​​​​​​A​​​PHL fellowships strengthen the public health laboratory workforce by providing high-quality training experiences for bachelor's-, master's- and doctoral-level laboratory scientists, who in turn increase their host laboratory's capacity to support existing programs and respond to emerging threats. Fellowship terms are one year, with a possible extension for a second year, depending on the fellowship and funding availability. 

APHL is recruiting for two cycles of fellows in 2022, to begin in January and July. Laboratories may apply to host one or more fellows. Fellowship programs with January 2022 start dates include: 

​Apply to Host an APHL-CDC Fellow (January 2022 Start Date)
by October 29, 2021​

​A list of fellowships with a July 2022 start date will be available in Nov​ember 2022. Laboratories available to host one or more fellows from the July 2022 cohort can apply between November 1—February 28, 2022.​

Application Components and Instructions

The online application for host laboratoriesincludes the following sections: 

  • General information about your laboratory

  • Description of the proposed project(s)

  • Information about the mentor(s)

Each mentor may submit up to two (2) projects for consideration. Each project description must be no longer than one (1) page.

Host Laboratory Requirements

APHL member state and local public health laboratories may apply to host one or more APHL laboratory fellows. The host laboratory and staff must demonstrate the ability to provide a high-quality training experience and research opportunities for the fellow, in accordance with the program timeline. In addition to laboratory-specific work, fellows will participate in distance-based training and learning activities to achieve proficiency in select public health laboratory core competencies.

There is no guarantee that an eligible laboratory will receive a fellow. 

Prior to application submission please review the following program requirements and responsibilities.

Laboratory Requirements​

  • Be an APHL member laboratory.

  • Have broad laboratory capabilities to ensure fellows are familiar with and/or trained in relevant techniques in a given specialty.

  • Demonstrate need for the project.

  • Have a demonstrated ability to provide training and/or research opportunities.

  • Provide an on-site primary and secondary mentor who will inform, instruct and provide an example for the fellow. The mentor will assist the fellow as a functional member of the laboratory and provide a stimulating atmosphere in which to learn and conduct research.

  • Allow the fellow sufficient time away from the proposed work to participate in APHL-led distance-based training and learning activities to achieve proficiency in select public health laboratory core competencies. This distance-based training is expected to take up to 10% of the fellow's time during the program.

  • Designate an on-site "facilitator" to interact with the fellow, mentors, and host laboratory personnel. This individual will assist the fellow in the logistics of working at the laboratory and situating to the area, including locating local housing.

  • Supply the fellow with appropriate office and laboratory space, facilities, technical and clerical support. This includes an email account, and access to necessary equipment and personnel.

Mentor Requirements an​​d Responsibilities

The primary and secondary mentors will be highly experienced public health laboratory professionals who will guide and direct the fellow for the duration of the program. The mentors will work at the host laboratory and be responsible for the academic, technical and ethical development of the fellow. The mentors must meet the following requirements:

  • Hold a supervisory level position.

  • Have research and training experience/goals complimentary to the fellow's project.

  • Be available and accessible for the duration of the program.

  • Meet at least weekly with the fellow to review progress.

  • Provide a realistic appraisal of the fellow's goals and performance based on objectives agreed upon at the beginning of the assignment.

  • Provide constructive criticism and enthusiastic support to the fellow.

  • Provide quarterly written reports to APHL on the fellow's progress.