellowship must be currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree, or have received one within the previous 60 months, in a relevant discipline.
Eligible discipline categories include:
- Life, health and medical sciences.
- Computer, information and data sciences.
- Mathematics and statistics.
- Chemistry and materials sciences.
- Social and behavioral sciences.
- Communications and graphic design.
The opportunity is open to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizens must meet the program’s acceptable immigration-status requirements.
Prior employment with CDC or a contractor working directly for CDC generally prevents participation. Exceptions may apply following completion of a new STEM degree requiring training in a new field.
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Graduate-level training or equivalent experience in public health, epidemiology, global health, immunization, infectious diseases or emergency management.
- Experience analysing surveillance, epidemiologic, programmatic or operational data.
- Familiarity with vaccination programs, infectious disease prevention or outbreak response.
- Ability to explain complex information clearly through written and visual materials.
- Strong communication, collaboration, organization and adaptability.
Stipend and Participation Conditions
The posting lists a monthly stipend of $5,439.25, while noting that the final rate will be confirmed in the appointment offer.
There are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required, and coverage can be obtained through ORISE. Participants must also meet the hosting facility’s environmental, safety and health requirements, including applicable poliovirus-related requirements.
Life Sciences Fellowship – Application Details
- Anticipated start: January 11, 2027; flexible.
- Initial appointment: January–September 2027.
- Renewal: Possible upon CDC recommendation and availability of funding.
- Review process: Rolling application review.
- Required documents: Completed application, transcripts, current CV/resume and one educational or professional recommendation.
- Document language: English or accompanied by an official English translation.
- Research mentor: Monica Fleming — [email protected].
- Application enquiries: [email protected], quoting CDC-2026-0139.
Applications will not be reviewed until the required recommendation has been submitted.
For candidates interested in connecting scientific analysis with global public health, this CDC life sciences fellowship offers guided experience in the work behind polio eradication. Bring your research interests, analytical skills and commitment to clear communication to a program focused on strengthening immunization and outbreak preparedness.
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