Starting Fall 2026, the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health is partnering with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LAC DPH) Food & Water Safety Unit to launch the UCLA Student Epi Corps, a paid opportunity for MPH students to gain hands-on experience in infectious disease surveillance and outbreak response. Ten students will work alongside LAC DPH epidemiologists on investigations of foodborne, enteric, and waterborne diseases, including Salmonella, Shigella, norovirus, STEC, Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Campylobacter, and other reportable infections. Students will conduct case investigation interviews, complete case reporting forms, collect and manage surveillance data, and support broader outbreak investigation and control activities.
Student Epi Corps members will work 10 paid hours per week during the academic year. The position involves direct communication with Los Angeles County residents affected by reportable illnesses, so applicants should be comfortable speaking by phone with people from diverse backgrounds and demonstrate a professional, courteous approach to sensitive health information. English proficiency is required, and proficiency in additional languages is highly valued. Students will receive training in LAC DPH procedures and REDCap and must complete all required trainings, comply with HIPAA and confidentiality requirements, provide their own computer, and complete a Live Scan background check. Some initial training and technology setup will take place at LAC DPH headquarters in downtown Los Angeles, with remote work available after onboarding.
Interested in joining the Student Epi Corps? Email your resume to globalhealth@ph.ucla.edu with the subject line “UCLA Student Epi Corps.” Selected applicants will be invited to interview with LAC DPH staff. UCLA’s Center for Global Health Security (CGHS) oversees internship administration, including student employment and academic coordination, while LAC DPH Food & Water Safety Unit staff supervise students’ day-to-day epidemiologic work and provide performance feedback.