CDC Steven M. Teutsch Prevention Effectiveness Fellowship 2027: Two-Year Public Health Fellowship
CDC Steven M. Teutsch Prevention Effectiveness Fellowship 2027: Two-Year Public Health Fellowship. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is accepting applications for the 2027 Steven M. Teutsch Prevention Effectiveness (PE) Fellowship, a two-year, paid postdoctoral fellowship for researchers and quantitative professionals interested in improving public health through economics, data analysis, disease modelling and evidence-based decision-making.
The fellowship provides an opportunity to work on real public health challenges while developing advanced research and analytical skills. Selected fellows become full-time CDC employees and contribute to research that helps public health leaders understand the effectiveness, costs and impact of health interventions.
The programme has two pathways: the Traditional Track, which focuses on economics and health services research, and the Analytics and Modeling Track, which focuses on mathematical modelling, disease modelling and related quantitative disciplines.
Applications open
Application deadline: 8 January 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
The 2027 application period opened on 8 September 2026. Applicants should begin preparing their documents early because recommendation letters and academic transcripts must also be submitted by the deadline.
APPLICATION SUMMARY
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | Steven M. Teutsch Prevention Effectiveness Fellowship |
| Host organisation | U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |
| Fellowship year | 2027 |
| Opportunity type | Paid postdoctoral research and training fellowship |
| Duration | Two years |
| Programme tracks | Traditional; Analytics and Modeling |
| Main fields | Public health, economics, epidemiology, disease modelling, data science and applied mathematics |
| Location | Primarily Atlanta, Georgia, USA; other assignments may be possible |
| Work arrangement | Full-time, in-person workplace assignment |
| Compensation | GS-12, Step 3 federal pay level |
| Benefits | Federal employee benefits, including medical insurance and leave |
| Eligibility | PhD or equivalent in an eligible field, plus applicable US work authorisation |
| Application deadline | 8 January 2027, 11:59 p.m. ET |
| Fellowship start | August 2027 |
| Application method | Online through the official CDC application portal |
About the CDC Steven M. Teutsch Prevention Effectiveness Fellowship
CDC Steven M. Teutsch Prevention Effectiveness Fellowship 2027: Two-Year Public Health Fellowship
The Prevention Effectiveness Fellowship is a two-year postdoctoral applied training programme that develops professionals who can use quantitative methods to answer important public health questions.
Public health authorities regularly make decisions about how to allocate limited resources, which interventions to prioritise and how to improve health outcomes. These decisions require reliable evidence about the effectiveness, costs and wider consequences of different policies and programmes.
The PE Fellowship helps build this evidence through research in areas such as:
- Health economics and economic evaluation.
- Cost-effectiveness analysis.
- Disease modelling and simulation.
- Quantitative policy analysis.
- Decision science.
- Public health programme evaluation.
- Health services research.
- Epidemiology and statistical analysis.
- Resource allocation and optimisation.
Fellows work with CDC professionals and public health partners to produce research that can inform policy, programme planning and public health decisions.
Since its establishment in 1995, the fellowship has trained more than 300 decision scientists. Its fellows and alumni have contributed to thousands of peer-reviewed publications. CDC
1. Fellowship tracks available for 2027
Applicants must choose between two programme tracks based on their academic background, research experience and professional interests.
A. Traditional Track
The Traditional Track is intended primarily for economists, health services researchers and other professionals with relevant quantitative training.
It focuses on applying economic and programme-evaluation methods to practical public health challenges.
Fellows may conduct research involving:
- Cost analysis of public health interventions.
- Cost-effectiveness and economic evaluation.
- Burden-of-illness assessments.
- Health services research.
- Economic modelling and quantitative policy analysis.
- Evaluation of public health programmes.
- Evidence to support decisions about resource allocation.
The aim is to help decision-makers understand which public health interventions provide meaningful benefits and how available resources can be used effectively.
Relevant academic backgrounds include:
- Economics.
- Agricultural economics.
- Health services research.
- Public health.
- Other related quantitative disciplines.
B. Analytics and Modeling Track
The Analytics and Modeling Track is designed for researchers with strong quantitative, mathematical, computational or scientific backgrounds.
It focuses on developing and applying analytical methods to understand disease patterns, evaluate interventions and support public health decision-making.
Areas of work and training may include:
- Mathematical modelling.
