Want to make a difference and help with the COVID-19 pandemic response?
Apply to Become a COVID-19 Laboratory Associate
The COVID-19 Laboratory Associate Program, sponsored by APHL and CDC, provides experience in laboratory-related aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic response. Associates provide workforce capacity to the public health laboratory community in its response efforts. In turn, associates develop skills to prepare for careers in public health laboratory science.
COVID-19 Laboratory Associate Program Specifics
The program is a temporary (through June 2021, with possible extension through June 2022), full-time working appointment for bachelor-, master- and doctoral-level scientists. Associates are placed in US local, state, and territorial public health laboratories to assist with the COVID-19 pandemic response. Appropriate training is provided as needed. Once in their host laboratories, associates are supervised by laboratory personnel and work on projects proposed by the host laboratory. In addition to laboratory-specific work, associates participate in distance-based training and learning activities to achieve proficiency in select public health laboratory
core competencies.
Program Benefits
Associates receive a stipend and allowances for: required medical insurance, travel to the host laboratory, and complimentary student membership to APHL. The stipend levels are $40,000 – 67,000 per year depending on education and experience.
Eligibility and Requirements
Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents. Applicants to the program must have completed a minimum of a bachelor's degree by June 2021 to be considered.
Application Process
COVID-19 Laboratory Associates
Apply to Become a COVID-19 Laboratory Associate
Applications are
accepted on a rolling basis, and positions will be offered and filled as host laboratory opportunities are available. Applicants are required to submit an online application to APHL, which includes:
- Narrative statement
- Resume or CV
- Three references for letters of recommendation (references will not be contacted until/unless an interview is arranged)
- Transcripts from all degree-granting institutions (unofficial transcripts are acceptable for the application process, official transcripts must be provided upon acceptance of an offer)
- Proof of US citizenship or permanent residency
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all materials are received by APHL; incomplete applications will not be considered.
Host Laboratories
APHL member local, state, and territorial public health laboratories interested in applying to host one or more COVID-19 Associates, please see the host lab instructions and application.
Host Laboratory Instructions and Application
Questions?
Please review our
frequently asked questions about the program and the application process, or contact Heather Roney at
heather.roney@aphl.org.