Fellowship Announcement
Position: Fellow
Type: Part-time / Full time (1 year)
Organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities
Division of Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities
Location: Atlanta, GA
Organization Description: Among other activities, the Division of Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities administers the Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program (MACDP), a population-based birth defect surveillance system employing active case ascertainment methodology. This system is currently being expanded to include spatial monitoring of birth defects and stillbirths.
Position Description: The applicant will be working with the Birth Defects Surveillance Team with primary responsibility involving assisting with the development and implementation of a prototype spatial monitoring system MACDP records for birth defects and stillbirths in the central 5-county Metro-Atlanta area. Duties will involve:
– Assist with further development and evaluation of a spatial monitoring system for birth defects and stillbirths based on MACDP records. This project entails: a) evaluation of an existing spatial monitoring tool tailored for one birth defect for more general applications; b) identification of birth defects amenable to spatial tracking; c) development of criteria for frequency and prevalence levels for birth defects for adequate monitoring; and d) development of documentation of these procedures. This activity will entail preparation of reports and manuscripts and presentations at scientific meetings
– Develop a manual of operations related to geocoding of MACDP databases, incorporating methods for quality assurance and control of geocoded databases.
– Obtain and evaluate geocoding information for MACDP data on birth defects and fetal deaths.
– Assist with the development and implementation of environmental public health tracking projects on birth defects and environmental databases in other regions of the country.
This fellowship aims to provide a learning experience related to the epidemiology of birth defects and stillbirths that may enable the fellow to pursue further post-graduate training or professional development, including preparation of presentations for scientific meetings and manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Qualifications: Successful applicant will possess a Master’s level degree in GIS. Knowledge of and ability to navigate SAS is required although assistance with complex programming will be available. Knowledge of R is desired but not required. Other desired skills include spreadsheet management and proficient speaking and writing abilities, with an interest in learning about birth defects, stillbirths and public health surveillance, as well as ability to work well in a team environment.
Contact: Adolfo Correa, MD, PhD
acorrea@cdc.gov
