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CDC Sequencing Foodborne Pathogens Internship

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

A research opportunity is currently available with the PulseNet Outbreak Detection and Surveillance Unit (PODSU), in the Enteric Diseases Laboratory Branch (EDLB) at the Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases (DFWED), in the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) located in Atlanta, Georgia.

PulseNet, the National Molecular Subtyping Network for Foodborne Disease Surveillance, facilitates investigations of foodborne disease outbreaks and early identification of foodborne disease clusters. Participating PulseNet laboratories sequence foodborne pathogens (Salmonella, Escherichia, Campylobacter, Listeria, and Vibrio) and share the sequence data electronically with CDC. Sequence data is used for national cluster detection, outbreak investigations, identification of the source of outbreaks, and characterization (species identification, serotyping, virulence determination, and resistance profiling) of foodborne pathogens. Please refer to www.cdc.gov/pulsenet for more information.

Throughout the course of this research project, and under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will be involved in the following research activities:

  • Curating and managing data in the PulseNet national databases
  • Performing routine analysis of sequence data from PulseNet Participants, using customized software (BioNumerics)
  • Actively participating in the detection and management of foodborne disease clusters
  • Collaborating with epidemiologists in the investigation and control of foodborne outbreaks
  • Assisting with presentation of PulseNet information to a variety of audiences
  • Learning about other skills which include but are not limited to: verbal and written communications with clients, production of marketing materials, QA/QC, data summary reports, etc.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: December 2020/ January 2021

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. 

If you have questions, send an email to ORISE.CDC.NCEZID@orau.org.