Careers

Description:

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early submissions are strongly encouraged, as a selection could be made before the application deadline.

A research opportunity is currently available with the Surveillance Branch, Division of Violence Prevention (DVP) within the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) located in Atlanta, Georgia.

Violence is a widespread public health problem that impacts all of us and occurs in many forms, such as child abuse and neglect, child sexual abuse, youth violence, sexual violence, intimate partner violence, and elder abuse. For nearly 40 years, CDC’s Division of Violence Prevention (DVP) has utilized and shared the best available data and conducted research to identify what works to prevent various forms of violence. DVP brings together partners and connects data, science, and action to inform the development, implementation, and sustainability of violence prevention strategies proven to be effective. This fellowship opportunity involves the fellow gaining experience in Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). This fellowship sits within the Surveillance Branch on the Morbidity and Behavioral Surveillance Team.

ACEs are preventable, potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (aged 0 - 17 years) such as neglect, experiencing or witnessing violence, and having a family member attempt or die by suicide. Also included are aspects of a child’s environment that can undermine their sense of safety, stability, and bonding, such as growing up in a household with substance use, mental health problems, or instability due to parental separation or incarceration of a parent, sibling, or other member of the household. These examples do not comprise an exhaustive list of childhood adversity, as there are other traumatic experiences that could impact health and wellbeing. ACEs often occur together, can result in toxic stress, and are associated with a wide range of adverse behavioral, health, and social outcomes.

This research opportunity involves learning experiences for the participant relevant to ACEs surveillance and analyses across a variety of data sources. Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will receive training in the following:

• Synthesizing and interpreting the science base related to ACEs
• Using advanced data management and data analysis skills to support public health surveillance of ACEs
• Analyzing, interpreting, and disseminating ACEs surveillance data, including projects involving health equity
• Contributing to key ACEs reports, papers, and other technical documents
• Developing visually engaging and user-friendly public health products and resources, including materials that can help state, territorial, tribal, local and other partners utilize and translate data for prevention action
• Engaging with key stakeholders, and developing partner relationships

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: September 15, 2021; start date is flexible

This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and CDC. The initial appointment can be up to one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of CDC contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. The appointment is full-time at CDC in the Atlanta, Georgia, area. Participants do not become employees of CDC, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years.

Preferred skills:

• Background and experience in surveillance, data collection, data management, and data analysis
• Experience in maternal and child health; injury or violence; child development; child abuse and neglect or other ACEs; health equity; and/or the social-ecological model
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills are essential for interactions with stakeholders at the national and/or state and local levels
• Demonstrated evidence of oral and written communication skills (e.g., papers, manuscripts, presentations)
• Demonstrated ability to manage and analyze data (e.g., data analysis skills acquired; data management or analysis experiences)
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate collaboration and feedback (e.g., conducting meetings, synthesizing and compiling information for reports or briefings)

Candidates must also be willing to travel and have a valid driver’s license or other identification and documentation required for travel within the U.S.