Environmental Health Scientist Research Fellow - US HHS Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (Fellowship)
Description:
An Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) Fellowship research opportunity is available in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), located in Seattle, Washington.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one of the major operation components of the Department of Health and Human Services. ATSDR protects communities from harmful health effects related to exposure to natural and human-made hazardous substances. ATSDR responds to environmental health emergencies, investigates emerging environmental health threats, conducts research on the health impacts of hazardous waste sites, and builds the capabilities of, and provides guidance to, state and local health agencies.
Research Project: ATSDR’s Region 10 Office requests to host an ORISE research participant to train on public health activities related to environmental health assessments, data analysis, community engagement, and scientific communication. The appointment will provide structured research and professional development experience for an emerging public health professional. The Region 10 Office includes the Pacific Northwest and Alaska including 271 Tribes and has various hazardous waste sites related to mining, smelting, metal production, lumber or paper processing, and agriculture applications and staff balance multiple concurrent projects. You will have the opportunity to conduct in-depth literature reviews, analyze large data sets, develop educational materials, evaluate program outcomes, and contribute to research-oriented activities while gaining practical experience. In addition, you may have the opportunity to participate in community meetings with ATSDR public health professionals, other federal partners, community members, and Tribal representatives to better understand community health concerns and incorporate this information into the evaluation of potential health risks associated with environmental exposures.
Additional Details:Opportunity Start-End Dates: 9/28/2026 - 11/6/2026
Number of Students Accepted: 1
Compensation: Stipend rates vary based on numerous factors, including opportunity, location, education, and experience. If interviewed, inquire about the exact stipend rate. If selected, your appointment offer will include the monthly stipend rate.
Special scheduling: Full
Skills/Eligibility:
The qualified candidate should have received a master’s degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years.
Preferred skills:
This experience integrates multiple disciplines to serve communities that are exposed to chemicals in the environment, the following will be helpful in achieving that goal:
- General environmental health science
- Environmental chemistry and understanding chemical analytical methods, data analysis, and statistical evaluation
- Environmental science principles that integrate biology, chemistry, physics, ecology, and social sciences to examine how natural functions intersect with human activities
- Toxicology: How chemicals can adversely affect human health, which encompasses the dose-response relationship
- Life sciences on how humans and animals function, grow, and reproduce
- Public health: practice of preventing disease and promoting health at the community or population levels using evidence-based science
- Community engagement, collaborating with communities to understand and address environmental issues affecting their health and well-being
How to Apply:
Please visit ORISE fellowship announcement for details on applying:
https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/CDC-2026-0070
A complete application consists of:
- An application
- Transcripts
- A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
- One educational or professional recommendation. Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed until one recommendation is submitted.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is LaVedia Smith (zpn3@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: September 28, 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.
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.