CDC Laboratory Leadership Service (LLS) Fellowship 2027 Applications Open: Fully Paid Two-Year Public Health Laboratory Leadership Program in the United States

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has officially opened applications for the Laboratory Leadership Service (LLS) Class of 2027, one of the most prestigious public health laboratory leadership programs in the United States. Designed to develop the next generation of laboratory leaders, the fellowship combines advanced scientific training, leadership development, public health service, and hands-on field experience.

For doctoral-level laboratory scientists seeking to expand their impact beyond the laboratory bench and become influential leaders in public health, the CDC Laboratory Leadership Service Fellowship offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience while contributing to the protection of public health and safety.

What is the CDC Laboratory Leadership Service (LLS)?

The Laboratory Leadership Service (LLS) is a two-year postdoctoral service-learning fellowship established by the CDC in 2015 to strengthen public health laboratory leadership, laboratory quality management, biosafety practices, and workforce development.

The program was developed to create a pipeline of highly skilled laboratory professionals capable of addressing emerging public health challenges while maintaining the highest standards of laboratory excellence, quality, and safety.

Unlike traditional research fellowships, LLS combines technical laboratory expertise with real-world public health applications. Fellows receive extensive training while working on critical public health issues affecting communities across the United States.

Why the CDC Created the LLS Fellowship

Modern public health threats require laboratory professionals who possess more than scientific expertise. Public health laboratories increasingly need leaders capable of managing laboratory systems, responding to emergencies, communicating scientific findings, and overseeing biosafety and quality assurance programs.

The CDC created the LLS Fellowship to:

• Strengthen laboratory leadership capacity.
• Improve laboratory safety and quality standards.
• Develop future public health laboratory leaders.
• Support disease surveillance and outbreak investigations.
• Enhance emergency preparedness and response capabilities.
• Promote interdisciplinary collaboration between laboratory scientists and epidemiologists.

What Fellows Do During the Program

LLS fellows participate in a wide range of activities that provide practical experience in public health laboratory science.

During the fellowship, participants:

1. Conduct Public Health Investigations

Fellows work on cutting-edge laboratory investigations that support public health decision-making and disease prevention efforts.

2. Support Outbreak Responses

Participants contribute to responses involving disease outbreaks, emerging health threats, disasters, and public health emergencies.

3. Gain Leadership Training

The fellowship places significant emphasis on leadership development, preparing scientists to lead public health laboratories and programs.

4. Learn Laboratory Quality Management

Fellows receive training in:

• Quality management systems
• Laboratory operations
• Quality assurance
• Continuous improvement strategies

5. Strengthen Biosafety Expertise

Participants learn best practices in laboratory biosafety and biosecurity to ensure safe laboratory operations.

6. Develop Communication Skills

The program helps fellows communicate scientific findings effectively to policymakers, health professionals, and the public.

7. Build Bioinformatics and Data Analysis Skills

Participants gain experience using modern analytical tools to interpret scientific and public health data.

Fellowship Training Structure

The fellowship begins each July with an intensive month-long orientation and training course in Atlanta, Georgia.

Throughout the two-year program, fellows receive:

• Hands-on laboratory training.
• One-on-one mentorship from CDC experts.
• Leadership development opportunities.
• Emergency response experience.
• Applied public health investigations.
• Conference presentations.
• Networking opportunities with leading public health professionals.
• Collaborative learning alongside CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) officers.

Fellowship Benefits

The CDC provides fellows with numerous professional and financial benefits.

These include:

• Federal employment status during the fellowship.
• Competitive salary equivalent to GS-12 Step 3 federal pay.
• Locality pay adjustments based on assignment location.
• Federal health insurance benefits.
• Retirement benefits.
• Life insurance coverage.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Annual leave and sick leave.
• Access to extensive CDC training resources.
• Career advancement opportunities within public health.

Host Site Assignments

Selected fellows may be assigned to:

• CDC headquarters laboratories in Atlanta.
• CDC laboratories located elsewhere in the United States.
• State public health laboratories.
• Territorial public health laboratories.
• Local public health laboratories.

Fellows must be willing to relocate to their assigned location.

Application Process

Applicants are encouraged to carefully prepare their applications.

Strong applications typically demonstrate:

• Interest in public health service.
• Leadership potential.
• Technical laboratory expertise.
• Volunteer and community service experience.
• Strong personal statements.
• Commitment to public health careers.

Important Dates

Application Opens

June 22, 2026

Application Deadline

August 2, 2026

Interview Period

October 26 – November 10, 2026

Fellowship Start Date

July 2027

Late applications will not be considered. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit all required materials well before the deadline.

For more information about this opportunity click here

Why You Should Apply

The CDC Laboratory Leadership Service Fellowship is among the premier public health laboratory leadership programs in the United States. It offers a rare opportunity to combine advanced scientific expertise with leadership development, public health service, outbreak response experience, and professional growth.

For scientists who aspire to influence public health policy, strengthen laboratory systems, and lead future responses to health emergencies, the LLS Fellowship provides an exceptional pathway toward a meaningful and impactful career.

For additional details and applications, visit the CDC Laboratory Leadership Service website.

Deadline: August 2, 2026.

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