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CDC Parasitic Diseases Fellowship

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

CDC Office and Location: A research fellowship is available with the Parasitic Diseases Branch within the Center for Global Health (CGH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) located in Atlanta, Georgia.

Research Project: Diseases caused by parasites are notoriously difficult to identify. Even when scientists can acquire sequence data, parasitic genomes are so large that they require specialized computer programs to decipher. But using Advanced Molecular Detection technologies, CDC scientists developed a laboratory method that has the potential to revolutionize parasitic diagnostics. The Universal Parasite Diagnostic assay, or UPDx, selectively detects all parasite DNA in a clinical blood sample without interference from human DNA. This will make it easier to identify not just which parasite made someone sick, but also important genetic information about it, all in one test. The next challenge is to make this test work on more complex specimen types, starting with tissue.

Learning Objectives: This project is for a participant to become highly competent in the development of novel Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and next generation sequencing based diagnostics for parasitic diseases. The fellow will be trained in the development and application of bioinformatic workflows and minor software development for use in novel diagnostic tools. The fellow will be trained in the development of next generation sequencing library preparation and Illumina MiSeq sequencing for targeted amplicon sequencing. The fellow will learn how to validate novel diagnostic tests for use in human diagnostic testing and apply quality management principles required for clinical testing.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Dr. Yvonne Qvarnstrom (bvp2@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: now until January 2022.  Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for nine months, 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.CGH@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.