Survey Operations Fellowship in CDC's Division of Adolescent and School Health

Organization Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Reference Code CDC-2026-0043 Application Deadline 10/9/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone Description Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis. CDC Office and Location A research opportunity is available in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) located 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 protects 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. CDC increases the health security of our nation. As the nation’s health protection agency, CDC saves lives and protects people from health threats. To accomplish its mission, CDC conducts important science and provides health information that protects our nation against expensive and dangerous health threats, and responds when these arise. Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH) and School-based Surveillance Branch (SBSB). DASH supports adolescent health with surveillance activities (or school and youth surveys), programmatic support, research and evaluation. We also rely heavily on policy, partnerships, and communications strategies. The Survey Operations Team is responsible for providing technical assistance to survey coordinators on the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) and School Health Profiles (Profiles) and making updates and enhancements to the surveys. We prioritize superior data collection and quality, analysis and dissemination. Research Project This educational research participation opportunity is centered on public health surveillance research related to the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) and School Health Profiles surveys. Under the guidance of a mentor, you will engage in collaborative research and training activities focused on survey questionnaire design and methodology, data management and analysis, and evaluation approaches used to better understand adolescent health behaviors and school health policies. You will gain exposure to the planning, implementation, and assessment of large-scale public health surveys while learning how scientific data are used to inform public health practice and research initiatives at the local, state, and national levels. Through participation in this mentored learning experience, the you will collaborate on research discussions, survey evaluation activities, and analytical reviews designed to strengthen the quality and interpretation of surveillance data. Learning Objectives Under the guidance of a mentor, you will develop knowledge and practical skills related to public health surveillance systems, survey operations, and collaborative research practices. You will gain experience in questionnaire development and assessment, survey planning, data quality evaluation, and data analysis interpretation of surveillance findings while learning how public health surveys are designed and administered to support evidence-based decision-making. You will strengthen professional communication and collaboration skills through engagement with multidisciplinary research teams and public health partners, including preparing summaries, presentations, and scientific communications related to surveillance activities. By the conclusion of the appointment, you will be able to demonstrate increased competency in project coordination concepts, public health data interpretation, research collaboration, and the application of survey science principles within a public health research setting. Mentor(s) The mentor for this opportunity is Malaika Washington (View email address on click.appcast.io). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s). Anticipated Appointment Start Date September 1, 2026. 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 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. 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 View email address on click.appcast.io and include the reference code for this opportunity. Qualifications The qualified candidate should have received or be currently pursuing a master's degree in one of the relevant fields. Preferred Skills Experience or knowledge regarding major study in an academic field related to epidemiology, health sciences, program administration or allied sciences. Experience or knowledge regarding public health, epidemiology, and surveillance. Experience or knowledge in organizational, communication, and writing skills. Experience or knowledge in survey development and implementation. Experience or knowledge coordinating and collaborating with internal and external partners. Ability to collaborate with other scientific and professional staff on surveillance activities. Point of Contact Rachel Eligibility Requirements Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only Degree: Master's Degree received within the last 60 month(s). Discipline(s): Life Health and Medical Sciences (Epidemiology, Public Health) and Social and Behavioral Sciences Affirmation I certify that I have not previously been employed by CDC or by a contractor working directly for CDC. I understand that CDC does not permit individuals with a prior employment relationship with CDC or its contractors to participate as trainees in the ORISE program. (Exceptions may be granted for individuals who, since the previous CDC employment, have obtained a new STEM degree which necessitates training in a new field.) #J-18808-Ljbffr Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education