CDC Campaign and Audience Research Team Fellowship 2026 in the USA

Public health communication plays a critical role in helping communities make informed decisions that improve health outcomes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is now accepting applications for the CDC Campaign and Audience Research Team Fellowship 2026, a unique research and training opportunity for recent graduates interested in communication science, audience research, and public health messaging.

Hosted by the Division of Communication Science and Services (DCSS) within the CDC’s Office of Communications, this fellowship offers participants the chance to gain practical experience in communication research while working alongside experts who develop evidence-based public health communication strategies.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with a final deadline of   September 25, 2026.

About the CDC Campaign and Audience Research Team Fellowship

The fellowship is designed to provide a mentored educational experience focused on communication science research and public health communication practices. Participants will engage with the CDC’s Campaign and Audience Research Team (CART), learning how communication strategies are developed, tested, and evaluated to reach diverse audiences effectively.

The Division of Communication Science and Services supports public health practitioners by providing technical assistance, communication tools, training resources, and evidence-based messaging that is understandable, accessible, and actionable.

Fellowship Location

The fellowship will be hosted at the:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive:

• Full-time mentored training experience at the CDC

• Competitive monthly stipend (amount varies based on qualifications and experience)

• Exposure to communication science research and public health campaigns

• Opportunities to work with communication experts and researchers

• Experience in audience research, message testing, and public health communication strategies

• Potential involvement in communication activities during public health emergency responses

• Professional development opportunities and collaborative learning experiences

• Possibility of fellowship renewal beyond the initial one-year appointment, subject to funding and performance

Learning Opportunities

Through this fellowship, participants will have opportunities to:

• Apply communication science techniques to public health communication projects

• Participate in qualitative and quantitative communication research activities

• Conduct literature reviews and audience research

• Learn how communication messages are developed and tailored for specific audiences

• Gain experience analyzing audience data and evaluating communication effectiveness

• Understand how communication channels are selected and assessed

• Explore innovative communication technologies, including Generative AI applications

• Develop communication skills for engaging governmental and non-governmental stakeholders

• Gain exposure to public health emergency communication approaches when opportunities arise

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR)

• Hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Public Health, Communication, or a related field

• Have received their degree within the past five years (60 months)

• Demonstrate interest in communication science, public health communication, or audience research

• Meet all ORISE program participation requirements

 Important Note

Applicants who have previously been employed directly by CDC or by contractors working directly for CDC are generally not eligible to participate in the ORISE program unless specific exceptions apply.

Required Application Materials

A complete application must include:

• Online application form

• Academic transcripts

• Current resume or curriculum vitae (CV)

• One educational or professional recommendation letter

All documents must be submitted in English or accompanied by an official English translation.

 Appointment Details

• Anticipated Start Date: August 10, 2026

• Appointment Duration: One year initially, with potential renewal

• Participation Level: Full-time

• Location: Atlanta, Georgia

• Application Review: Rolling basis

Eligible Applicants

U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit their applications through the ORISE online application system before the deadline.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible since applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the recruitment period.

 Application Deadline

September 25, 2026

Why You Should Apply

This fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity for recent graduates to gain practical experience in public health communication at one of the world’s leading public health agencies. Participants will learn how research informs communication strategies, develop valuable analytical and professional skills, and contribute to efforts that help protect and improve public health outcomes across the United States.

Whether your interests lie in audience research, health communication, data analysis, or public health messaging, the CDC Campaign and Audience Research Team Fellowship provides a strong foundation for a future career in public health and communication science.

Conclusion

If you graduated within the last five years and are interested in public health communication, this fellowship could be a valuable steppingstone toward a rewarding career in health communication research and public service. With hands-on training, mentorship, and exposure to real-world public health challenges, fellows will gain experience that can help shape the next generation of communication professionals.

Discover more fellowship opportunities like this on the OFY  Webpage.