Employment Home

There are exceptional careers for extraordinary people at CDC. We hire the best, the brightest, and the most committed people to help us carry out our mission. Click on the job title to learn more about the qualifications, duties, and responsibilities of our most common positions.

• Behavioral Scientists
• Biologists
• Emergency Response Specialists
• Epidemiologists
• Health Education Specialists
• Health Informatics Specialists
• Health Scientists
• Medical Officers
• Microbiologists
• Public Health Advisors
• Public Health Analysts

Other Mission Support Positions

• Accountants
• Audiovisual Production Specialists
• Communications Specialists
• Computer/Information Technology Analysis and Specialists
• Contracts/Grants Analysts and Managers
• Engineers
• Finance/Budget Administrators
• Human Resources Specialists
• Program Managers and Analysts
• Public Affairs Officers/Public Relations
• Safety and Occupational Health Specialists
• Secretaries
• Statisticians
• Web Developers and Administrators
• Writers-Editors

This listing is not all-inclusive and includes a general description of the qualifications. Refer to the specific job announcement for specific qualifications.

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Behavioral scientists with expertise in sociology, demography, psychology, and anthropology conduct research on the transmission, treatment, and prevention of disease. They develop, implement, and evaluate programs, and consult with public health officials in the United States and abroad. Program areas that need behavioral scientists include HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases, chronic diseases, and intentional injuries, such as homicide, suicide, and family violence.

Qualifications:

GS-101-5:
Applicants must have successfully completed a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position; OR a combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field; OR four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one of more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.

GS-101-7:
In addition to the requirements for the GS-5 above, applicants must have 1 full year of appropriate graduate level education; OR superior academic achievement (grade point average equal to 3.0 or higher on 4.0 scale); OR 1 year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the next lower grade in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience which is in or directly related to the work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

GS-101-9:
In addition to the requirements for the GS-5 above, applicants must have 2 full years of appropriate graduate level education; OR an appropriate master's or equivalent graduate degree; OR 1 year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the next lower grade in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience which is in or directly related to the work of the position to be filed and which has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

GS-101-11:
In addition to the requirements for the GS-5 above, applicants must have 3 full years of appropriate graduate level education; OR a Ph.D. or equivalent graduate degree; OR 1 year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the next lower grade in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience which is in or directly related to the work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

GS-101-12; thru 15:
In addition to the requirements for the GS-5 above, applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the next lower grade in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience which is in or directly related to the work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

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Biologists perform research or other professional and scientific work or subordinate technical work in any of the fields of science concerned with living organisms, their distribution, characteristics, life processes, and adaptations and relations to the environment. Biologists at CDC are primarily concerned with infectious diseases and environmental activities.

Qualifications:

GS-401-5:
Applicants must have successfully completed a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in the biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position; OR a combination of education and experience with at least 24 semester hours in the biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related discipline appropriate to the position, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

GS-401-7:
In addition to the requirements for the GS-5 above, applicants must have 1 full year of appropriate graduate level education; OR superior academic achievement (grade point average equal to 3.0 or higher on 4.0 scale); OR 1 year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the next lower grade in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience which is in or directly related to the work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

GS-401-9:
In addition to the requirements for the GS-5 above, applicants must have 2 full years of appropriate graduate level education; OR an appropriate master's or equivalent graduate degree; OR 1 year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the next lower grade in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience which is in or directly related to the work of the position to be filed and which has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

GS-401-11:
In addition to the requirements for the GS-5 above, applicants must have 3 full years of appropriate graduate level education; OR a Ph.D. or equivalent graduate degree; OR 1 year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the next lower grade in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience which is in or directly related to the work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

GS-401-12; thru GS-401-15:
In addition to the requirements for the GS-5 above, applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the next lower grade in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience which is in or directly related to the work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

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Emergency response specialists serve as an integral member of a team responsible for coordinating emergency preparedness and responses to natural and man-made hazards and disasters. They may provide all-hazards public health watch support; incident emergency alert, notification and escalation; and support for emergency incident drills, exercises, and actual emergencies. The specialists coordinate health consultation services; develop guidance material for response personnel; and manage and direct demonstration and training programs for State and local health personnel involved in emergency preparedness and response.

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Epidemiologists develop research protocols and design and conduct studies in the United States and abroad. Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) officers with expertise in medicine, epidemiology, statistics, behavioral science, veterinary medicine, nursing and other fields are employed in CDC's 2-year program of training and service in applied epidemiology. Increasingly, epidemiologists focus on the social, as well as the medical, aspects of disease and on behavioral risk assessment. Epidemiologists also examine the disproportionate rates of disease and disability among minorities. Program areas that need epidemiologists include HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases, occupational safety and health, chronic diseases, environmental health and injury control, and maternal and child health.

