At a glance
- The Laboratory Leadership Service (LLS) Class of 2027 application period is June 22–August 2, 2026.
- LLS is a service-learning fellowship program that helps officers hone their laboratory expertise and leadership skills.
- LLS provides opportunities for officers to serve public health agencies, train with experts, and learn through field experiences and emergency responses.
What the LLS program is
The LLS program is a one-of-a-kind fellowship opportunity that bridges laboratory science and public health. It delivers expert training in the competencies required to lead a public health laboratory or program and provides unparalleled opportunities for career growth and progression.
CDC launched LLS in 2015 to develop future public health laboratory leaders. LLS is a service-learning, multidimensional program that encompasses the competencies of:
- Applied public health laboratory research
- Laboratory operations and quality management
- The science of biosafety
- Bioinformatics
- Advanced communications
- Leadership training
The program guides officers through 10 core activities of learning to build skill sets in these competency areas that are critical for success as a laboratory leader. LLS officers hone their leadership skills and create a culture of scientific excellence in laboratory science by emphasizing high standards in areas such as laboratory quality, safety, and service to protect the public's health, safety, and security.
LLS is closely aligned with CDC's Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) to promote interdisciplinary training, applied learning, and collaboration between laboratory scientists and epidemiologists. LLS provides opportunities for officers to serve public health agencies and learn through field experiences and emergency responses.
How LLS aligns with CDC's mission
CDC’s guiding principles for laboratory work are to ensure the safety of all staff and the community. CDC prioritizes transparency as we conduct high-quality scientific research to promote health and protect people in this country and around the world.
LLS was established as one of multiple efforts to promote laboratory safety and quality practices and procedures across CDC. Since its launch, the LLS program has expanded training beyond laboratory quality management and the science of biosafety to include program management, bioinformatics, advanced communications, and leadership.
Visit CDC's laboratory safety website to stay informed on laboratory safety efforts.
How LLS makes a difference
LLS training helps bridge applied laboratory science with public health practice, allowing officers to provide daily mission-critical technical expertise and service to federal, state, and local public health laboratories and support public health investigations. Learn more about how LLS impacts public health and the lives of its participants through Officers' Stories.
The Laboratory Leadership Service Fact Sheet provides a quick overview of the LLS program, what officers do, and why this program matters. It also gives a closer look at how LLS officers build testing and operational capabilities to ensure public health laboratories and the communities they serve are prepared for outbreaks and emerging threats.