- Infectious disease modelling.
- Dynamic compartmental models.
- Microsimulation.
- Network models.
- Analytical epidemiology.
- Disease ecology.
- Operations research.
- Data science and quantitative analytics.
Relevant academic backgrounds include:
- Epidemiology.
- Infectious disease modelling.
- Disease ecology.
- Applied mathematics.
- Operations research.
- Industrial engineering.
- Biological sciences.
- Data science.
- Evolutionary biology.
- Other related quantitative disciplines.
The two tracks offer different approaches to prevention effectiveness, but both are designed to strengthen the use of quantitative evidence in public health.
2. Fellowship duration and programme structure
CDC Steven M. Teutsch Prevention Effectiveness Fellowship 2027: Two-Year Public Health Fellowship
The Prevention Effectiveness Fellowship lasts two years and is a full-time professional training and employment opportunity.
The 2027 fellowship is scheduled to begin in August 2027.
During the programme, fellows undertake applied research and develop the analytical, methodological and communication skills needed to address public health problems.
The experience is designed to combine:
- Practical research assignments.
- Collaboration with experienced CDC professionals.
- Quantitative analysis and modelling.
- Public health policy and programme evaluation.
- Professional development.
- Communication of research findings to decision-makers.
Fellows are expected to contribute to projects that help CDC and its partners understand the effectiveness and economic efficiency of public health interventions. CDC+1
3. Salary, funding and benefits
Paid fellowship
The CDC Prevention Effectiveness Fellowship is a paid opportunity. Fellows are employed on a full-time-equivalent basis during the two-year programme and receive federal employee compensation and benefits.
According to CDC’s official salary and benefits information, fellows are paid at the General Schedule (GS) 12, Step 3 level.
The compensation package includes:
- Competitive federal salary: Fellows receive the GS-12, Step 3 salary level.
- Medical insurance: Fellows receive access to federal employee medical insurance benefits.
- Leave benefits: Fellows receive leave benefits available to other federal employees.
- Potential salary increase: A salary increase may be possible after the first year, based on performance and a written recommendation from the appropriate management officials.
The exact dollar salary is not stated on the fellowship overview page. Federal pay can vary according to applicable locality pay arrangements, so applicants should consult the relevant official federal pay tables when assessing compensation.
Important relocation clarification: Fellows are responsible for their own relocation expenses. The programme does not state that it will cover moving costs.
4. Eligibility requirements
The fellowship is intended for applicants with advanced academic qualifications and strong quantitative research backgrounds. It is a postdoctoral programme, not an undergraduate or general master’s-level internship.
Academic qualification
Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent qualification, with all degree requirements completed before the fellowship begins.
The degree must be relevant to the track selected.
For the Traditional Track, eligible fields include:
- Economics.
- Agricultural economics.
- Health services research.
- Public health.
- Other related quantitative fields.
For the Analytics and Modeling Track, eligible fields include:
- Epidemiology.
- Infectious disease modelling.
- Disease ecology.
- Applied mathematics.
- Operations research or industrial engineering.
- Biological science.
- Data science.
- Evolutionary or analytical biology.
- Other related quantitative fields.
Applicants must ensure that their qualifications meet the requirements for their chosen track. CDC
Applicants with qualifications obtained outside the United States
International applicants with degrees from universities outside the United States may be asked to provide an academic credential evaluation to demonstrate that their qualifications are equivalent to the relevant US academic degree.
Foreign-language qualifications must be translated into English.
CDC also explains that candidates selected for the fellowship will need the appropriate credential evaluation for qualifying degrees obtained outside the United States. Applicants should therefore prepare for this requirement early rather than waiting until the final stages of recruitment. CDC+1
Research and quantitative skills
The fellowship is designed for candidates who can demonstrate the ability to work with quantitative research methods and data.
Relevant experience may include:
- Statistical analysis.
- Economic evaluation.
- Epidemiological research.
- Mathematical or computational modelling.
- Data management and analysis.
- Research publications.
- Scientific presentations.
- Public health programme evaluation.
- Experience using statistical software.
The application specifically asks candidates to describe their experience with tools such as Excel, SAS, STATA, R and Epi Info. Applicants should provide concrete examples of their work rather than simply listing software names. CDC
5. Can international applicants apply?
Yes, the CDC eligibility page provides routes for certain non-US citizens and non-US permanent residents to be considered. However, international eligibility is subject to US federal laws, regulations and applicable visa and work-authorisation rules.
