Frequently Asked Questions

What do LLS fellows learn?

Through classroom training and on-the-job experience, LLS fellows:

Gain broad knowledge in biosafety, quality management systems, management and leadership, and other public health topics, such as public health ethics and emergency response
Learn best practices, advanced laboratory techniques, and how to apply training competencies to address public health laboratory challenges
Learn how to identify and collaborate with public health professionals across CDC and state and local public health laboratories
Develop skills in written and oral communication by presenting investigation/study findings during routine seminars, annual conferences, and media interviews

What skills do LLS fellows acquire?

The LLS fellowship curriculum is based on the following competencies:

Leadership and Management
Quality Management Systems
Laboratory Safety
Applied Laboratory Research, Investigation, and Surveillance
Informatics and Bioinformatics
Communication

When and how will I be notified of my acceptance into the program?

Each year, the LLS selection committee selects, notifies, and offers assignments to a minimum of six and maximum of eight candidates, according to funding resources and best possible match of candidates to assignment needs.

Following a review of all applications, the LLS fellowship selection committee identifies the top 12–16 applicants for a phone interview. Final selections are determined based on candidate interviews and rankings by host laboratory supervisors and candidates. The LLS fellowship staff finalizes their selection and notifies candidates of their acceptance via email in December. For more information on the timeline, please refer to the key dates listed on the Application page.

Will I need to relocate?

The majority of LLS fellows are assigned to a CDC laboratory in Atlanta, Georgia. Some fellows may be assigned outside of Atlanta, to other CDC facilities or to a state or local public health laboratory.

Applicants should state within their application their willingness to relocate and any specific location/assignment preferences.
Candidates who are accepted into the program will have the opportunity to rank assignments during the match process. Those accepted are also required to participate in the July orientation at CDC in Atlanta, Georgia, and should be ready to begin the fellowship at their assigned location in August.

Despite location assignments, fellows may have an opportunity to travel when providing short-term response as a Lab-Aid, providing laboratory support for an Epi-Aid, and/or supporting other possible public health emergency responses.

Where will I be assigned?

Assignments are determined according to the best possible match in the fellows’ education, skills, and experience to the host site needs. Assignments have included:

CDC Center for Global Health (CGH)
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria
CDC National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion
- Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology
- Division of Scientific Resources
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases
CDC National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP)
- Division of STD Prevention
- Division of TB Elimination
CDC National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD)
- Division of Bacterial Diseases
- Division of Viral Diseases
Minnesota Department of Health
- Public Health Laboratory, Infectious Disease Section
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
- Public Health Laboratory, Division of Disease Control

What field experiences are available during the fellowship?

This fellowship provides opportunities for LLS fellows to participate in the following field experiences depending on the current day public health need:

Rapid, short-term (usually 1-3 weeks) laboratory assistance to state, local, and federal partners to address urgent public health laboratory concerns, otherwise known as a Lab-Aid [PDF – 2 pages]
Field rotations at state and local public health laboratories
Laboratory support for an Epi-Aid [PDF – 2 pages], led by an EIS officer
Other possible public health emergency responses.

Fellows are expected to travel, mostly domestically and on a short-term basis, during the two years LLS fellowship.

Will I be paid and considered a CDC employee during the LLS fellowship?

Yes, during the 2-year fellowship, LLS fellows are employed by CDC or by the U.S. Public Health Service as Commissioned Corps officers and receive a salary & benefits.

Are international applicants eligible?

No, international applicants are not eligible. LLS accepts applications from U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents.

What’s after LLS?

LLS fellowship graduates are equipped with knowledge and skills in biosafety, quality management systems, and leadership that will prepare them to pursue influential careers at CDC or in other public health laboratories.