Qualifications:

GS-601-5:
Applicants must have successfully completed a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in an academic field related to the health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of the position.

GS-601-7:
In addition to the requirements for the GS-5 above, applicants must have 1 full year of appropriate graduate level education; OR superior academic achievement (grade point average equal to 3.0 or higher on 4.0 scale); OR 1 year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the next lower grade in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience which is in or directly related to the work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

GS-601-9:
In addition to the requirements for the GS-5 above, applicants must have 2 full years of appropriate graduate level education; OR an appropriate master's or equivalent graduate degree; OR 1 year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the next lower grade in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience which is in or directly related to the work of the position to be filed and which has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

GS-601-11:
In addition to the requirements for the GS-5 above, applicants must have 3 full years of appropriate graduate level education; OR a Ph.D. or equivalent graduate degree; OR 1 year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the next lower grade in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience which is in or directly related to the work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

GS-601-12; thru GS-601-15:
In addition to the requirements for the GS-5 above, applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the next lower grade in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience which is in or directly related to the work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

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Health education specialists consult with state and local health officials on chronic disease prevention and health promotion. They are involved in strategic planning, program implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. They work with ethnically and racially diverse groups which requires an understanding of and ability to communicate effectively with these groups. Major program areas include smoking and health, breast and cervical cancer prevention, diabetes disability prevention, HIV/AIDS prevention and school health education.

Qualifications:

GS-1701-5:
Applicants must have successfully completed a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree which included or was supplemented by major study in education or in a subject field appropriate to the position; OR a combination of education and experience with courses equivalent to a major (24 semester hours or equivalent) in education, or in a subject field appropriate to the position, plus appropriate experience or additional course work, which provided knowledge comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of the 4-year course of study described above.

GS-1701-7:
In addition to the requirements for the GS-5 above, applicants must have 1 full year of appropriate graduate level education in a field of study which provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position; OR superior academic achievement (grade point average equal to 3.0 or higher on 4.0 scale); OR 1 year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the next lower grade in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience which is in or directly related to the work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

GS-1701-9:
In addition to the requirements for the GS-5 above, applicants must have 2 full years of appropriate graduate level education in a field of study which provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position; OR an appropriate master's or equivalent graduate degree; OR 1 year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the next lower grade in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience which is in or directly related to the work of the position to be filed and which has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

GS-1701-11:
In addition to the requirements for the GS-5 above, applicants must have 3 full years of appropriate graduate level education in a field of study which provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position; OR a Ph.D. or equivalent graduate degree; OR 1 year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the next lower grade in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience which is in or directly related to the work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

GS-1701-12; thru GS-1701-15:
In addition to the requirements for the GS-5 above, applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the next lower grade in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience which is in or directly related to the work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

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Health informatics is the systematic application of information and computer science and technology to public health practice, research and learning. Health informatics specialists, in collaboration with public and private health partners, develop and evaluate approaches for standardizing, collecting, integrating, and sharing national health data and information systems.

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Health scientists perform research or other professional and scientific work which is specifically health-oriented. The work requires a background of knowledge, skills and techniques gained from professional training in a health science or allied scientific field. Such work may cut across and require understanding of scientific methods and techniques common to several recognized professional fields in the health, medical or allied sciences (e.g., work in the field of health research administration requiring knowledge of research methodology common to a number of different scientific fields); and/or the work may represent a new, emerging or miscellaneous professional occupational area of health science.

Qualifications:

GS-601-5
Applicants must have successfully completed a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in an academic field related to the health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of the position.

GS-601-7
In addition to the requirements for the GS-5 above, applicants must have 1 full year of appropriate graduate level education; OR superior academic achievement (grade point average equal to 3.0 or higher on 4.0 scale); OR 1 year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the next lower grade in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience which is in or directly related to the work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

GS-601-9
In addition to the requirements for the GS-5 above, applicants must have 2 full years of appropriate graduate level education; OR an appropriate master's or equivalent graduate degree; OR 1 year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the next lower grade in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience which is in or directly related to the work of the position to be filed and which has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

GS-601-11
In addition to the requirements for the GS-5 above, applicants must have 3 full years of appropriate graduate level education; OR a Ph.D. or equivalent graduate degree; OR 1 year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the next lower grade in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience which is in or directly related to the work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

GS-601-12; thru GS-601-15
In addition to the requirements for the GS-5 above, applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the next lower grade in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience which is in or directly related to the work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

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Medical officers provide advice and administer, supervise, or perform professional and scientific work in one or more medical fields, such as preventive medicine, occupational health, and maternal and child health. They conduct research on health problems, physical limitations, and injuries, including causes and methods or prevention and control. Medical officers conduct national and international programs for scientific investigations and provide specialized services to health departments and other health agencies for the control of infectious and certain other disease conditions. They collaborate with the Department of State, the World Health Organization and other agencies to carry out disease control programs in foreign countries.

