At a glance
- The Laboratory Leadership Service (LLS) Class of 2027 application period is June 22–August 2, 2026.
- The fellowship selection process is highly competitive.
Eligibility and application overview
LLS officers are chosen from highly qualified, eligible applicants who are drawn to public health service and interested in applying laboratory methods to address a wide range of contemporary public health problems. As part of the application process, selected candidates participate in interviews to match with selected host sites, which include CDC and state, territorial, or local public health laboratories.
To apply for LLS, you must:
- Be willing to commit to a 2-year, full-time program that begins in July with a month-long training in Atlanta, Georgia.
- Be willing to relocate to your assignment. Assignments may be at a CDC headquarters laboratory in Atlanta; another CDC laboratory throughout the country; or a state, local, or territorial public health laboratory.
- Meet the specified eligibility requirements.
The LLS application process is competitive. Successful applications include:
- A compelling explanation of the applicant's interest in a public health career
- Professional experience communicating technical laboratory skill, initiative, and leadership potential
- Volunteer experience that demonstrates a service-oriented mindset
- Personal statement responses that explain how LLS will help the applicant reach their goals
Contact the LLS program if you have any questions regarding eligibility or the application process.
Key dates
June 22, 2026
August 2, 2026
LLS program interviews selected candidates virtually.
Host laboratories conduct match interviews with selected LLS candidates.
LLS program notifies selected candidates of match status and acceptance to the Class of 2027.
Two-year fellowship begins. New LLS officers start one-month orientation and summer training course in Atlanta.