Research Participation Opportunity at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

CDC Office and Location:  An opportunity is available with the Office of the Associate Director for Science, Division of Overdose Prevention (DOP) within the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC) 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: This opportunity offers the ability to focus on high-priority, high-impact issues in overdose prevention, including but not limited to cannabis and opioid/drug overdose prevention. The Division’s strategy includes conducting surveillance and research; building state, local, and tribal capacity for prevention; supporting providers, health systems, and payers in implementing evidence-based practices; partnering with public safety to enhance prevention; and empowering consumers to make safe choices.

Learning Objectives: Specifically, this opportunity will focus on activities in the Cannabis Strategy Unit (CSU). The primary goal of the CSU is to monitor and address use of and exposure to cannabis and associated health and social effects. This fellowship may involve the following training activities:

• Research priorities and response to scientific policy concerns;
• Research methodology, design, and implementation;
• Scientific regulations pertaining to data collection and human subjects research;
• Tracking national health objectives;
• Best practices in scientific training;
• Responding to policy and partnership requests; and
• Reviewing scientific products for accuracy and consistency with CDC and HHS policy.
• Leveraging existing surveillance systems by analyzing data related to cannabis use and polysubstance use and associated health and social effects;
• Expanding opportunities for cannabis-related data collection to examine questions around cannabis use and polysubstance use;
• Assisting in the coordination of meetings with key internal and external partners and ;
• Tracking state policies related to cannabis and evaluating the associated effects of those policies;
• Reviewing scientific products and disseminating scientific knowledge to partners and the general public, including through CDC’s cannabis website, fact sheets, manuscripts, and scientific presentations.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Douglas Roehler (jdq6@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: July 1, 2024. 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, 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.

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 ORISE.CDC.NCIPC@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

A master’s degree in public health, epidemiology, behavioral science, or other related field. Degree must have been received within the last five years.

Preferred skills:

• Project management and leadership skills necessary.
• Strong writing and communication skills necessary.
• Research, design, methodology, and analysis skills required (with a willingness to build on these skills).

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Master's Degree received within the last 60 month(s).