Qualifications

GS-602-11
Applicants must have a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathy degree from a school in the United States or Canada approved by a recognized accrediting body in the year of applicant's graduation; OR a Doctor of Medicine or equivalent degree from a foreign medical school which provided education and medical knowledge substantially equivalent to accredited schools in the United States. Comparability may be demonstrated by permanent certification by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) or a fifth pathway certificate for American students who completed premedical education in the United States and graduate education in a foreign country.

GS-602-12
In addition to the requirements for the GS-11, applicants must have successfully completed 2 years of residency training in the specialty of the position to be filled or equivalent experience and training. A residency program involves training in a specialized field of medicine in an institution accredited for training in a specialty by a recognized body of the American Medical Association or the American Osteopathic Association.

GS-602-13
In addition to the requirements for the GS-11, applicants must have successfully completed 3 years of residency/training in specialty of the position to be filled or equivalent experience and training. A residency program involves training in a specialized field of medicine in an institution accredited for training in a specialty by a recognized body of the American Medical Association or the American Osteopathic Association.

GS-602-14
In addition to the requirements for the GS-11, applicants must have successfully completed 4 years of residency/training in the specialty of the position to be filled or equivalent experience and training. A residency program involves training in a specialized field of medicine in an institution accredited for training in a specialty by a recognized body of the American Medical Association or the American Osteopathic Association.

GS-602-15
In addition to the requirements for the GS-11, applicants must have successfully completed 5 years of residency/training in the specialty of the position to be filled or equivalent experience and training. A residency program involves training in a specialized field of medicine in an institution accredited for training in a specialty by a recognized body of the American Medical Association or the American Osteopathic Association.

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Microbiologists with expertise in bacteriology, virology, immunology, molecular biology, and biochemistry conduct research on infectious diseases. They also work on interdisciplinary teams to research infectious diseases in child-care settings, foodborne and waterborne diseases, opportunistic infections in HIV-infected patients, and chronic infectious diseases. Microbiologists are involved in training and technical support to the nation's clinical laboratories.

Qualifications

GS-403-5
Applicants must have successfully completed a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in microbiology; OR biology, chemistry, or basic medical science which includes at least 20 semester hours in microbiology and related subjects geared towards the study of microorganisms, and 20 semester hours in the physical and mathematical sciences combining course work in organic chemistry or biochemistry, physics, and college algebra, or their equivalent; OR a combination of education and experience with courses equivalent to a major in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or basic medical science which includes at least 20 semester hours in microbiology and related subjects geared towards the study of microorganisms, and 20 semester hours in the physical and mathematical sciences combining course work in organic chemistry or biochemistry, physics, and college algebra, or their equivalent, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

GS-403-7
In addition to the requirements for the GS-5 above, applicants must have 1 full year of appropriate graduate level education in microbiology, or specific area of study such as bacteriology, virology, mycology, algology, protozoology, parasitology, immunology, serology, microbial genetics, or soil microbiology, or specific applied fields of microbiology, such as clinical and public health microbiology, food technology, production processes, industrial fermentation, pollution, etc. Graduate study in related fields, such as experimental pathology, infectious diseases, epidemiology, biochemistry, animal or plant physiology, genetics, plant pathology, and insect disease control, also may be pertinent, provided it has direct application to microbiological work. The value of such study is judged on the basis of whether it was in a major or minor field of study, its contribution to the applicant's total background of experience and training, and its value in relation to the specific requirements of the position for which the applicant is being considered; OR superior academic achievement (grade point average equal to 3.0 or higher on 4.0 scale); OR 1 year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the next lower grade in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience which is in or directly related to the work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

GS-403-9
In addition to the requirements for the GS-5 above, applicants must have 2 full years of appropriate graduate level education; OR an appropriate master's or equivalent graduate degree with study as specified at the GS-7 above; OR 1 year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the next lower grade in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience which is in or directly related to the work of the position to be filed and which has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

For positions which involve a substantial amount of work in a specific specialized area or applied field of microbiology, at least 6 months of the experience must either have been in the appropriate area of specialization or applied field of microbiology, or have direct application in the area for which the applicant is being considered.

