Research Virology Fellowship -- CDC - Oak Ridge Associated Universities - Atlanta, GA

A fellowship opportunity is currently available in the Influenza Division within the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. The Zoonotic Virus Team within the Virology, Surveillance and Diagnosis Branch of the Influenza Division conducts both field surveillance and basic research to better understand the pandemic potential of influenza viruses and public health countermeasures. Research activities include genetic characterization of influenza viruses that circulate in animals, assessment of antigenic properties of viruses to facilitate the development of pre-pandemic vaccines, host cell receptor binding analyses, and characterization of viral protein structure and function. The laboratory uses conventional and advanced molecular techniques to subtype and sequence zoonotic influenza viruses, performs phylogenetic and molecular based-risk assessment of emerging viruses, and utilizes ferret models to determine the consequences of viral mutation on antigenic properties. The fellow will participate in the following activities: Performing genomic and molecular characterization of swine influenza viruses to understand the genetic variation that exists in the current US swine population. Researching and understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms important in zoonotic human infections and pathogenesis. Measuring the antigenic properties of circulating swine viruses and related viruses isolated from zoonotic human infections to determine the level of protection afforded by either current seasonal influenza vaccines or candidate vaccine viruses developed as pre-pandemic countermeasures. Assessing molecular correlates of antigenic variation using hemagglutination-inhibition tests and may include reverse genetics approaches to ensure appropriate candidate vaccine viruses are developed against swine-origin influenza viruses. The fellow will be engaged in activities within the Influenza Division to characterize animal influenza viruses. The assignment will utilize existing laboratory protocols used by the team with an emphasis on genetic sequencing, molecular analysis, and antigenic characterization. Due to the proposed research on swine influenza viruses, the fellow will conduct the majority of laboratory research in BSL-2 and/or BSL-2e laboratories. 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 is for 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. Qualifications PhD degree in a biological science with emphasis in virology or infectious disease earned within the last five years. Experience in microbiology, including culturing of virus isolates and purification, genomic amplification and sequencing of viral RNA required. Lab experience, including microbiologic and virologic techniques performed in compliance with biosafety regulations, required. Experience using small animal models to characterize the immune response to virus infection and virus replication in various tissues/organs preferred. Proficiency in using genetic sequencing and bioinformatics to analyze genomic data, perform sequence alignments and identify molecular markers preferred.

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