The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) is the principal health statistics agency in the United States. One of the 10 centers and institutes that constitute CDC, NCHS' mission is to compile accurate, relevant, and timely statistical information to guide actions and policies that improve the health of the American people. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) is conducted by NCHS. NHANES contains an environmental health component which includes approximately 300 measures of environmental chemicals or metabolites in blood and urine specimens collected from survey participants.  The component is conducted in collaboration with the National Center for Environmental Health and their laboratory methods continually evolve to expand the list of environmental chemicals that can be measured through NHANES.   The uses of the NHANES environmental exposure information by the public health community include determining the types of chemicals and concentration levels to which U.S. household residents are exposed, establishing reference ranges that may be used by state and local public health physicians and scientists to determine whether an individual or group has an unusually high exposure, and determining whether exposure levels are higher among minorities, children, women of childbearing age, and other vulnerable groups among other uses. For information about specific analytes see: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhanes/nhanes_03_04/environmentalhealth_03.pdf

 

As a member of the Analysis Branch, in the NHANES Division, the Service Fellow will conduct analyses with NHANES data on environmental health related topics.  In collaboration with other researchers within NCHS and outside of NCHS, the Service Fellow is expected to plan and carry out high-quality research selecting appropriate statistical and epidemiologic methods, utilizing NHANES data. The Fellow will prepare comprehensive reports of study results for NCHS and scientific publication. The Fellow will also contribute expert consultation to the NHANES survey on environmental health.

This fellowship is open to all citizens of the United States or legal permanent residents with a work authorization. Applicants must have successfully completed a master’s degree or higher in toxicology, environmental epidemiology, or a related field (e.g., medicine or health sciences). Experience or applied coursework in environmental science is essential. Experience with linking files such as geo-spatial data is also desirable. Statistical or analysis skills in using SAS, STATA, SPSS, SUDAAN, R or other statistical software for complex data are important. Strong speaking, writing, and interpersonal skills are also highly desirable.

The Service Fellow will be offered an initial 24-month appointment, with potential for extension up to 5 years. A starting date will be determined by mutual agreement. An initial salary will be offered based on education and experience. Salary increases will be commensurate with performance. Service Fellows are eligible for annual and sick leave, Thrift Savings 401(k)-equivalent, health and life insurance, and a flexible work schedule. The Service Fellow will have the option of free onsite parking or a public transportation subsidy. The local subway station is within walking distance.

Inquiries or questions regarding this fellowship can be directed to Dr. Ogden at [log in to unmask].