GS-403-11
In addition to the requirements for the GS-5 above, applicants must have 3 full years of appropriate graduate level education; OR a Ph.D. or equivalent graduate degree with study as specified at the GS-7 above; OR 1 year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the next lower grade in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience which is in or directly related to the work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. For positions which involve a substantial amount of work in a specific specialized area or applied field of microbiology, the experience must have been sufficiently specialized to insure adequate familiarity with the area of specialization or applied field of microbiology, or have direct application in the area for which the applicant is being considered.

GS-403-12; thruGS-403-15
In addition to the requirements for the GS-5 above, applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the next lower grade in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience which is in or directly related to the work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. For positions which involve a substantial amount of work in a specific specialized area or applied field of microbiology, the experience must have been sufficiently specialized to insure adequate familiarity with the area of specialization or applied field of microbiology, or have direct application in the area for which the applicant is begin considered.

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Public health advisors/analysts perform a wide range of functions. They conduct disease intervention activities, manage and evaluate programs, and provide technical assistance to State, local and foreign governments, and other organizations. Program areas that employ public health advisors include chronic diseases, environmental health, immunization, infectious diseases, injury prevention and control, international health and refugee programs, sexually transmitted diseases, and tuberculosis prevention.

Qualifications

GS-685-5
Applicants must have successfully completed a full 4-year course of study above the high school in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's degree in any field; OR 3 years of general experience which provided evidence that the applicant has the potential to learn and perform public health program work, including the abilities to: collect and evaluate facts; interpret and apply guidelines and specifications; use analytical methods and processes to draw conclusions; express ideas and concepts orally, in writing, and by numeric and graphic means; deal effectively with people. At least 1 year of general experience must be equivalent to the GS-4 level in the Federal service.

GS-685-7
Applicants must have 1 full academic year of graduate level education or law school; OR superior academic achievement (grade point average equal to 3.0 or higher on 4.0 scale); OR 1 year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the GS-5 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience which provided the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: knowledge of organizational, operational, and programmatic concepts and practices applied by public, private, or nonprofit agencies and organizations engaged in public health or other health-related activities; knowledge of the methods, processes, and techniques used to develop and deliver public health or health-related programs in State and local settings; knowledge of a specialized public health program; knowledge of, and skill in, the application of administrative or analytical methods and techniques necessary for working within the framework of a public health or related organization and carrying out specific program functions; skill in oral and written communications, gathering and conveying information, making oral presentations, and preparing reports, correspondence, and other written materials.

GS-685-9
Applicants must have 2 full academic years of progressively higher level graduate education; OR a master's or equivalent graduate degree with major study in public health or other field of study with course work directly related to the work of the position to be filled; OR 1 year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the GS-7 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience which provided the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: knowledge of organizational, operational, and programmatic concepts and practices applied by public, private, or nonprofit agencies and organizations engaged in public health or other health-related activities; knowledge of the methods, processes, and techniques used to develop and deliver public health or health-related programs in State and local settings; knowledge of a specialized public health program; knowledge of, and skill in, the application of administrative or analytical methods and techniques necessary for working within the framework of a public health or related organization and carrying out specific program functions; skill in oral and written communications, gathering and conveying information, making oral presentations, and preparing reports, correspondence, and other written materials.

GS-685-11
Applicants must have 3 full academic years of progressively higher level graduate education; OR a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree with major study in public health or other field of study with course work directly related to the work of the position to be filled; OR 1 year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience which provided the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: knowledge of organizational, operational, and programmatic concepts and practices applied by public, private, or nonprofit agencies and organizations engaged in public health or other health-related activities; knowledge of the methods, processes, and techniques used to develop and deliver public health or health-related programs in State and local settings; knowledge of a specialized public health program; knowledge of, and skill in, the application of administrative or analytical methods and techniques necessary for working within the framework of a public health or related organization and carrying out specific program functions; skill in oral and written communications, gathering and conveying information, making oral presentations, and preparing reports, correspondence, and other written materials.

GS-685-12 thru GS-685-15
Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the next lower grade in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience which provided the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: knowledge of organizational, operational, and programmatic concepts and practices applied by public, private, or nonprofit agencies and organizations engaged in public health or other health-related activities; knowledge of the methods, processes, and techniques used to develop and deliver public health or health-related programs in State and local settings; knowledge of a specialized public health program; knowledge of, and skill in, the application of administrative or analytical methods and techniques necessary for working within the framework of a public health or related organization and carrying out specific program functions; skill in oral and written communications, gathering and conveying information, making oral presentations, and preparing reports, correspondence, and other written materials.