About The Laboratory Leadership Service (LLS)

At a glance

  • The Laboratory Leadership Service (LLS) program is a service-learning fellowship that helps fellows hone their laboratory expertise and skills.
  • LLS promotes interdisciplinary training and applied learning.
  • Interested applicants should learn about the program and apply.

What the LLS program is

CDC’s Laboratory Leadership Service (LLS) was launched 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, and leadership training. The program guides fellows through 10 core activities of learning (CALs) to help build skill sets in these competency areas deemed critical for success as a laboratory leader. LLS fellows 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 fellows to serve public health agencies and learn through field experiences and domestic or international emergency responses.

Tara Henning
Meet Tara Henning, PhD, who heads CDC's Laboratory Leadership Service (LLS) and passionately mentors the laboratory disease detectives. In the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL)'s Fall 2020 edition of Lab Matters, Tara talks about the innovative leadership and experiential training opportunities LLS provides lab scientists, like supporting the COVID-19 emergency response and teaming up with disease detectives in the Epidemic Intelligence Service.

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 lab safety and quality practices and procedures across the agency. A goal of establishing LLS was to strengthen the culture of laboratory quality and safety at CDC. Since its launch, the LLS program has expanded training beyond laboratory quality management and the science of biosafety to also 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 fellows to provide daily mission-critical technical expertise and service to federal, state, and local public health laboratories and support public health investigations.

Reach Out

Please contact us with any further questions about the LLS program.

Opportunities & Updates