CDC Health Communications Research and Evaluation Fellowship

Organization

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

This research opportunity is available with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. The CDC protects public health against disease threats, both domestic and foreign. This position focuses on vaccine-preventable diseases, respiratory illnesses, and public health prevention strategies within the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD) Office of Center Communication.

Under the guidance of a mentor, participants will engage in training activities that explore how audience research, health communication, and evaluation approaches are used to inform public health messaging across the lifespan. The experience includes qualitative and quantitative research activities related to knowledge, attitudes, practices, and communication preferences associated with vaccines, immunization, and respiratory illness prevention. Participants may also gain exposure to communication strategies used to educate diverse audiences about vaccine-preventable and non‑vaccine‑preventable diseases.

Through this mentored learning experience, you will develop knowledge of vaccine-preventable diseases, respiratory illness prevention, immunization communication, and audience‑centered public health messaging. You will strengthen skills in qualitative and quantitative research methods, including literature review, needs assessment, development of evaluation approaches, design of data collection instruments, and interpretation of research findings. You will gain experience developing and refining communication materials and messages tailored to specific populations, and build scientific communication and professional development skills through presentations, seminars, conferences, collaborative discussions, and preparation of summaries or manuscripts related to public health communication research.

Dayle Kern (ltt0)

• Start Date: September 28, 2026 (flexible, depending on various factors)
• Length: Initial one year; may be renewed upon recommendation and availability of funds
• Part-Time/Full-Time: Full time
• Stipend: Varies by opportunity, location, education, and experience. Monthly stipend will be provided upon appointment.

U.S. citizen only.

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree:
  Master’s Degree received within the last 60 months
• Field of study:
  Communications and Graphics Design, Communications, Communications Theory, Health Communications, Mass Communications, Media Studies, Science Writing, Life Health and Medical Sciences, Social and Behavioral Sciences

• Public health
• Behavioral science
• Health communication
• Behavioral theory
• Qualitative data analysis
• Quantitative data analysis
• Evaluation

9/25/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Rachel (Point of Contact)

Participants are not employees of CDC, DOE, or ORISE and do not receive employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation; health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. Successful applicants must comply with Environmental, Safety and Health (ES&H) requirements of the hosting facility, including COVID-19 requirements.