CDC Epidemiology Careers 2026: Washington D.C. & Washington State

Epidemiology positions at the CDC focus on “Disease Detection” and “Response Strategy,” integrating health trends, outbreak management, and federal coordination.

Job Description

Epidemiology positions at the CDC focus on “Disease Detection” and “Response Strategy.” In the Washington area, these roles are integrated into the agency’s effort to monitor health trends, manage outbreaks, and coordinate with federal and state partners. CDC Jobs in this sector require an ability to handle “Deep Dive” data analysis, maintain operational security (OPSEC), and translate complex findings into actionable public health policy.

Whether you are working as a CDC Agent (Officer) in a field station or a Health Scientist in a policy office, the goal is to provide a “fail-safe” response to biological threats. The work involves a mix of statistical modeling, laboratory coordination, and inter-agency collaboration within the broader Intelligence Community (IC).

About Company (CDC Washington Presence)

While the CDC is headquartered in Atlanta, it maintains a massive footprint in Washington through two distinct lenses:

CDC Washington Office (D.C.): This office serves as the primary link between CDC’s scientific experts and federal policymakers, including Congress and the White House. It focuses on the “Authoritative” dissemination of health data to guide national legislation.
Field Services (Washington State): Through the National Center for STLT Public Health Infrastructure, CDC assigns officers to work directly within the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). This represents the “Boots on the Ground” aspect of the agency’s mission.

The culture is defined by “Evidence-Based Action.” In 2026, the organization has modernized its data systems, moving toward real-time “Digital First” surveillance to detect outbreaks before they become pandemics.

Positions Available

The 2026 cycle offers several specialized tracks for epidemiology professionals in the Washington region:

1. Policy & Global Health (Washington, D.C.)

Public Health Advisor: Acting as a liaison between scientific teams and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Global Health Officer: Coordinating with international partners like the WHO from the D.C. hub.

2. Field Epidemiology (Washington State)

EIS Officer: “Disease Detectives” assigned to local health departments in cities like Seattle or Olympia to investigate active outbreaks.
Career Epidemiology Field Officer (CEFO): Senior-level experts helping Washington State prepare for emergencies.

3. Specialized Data Roles

Informatics Health Scientist: Using machine learning and AI to analyze regional health datasets.
Molecular Epidemiologist: Focuses on the genetic sequencing of pathogens, often based in partner state labs.

Job Types

Full-Time Federal Career: Permanent roles with the CDC, typically based on a 40-hour work week.
Fellowships (EIS/PHAP): Two-year training programs for recent graduates and early-career professionals.
Commissioned Corps (USPHS): Uniformed service officers deployed to CDC roles in Washington.
Remote/Hybrid: Some analytical and policy roles in the D.C. area now offer hybrid schedules for 2026.

Locations

Washington, D.C.: Offices located near the HHS headquarters and the U.S. Capitol.
Washington State (Tumwater/Olympia/Seattle): Assignments within the Washington State DOH or local county health jurisdictions.
Quarantine Stations: CDC staff are also stationed at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to monitor international travelers.

Requirements & Qualifications

To be competitive for an epidemiology role in 2026, you must meet high-level federal standards:

U.S. Citizenship: Required for almost all permanent and conversion-eligible roles.
Education: A Master of Public Health (MPH) is the baseline; many Senior Epidemiologist roles require a PhD or MD.
GPA: For Entry level or Pathway programs, a minimum 3.0 GPA is mandatory.
Security Vetting: Must pass a Tier 1 or Tier 2 background investigation. Field roles may require a higher clearance (Top Secret).
Lived Experience: Preference is given to those who have worked in state health departments or have military/intelligence backgrounds.

Benefits and Salary (2026 Scale)

Salaries in Washington include a “Locality Pay” adjustment for the high cost of living in D.C. and the Seattle metro area.

Level	Estimated 2026 Salary Range	Typical Roles
GS-7/9	$65,000 – $92,000	Entry-level PHAP, Junior Analysts
GS-11/13	$98,000 – $145,000	Mid-level Epidemiologists, EIS Officers
GS-14/15	$148,000 – $205,000	Division Directors, Senior CEFOs

Standard Perks:

Federal health insurance (FEHB) and FERS pension.
TSP with 5% matching.
Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

How to Apply (Application Process)

The CDC utilizes a structured recruitment process that often takes 6 to 9 months.

USAJobs: Search for “Epidemiologist” or “Public Health Advisor” with location filters for “District of Columbia” or “Washington State.”
Alerts: Set up a “Saved Search” for “CDC” and “Epidemiology” as some postings close within 5 days.
Transcripts: You must upload your unofficial transcripts to verify your specialized education.
PHAP/EIS Deadlines: These fellowships have specific windows (typically March for PHAP and late summer for EIS).