Applicants must fall into one of the following categories:
- US citizens.
- US permanent residents.
- Non-US citizens or permanent residents who are eligible for an accepted visa or work authorisation.
The CDC currently identifies the following possible visa or work-authorisation categories:
- F-1 OPT STEM extension: Must cover the entire two-year fellowship for current F-1 visa holders.
- TN visa: Available under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement for eligible citizens of Canada and Mexico.
- J-1 visa: Cultural exchange visa, or J-2 status as the spouse of a J-1 visa holder.
- H-1B visa.
- Other applicable visa or work authorisation that permits employment in the United States.
Non-US citizen candidates who advance in the selection process may be contacted to discuss their visa and work-authorisation circumstances.
Applicants must also verify that they are not citizens of a country designated by the US Department of State as a state sponsor of terrorism. CDC
Important for applicants from Zimbabwe and other African countries: The fact that CDC considers certain non-US citizens does not mean that every international applicant automatically qualifies. The listed visa routes and applicable federal rules must be considered carefully. In particular, the TN category is limited to eligible Canadian and Mexican citizens. Candidates from other countries should establish whether they have another qualifying US work-authorisation route before investing time in the application.
The fellowship does not promise to arrange or fund a visa for every international applicant.
6. Location and relocation requirements
CDC Steven M. Teutsch Prevention Effectiveness Fellowship 2027: Two-Year Public Health Fellowship
Most fellows are assigned to CDC headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. However, some assignments may be located in other states or at public health agencies.
Applicants must be willing to relocate to the location of their physical assignment.
The fellowship is a full-time programme, and relocation is a condition of participation. CDC specifically states that fellows are responsible for their own relocation expenses. CDC+1
This is an important consideration for candidates currently living outside the United States. Applicants should assess the costs of relocating, securing accommodation and meeting other personal expenses before accepting an offer.
7. How competitive is the fellowship?
The CDC describes the selection process as extremely competitive.
The programme selects approximately:
- 10 fellows for the Traditional Track.
- 10 fellows for the Analytics and Modeling Track.
This means that the annual intake is relatively small compared with the number of applicants likely to be interested in a specialised postdoctoral public health programme. CDC
Applications are assessed using several factors, including:
- Academic preparation and qualifications.
- Letters of recommendation.
- Research and professional experience.
- Publications or evidence of potential to publish.
- Methodological and data-analysis skills.
- The applicant’s personal statement.
Applicants should therefore demonstrate not only that they meet the academic requirements, but also that they can apply quantitative methods to meaningful public health questions.
8. Application dates and timeline
The CDC has published the following schedule for the 2027 fellowship class:
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | 8 September 2026, 8:00 a.m. ET |
| Application deadline | 8 January 2027, 11:59 p.m. ET |
| Interview notifications | February–March 2027 |
| Virtual interviews | February–March 2027 |
| Fellowship selection notifications | February–March 2027 |
| Completion of degree requirements for selected candidates | July 2027 |
| Fellowship begins | August 2027 |
The CDC describes some of these dates as tentative, so applicants should check the official fellowship website for updates. CDC
Deadline: 8 January 2027
Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Applicants should also ensure that all supporting documents and recommendation letters are received by the same deadline.
9. Documents and information required
CDC Steven M. Teutsch Prevention Effectiveness Fellowship 2027: Two-Year Public Health Fellowship
The application requires substantial academic and professional information. Candidates should begin preparing their materials well before the closing date.
1. Updated CV or résumé
Prepare a detailed CV that includes:
- Academic qualifications.
- Research experience.
- Employment history.
- Relevant professional responsibilities.
- Publications and presentations.
- Grants and research projects.
- Awards and honours.
- Technical and analytical skills.
For work experience, CDC requests information such as job title, responsibilities, achievements, location and employment dates. Applicants should also provide the number of hours worked per week for each position. CDC
2. Personal statement
Applicants must prepare a personal statement addressing questions about their motivation, experience and professional goals.
The official application guidance asks candidates to discuss:
- What influenced them to consider a career in public health service?
- Their greatest professional challenge and how they overcame it.
- Their experience using economic or decision-analytic methods and the methods they would like to learn.
- Their experience in data management and analysis, including statistical software.
