Program Description

Introduction
Participant Eligibility
Participant Benefits
Conditions and Obligations
Application and Selection

INTRODUCTION

The ORISE Research Participation Programs at the CDC are designed to provide a flow of scientists and engineers into the CDC to participate in current research and development activities and studies, and related technical projects.  In addition, the program will link the CDC's technologies with the capabilities of the academic community.  By supporting this program, the CDC will enhance the educational programs offered by academic institutions, strengthen the scientific and technical manpower base, transfer its knowledge and technology to the academic community, and support a growing national commitment to science education.

The ORISE Research Participation Programs at the CDC are structured to meet several objectives.  Under the program, postgraduates, college and university faculty, and students are provided opportunities for hands-on participation in research and development, and related technical activities at the CDC.  To be eligible for the programs, (1) a postgraduate participant must have received a college degree within three years of the appointment date in the program, (2) a student participant must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. technical institute, college, or university, and (3) a faculty participant must be a full-time faculty member at an accredited U.S. college or university.   

The individuals selected for the research appointments do NOT become employees of either the CDC or ORISE.  Participants will become administratively associated with ORISE through an appointment letter which includes the Terms of Appointment.  Program participants are paid a stipend, but they do not earn sick leave or annual leave, although the CDC may permit occasional absences without reduction of the stipend payment or termination of the appointment. 

A participant is appointed to a particular CDC office and is given a specific assignment under a mentor.  The assignment may be broad, but should be a definable project with a beginning and an ending.  The mentor is responsible for providing guidance and assistance to the participant on the project but does not serve as the participant's supervisor. 

The participants are not considered to be performing a job, rendering advisory or personal services, or providing expert advice.  There is no commitment to future employment by the CDC.  Appointments are not dependent upon the performance of any specific work by the participants, and there is no requirement for the delivery of a product by the participant.   

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PARTICIPANT ELIGIBILITY  

An applicant for the postgraduate component must have received a college degree (bachelor's, master's, or doctorate) in an appropriate science or engineering discipline within three years of the desired starting date, or must expect to complete all requirements for such a degree prior to the desired starting date. 

An applicant for a student appointment must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. college, university, or technical institute, and in an academic program leading to an associate, baccalaureate, or graduate degree.  Student applicants should be at least 18 years old and have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher (based on a scale where A = 4.0).

An applicant for a faculty appointment must be a full-time faculty member at an accredited U.S. college or university.

U.S. citizenship or permanent resident alien status is preferred for all appointments but is not required. 

Other applicants, including established scientists interested in new training activities, will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Disciplines appropriate to the program include, but are not limited to, physical, biological, medical, health, social, and computer sciences; engineering; and supporting disciplines. 

This is an equal opportunity program open to all qualified individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era.  

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PARTICIPANT BENEFITS  

Postgraduate (including postbaccalaureate) participants receive a monthly stipend that is based on degree level, discipline, and experience.  The actual stipend is determined by the CDC.  Inbound travel and moving expenses from the applicant's home or school to the CDC site may be reimbursed according to the ORISE Travel and Moving Policies and may be limited by the CDC.

Student participants receive a stipend based on academic standing and discipline.  The actual stipend is determined by the CDC.  Tuition and fees for off-campus programs may also be paid during the appointment period.  Round-trip transportation from the applicant's home or school to the CDC site may be reimbursed according to the ORISE Travel Policy and may be limited by the CDC.

College and university faculty participants receive a monthly stipend based on their regular salaries.  Participants with sabbatical leave appointments are expected to have at least one-half of their salary paid by their home institutions.  Round trip transportation from the applicant's home or school to the CDC site may be reimbursed according to the ORISE Travel Policy and may be limited by the CDC.  A relocation allowance may be provided for those relocated to the CDC.

Stipends for part-time appointments are prorated based on the percentage of full-time participation. 

Participants may also be eligible for limited reimbursement for travel to scientific meetings and for other travel related to their appointments.  If travel is handled by ORISE, the CDC and ORISE must both approve, and reimbursement is according to the ORISE Travel Policy.

Stipends are reported to the Internal Revenue Service as fellowship awards.  However, no federal income taxes are withheld by ORISE (except for some foreign nationals). 

Medical/health insurance is a requirement of the program and is available through ORISE if the participant chooses.  

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CONDITIONS AND OBLIGATIONS

All contingencies of an appointment offer must be met before the selected applicant can begin an appointment.  For example, if an award is offered to a candidate for a college degree, the college must present acceptable evidence that the candidate has completed all the formal academic requirements for the degree before a postgraduate appointment can begin. 

Participants become administratively associated with ORISE through a letter of appointment and Terms of Appointment.  They receive guest appointments at the CDC and do not enter into an employer/employee relationship with the CDC or ORISE. 

Participants are required to show proof of health/medical insurance. 

Participants are required to sign and abide by the appointment letter, the Terms of Appointment which includes a disclaimer of liability, and other documents required by the CDC.  Pursuant to Title 35 U.S. Code, Section 212, no provision of the ORISE Terms of Appointment or any other document to be completed by a participant may contain any provision giving ORISE any rights to inventions made by the participant.

Appointments involve a commitment to the program at the CDC, and the participant must be in residence at the CDC or another approved office during the entire period of the appointment. The participation must be conducted in a manner and according to a time schedule that meets the overall requirements of the CDC. 

Participants are encouraged to submit a report of their accomplishments to ORISE, to acknowledge the support of the CDC on publications and presentations that are related to the research conducted during the appointment, and to provide a copy of such publications to ORISE.  Participants should acknowledge support by the following statement:  "This project was supported in part by an appointment to the Research Participation Program for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education through an agreement between the Department of Energy and CDC."

The CDC sponsor must have submitted funding and DOE must have approved it BEFORE a participant can begin the appointment.   

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APPLICATION AND SELECTION 

Applications are received, processed, and reviewed by ORISE for eligibility and completeness. Applications for eligible candidates are transmitted to the CDC.  The final selection of participants will be made by the CDC in cooperation with ORISE and will be based on scientific background and experience; research accomplishments; academic records; recommendations; compatibility of the applicant's background with the interests of the CDC; and the availability of funds, programs, staff, and facilities. ORISE offers appointments to those selected.

An applicant interested in the ORISE Postgraduate, Student, or Faculty Research Participation Programs at the CDC may click here to obtain the application in PDF format.

The completed application will be used for the purpose of selecting participants and administering the research participation program and will be copied for that purpose.  Disclosure of such information is made subject to Public Law 93-579 (the Privacy Act of 1974) and the Department of Energy regulations as published in the Federal Register on September 30, 1977.

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