CDC Physical Activity Fellowship 2026/27 in USA

The CDC is offering a paid fellowship through the ORISE program. This opportunity supports work within CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention. Specifically, fellows join the Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity. The fellowship centers on Active People, Healthy Nation, a national initiative. This program aims to help 27 million Americans become more active. Fellows train in research, policy translation, and community partnership development.

Program Snapshot

• Host Agency: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Location: Atlanta, Georgia
• Program Administrator: Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE)
• Duration: One year, renewable based on funding availability
• Anticipated Start Date: September 2026, flexible timing
• Application Deadline: September 11, 2026, reviewed on a rolling basis

Focus Areas

• Activity-friendly community design and transportation policy
• Physical Activity Guidelines evidence reviews
• Implementation science and evaluation research
• GIS mapping and quantitative data analysis

About the Program

This fellowship supports CDC’s priority strategy on community design. That strategy connects walking, biking, and transit routes to daily destinations. Fellows help identify and communicate evidence-based physical activity strategies nationally. They’ll also support updates to the National Physical Activity Plan directly. Working alongside multidisciplinary teams, fellows gain genuine national public health experience. This includes collaboration with epidemiologists, urban planners, and behavioral scientists.

What Fellows Will Learn

Fellows gain hands-on experience authoring peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts. They’ll also learn to translate complex evidence into accessible policy materials. Training includes quantitative methods using GIS, R, or Python software. Additionally, fellows build skills in qualitative research and stakeholder engagement broadly. They’ll develop infographics, fact sheets, and presentations for varied audiences. This creates well-rounded expertise spanning research, communication, and policy analysis.

Who Can Apply

This opportunity requires U.S. citizenship without exception. Applicants need a master’s or doctoral degree in eligible disciplines. Degrees from life sciences or social and behavioral sciences qualify. The degree must have been earned within the past five years. Alternatively, current students graduating by January 2027 may also apply. Preferred candidates show strong writing and data analysis skills.

Compensation and Terms

Fellows receive a monthly stipend, though exact rates vary. Participants don’t become CDC employees under this ORISE arrangement. Proof of health insurance is required throughout the fellowship period.

Required Materials

Applicants must submit an application, transcripts, and current resume. One educational or professional recommendation letter is also mandatory. Applications are considered incomplete without this required recommendation submitted.

How to Apply

Complete your application through the official Zintellect portal directly.

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Conclusion

This fellowship offers meaningful, hands-on experience at the intersection of public health research and national policy work. Its rolling review process rewards early applicants, since strong candidates may be selected before the formal deadline. Given the program’s emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, applicants should highlight any relevant experience in community planning, data analysis, or public health communication when applying.

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