HIV Testing and Laboratory Fellowship, CDC
Category : Post-Grad Student Opportunities
Description
A research opportunity is currently available with the Behavioral and Clinical Surveillance Branch (BCSB) of the Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention (DHAP) within the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia.
Research Project
This fellowship offers the opportunity to gain experience in public health surveillance. With 23 participating metropolitan project areas throughout the United States, the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) system collects and reports data on three populations at increased risk for HIV infection: men who have sex with men, persons who inject drugs and heterosexually active persons at increased risk for HIV in the United States. NHBS data are used to monitor issues affecting these populations, which include describing racial disparities, reporting HIV prevalence and awareness, exploring the prevalence HIV-related risk behaviors, such as drug use and sex, and examining access to HIV testing, care and prevention. NHBS collects data through personal interviews and HIV testing and is the only national source of data on HIV-negative members of high-risk populations. Experience through this fellowship will focus on biological surveillance and data management activities as part of NHBS.
Learning Objectives
Specific opportunities during the fellowship may include:
- Participate in learning proper sample collection and storage of dried blood spots (DBS) for HIV testing in field settings.
- Process and record specimens for long-term storage and testing.
- Conduct data entry and analysis of serologic and NAT data.
- Manage and assist in development of large databases of surveillance and laboratory data.
- Review data entered by health departments and field sites to identify and resolve data quality issues.
- Correspond with health department partners regarding DBS collection, quality, and packaging and shipping issues.
- Assist with coordination of NHBS implementation activities.
- Learn about sampling and testing methods for a large, multi-site surveillance program.
- Conduct data analyses and participate in preparation of reports and articles for peer-reviewed journals.
- Assist in the development of guidance documents for NHBS.
- Research technical issues that arise from data collection and management processes.
- Help provide training to health department staff.
Mentor(s)
The mentor for this opportunity is Kathryn Lee (hgi2 [at] cdc [dot] gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).
Qualifications
Minimum
The qualified candidate should have received a master’s or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields, or be currently pursuing one of the degrees with completion by May 2021. Degree must have been received within the past five years.
Preferred
- Experience using statistical software (SAS preferred) and data management software (Excel, Access)
- Strong data management skills
- Strong writing and communication skills
- Knowledge of HIV prevention and infectious disease
- Experience with HIV testing
How to Apply
Click here to read more about this opportunity and apply online!