- Why they are interested in the PE Fellowship.
- Why they are a suitable candidate.
- How the fellowship will help them achieve their goals.
- Why they want to join CDC.
- How they expect to use the concepts and skills gained during the programme.
Candidates should answer these questions with specific examples from their research, employment or academic experience. CDC
3. Letters of recommendation
A minimum of three recommendations is required, and applicants may submit up to five.
The rules include:
- At least two recommenders must not be CDC employees.
- Suitable recommenders may include current or former supervisors, colleagues, professors or faculty members.
- Recommenders should know the applicant’s research achievements, professional abilities and personal qualities.
Applicants must provide the recommenders’ names, organisations, job titles, telephone numbers, email addresses and relationships to them.
The fellowship system sends recommenders an email with instructions for submitting their recommendations. All recommendations must be received by the application deadline. CDC
4. Academic transcripts
Applicants must provide unofficial transcripts for all earned undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as qualifying degrees that are still in progress.
Transcripts should show:
- Degree or programme of study.
- Courses completed.
- Grades obtained.
- Graduation date, where the degree has been awarded.
Applicants with degrees from institutions outside the United States should also prepare for the credential evaluation requirement.
5. Skills self-assessment
The application includes a self-assessment of relevant technical and analytical capabilities.
Candidates should consider their experience in:
- Computer software.
- Economic and public health datasets.
- Data wrangling and cleaning.
- Modelling and analytics.
- Machine learning.
- Natural language processing.
- Deep learning.
- Data design and development.
- Big data and information retrieval.
Applicants should describe their skills accurately and be prepared to discuss their experience during interviews. CDC
10. How to apply for the CDC Prevention Effectiveness Fellowship 2027
Applications are submitted online through the CDC’s official fellowship application system.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official fellowship website: Go to the CDC Prevention Effectiveness Fellowship page.
- Review the eligibility requirements: Confirm that your PhD or equivalent qualification is in an eligible field and that you meet the applicable visa and work-authorisation conditions.
- Choose your programme track: Select either the Traditional Track or Analytics and Modeling Track, depending on your academic background.
- Prepare your CV: Include your education, research, employment, publications, presentations, grants and technical skills.
- Write your personal statement: Address all the questions provided in the official application guidance.
- Arrange at least three recommendations: Contact your recommenders early and make sure they can submit their letters before the deadline.
- Obtain your academic transcripts: Prepare transcripts for all relevant undergraduate and graduate qualifications.
- Complete the online application: Provide your personal details, education, experience, skills assessment and other requested information.
- Submit all supporting documents: Ensure that your transcripts and recommendation letters are received by the closing date.
- Save your confirmation: After submitting, check for the email confirming that your application was successfully received.
The online application is available during the official recruitment period. CDC advises candidates to complete every section and ensure that all supporting documents arrive by the deadline.
For application-related questions, CDC provides the following contact email: PEF@cdc.gov.
11. Tips for preparing a strong application
Because the fellowship selects approximately 20 fellows across its two tracks each year, applicants should take time to prepare a clear and evidence-based application.
1. Select the correct track
Your chosen track should match your academic qualifications and research experience. Economists and health services researchers may be suited to the Traditional Track, while candidates with backgrounds in modelling, epidemiology, mathematics and data science may consider the Analytics and Modeling Track.
2. Demonstrate quantitative research experience
Explain how you have used statistical, economic, epidemiological or modelling methods in previous projects. Where possible, describe the research question, methods, datasets and results.
3. Highlight relevant publications
List peer-reviewed publications, working papers, conference presentations and other research outputs. If you have not published extensively, demonstrate your research potential through dissertations, technical reports and research projects.
4. Provide specific software examples
Rather than simply listing R, SAS, STATA or Excel, explain what you have used each tool to accomplish. For example, you could describe a statistical analysis, dataset you cleaned or model you developed.
5. Prepare a convincing personal statement
Connect your academic and professional experience to the fellowship’s purpose. Explain why you want to work on public health decision-making and how the training will support your future career.
6. Choose recommenders carefully
Select people who can provide detailed evidence of your research ability, analytical skills, professional conduct and potential. Give them sufficient time to submit their recommendations.
7. Check international eligibility early
If you are not a US citizen or permanent resident, establish whether you meet the fellowship’s visa and work-authorisation conditions before applying.
