ATSDR Evidence- Research Strategy Fellowship

Reference Code: CDC-

Final date to receive applications: 10/30/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

A research opportunity is currently available with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 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.

This mentored research experience will allow you to participate in evidence-based approaches for shaping scientific priorities within the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). Guided by experienced ATSDR scientists, you will explore how public health research needs are identified, evaluated, and aligned with agency goals. You will begin by gaining experience conducting an environmental scan of current research activities, learning how to organize and synthesize information from diverse scientific programs.

Under the guidance of a mentor you will perform a structured gap analysis to identify unmet research needs and emerging opportunities. you will also gain experience interviewing subject-matter experts to understand how public health priorities are translated into research questions and strategic planning. Using insights gained throughout the appointment, you will learn to apply evidence-based methods to develop a research-prioritization matrix and collaborate on a draft a five-year research agenda for the ATSDR Office of Science.

With mentor guidance, you will also gain experience in recommending approaches for regularly reviewing and updating research priorities in response to evolving challenges. Overall, this project offers a hands‑on training experience in research strategy development and provides you with valuable exposure to how federal public health agencies evaluate and prioritize scientific work to maximize impact.

• Develop advanced competency in evaluating scientific portfolios using evidence-based assessment methods.
• Strengthen ability to identify and articulate research gaps, unmet needs, and emerging scientific opportunities.
• Build proficiency in synthesizing qualitative and quantitative data to inform strategic research decision‑making.
• Enhance skill in translating scientific insights into structured, prioritized research recommendations.
• Deepen understanding of research-priority frameworks used within federal public health agencies.
• Strengthen scientific communication capabilities, including preparing clear, analytically grounded technical summaries.
• Expand expertise in research planning concepts such as agenda development, prioritization logic, and strategic alignment.
• Grow professional judgment and critical‑thinking skills needed to support long‑term scientific strategy.

The mentor for this opportunity is Lina Ballouz (Lballouz). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.

Fall…