8. Submit before the deadline
Do not wait until the last day. The application requires multiple supporting documents, and recommendation letters must also arrive before the closing date.
12. Frequently asked questions
CDC Steven M. Teutsch Prevention Effectiveness Fellowship 2027: Two-Year Public Health Fellowship
Is the CDC Prevention Effectiveness Fellowship 2027 open?
Yes. The application period for the 2027 class opened on 8 September 2026 and closes on 8 January 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. CDC+1
How long does the fellowship last?
The programme lasts two years and is scheduled to begin in August 2027.
Is the fellowship paid?
Yes. Fellows are full-time CDC employees and are paid at the GS-12, Step 3 federal salary level. They also receive federal employee benefits, including medical insurance and leave. CDC
Can applicants from Zimbabwe apply?
Applicants from Zimbabwe are not automatically excluded simply because they are not US citizens. However, non-US applicants must meet one of the accepted visa or work-authorisation conditions and all applicable federal requirements. The fellowship does not guarantee visa sponsorship. Candidates should contact CDC directly if they are unsure whether their immigration status qualifies.
Can someone with a master’s degree apply?
The standard academic requirement is a PhD or equivalent qualification, with all requirements completed before the fellowship begins. A master’s degree alone does not meet this stated requirement. CDC
Can I apply with a PhD obtained outside the United States?
Yes, foreign qualifications can be considered. Applicants may need to provide an academic credential evaluation to establish US equivalency, and qualifications must be translated into English where necessary.
Do I need previous public health employment experience?
The official application assesses research and work experience, academic preparation and quantitative skills. Applicants should demonstrate relevant preparation for their chosen track. The eligibility page does not establish a single minimum number of years of professional experience for all candidates.
Where will fellows be based?
Most fellows are assigned to CDC headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. Some assignments may be located in other states or public health agencies. Relocation to the assignment location is required. CDC+1
Does CDC pay relocation costs?
No. The official fellowship information states that relocation expenses are the responsibility of the fellow. CDC
How many recommendation letters are required?
At least three recommendations are required, with a maximum of five. At least two must come from people who are not CDC employees. All recommendations must be received by the application deadline. CDC
When will successful applicants be notified?
CDC expects to notify candidates selected for interviews during February–March 2027. Virtual interviews and fellowship selection notifications are also scheduled for that period. These dates are tentative. CDC
Final thoughts
CDC Steven M. Teutsch Prevention Effectiveness Fellowship 2027: Two-Year Public Health Fellowship
The CDC Steven M. Teutsch Prevention Effectiveness Fellowship 2027 is a specialised opportunity for doctoral-level researchers who want to apply economics, quantitative analysis, epidemiology and mathematical modelling to important public health challenges.
Its two-year structure combines paid employment, practical research experience, professional development and access to federal employee benefits. The Traditional Track provides a pathway for economists and health services researchers, while the Analytics and Modeling Track is designed for candidates with mathematical, computational and scientific backgrounds.
The opportunity is particularly relevant to PhD graduates who want to develop careers in public health research, health economics, disease modelling and evidence-based policy.
However, applicants should pay close attention to the doctoral qualification requirement, international work-authorisation conditions and relocation costs. These are important considerations for candidates applying from outside the United States.
Application deadline: 8 January 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
Apply and review the full requirements through the official CDC Prevention Effectiveness Fellowship website.
Disclaimer: Vacancy Bridge is an independent opportunities information platform. We share information about fellowships, jobs, scholarships and other opportunities but are not the hiring organisation or affiliated with the CDC. Applicants should verify all requirements and submit applications through official CDC channels.
Stay updated: Join the for more international fellowships, research opportunities, public health programmes and career updates.
Vacancy Bridge WhatsApp Channel
APPLY NOW ON THIS OFFICIAL PAGE
SEO keywords
CDC Steven M. Teutsch Prevention Effectiveness Fellowship 2027, CDC Prevention Effectiveness Fellowship, CDC fellowship 2027, paid public health fellowships 2027, two-year public health fellowship, CDC postdoctoral fellowship, public health research fellowship USA, health economics fellowship, epidemiology fellowships 2027, disease modelling fellowship, Analytics and Modeling Track CDC, Traditional Track CDC fellowship, international public health fellowships, PhD public health opportunities, CDC fellowship application deadline 2027.
