BRFSS and IYS Epidemiologist

State of Iowa • Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA

15d

About The Position

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services is seeking an epidemiologist to support the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) and Iowa Youth Survey (IYS) as a member of the Performance and Operations team. The position works with the BRFSS and IYS Program Coordinator to support administration of both surveys and performs lead work collecting, compiling, analyzing, and reporting epidemiological data.

The epidemiologist creates and maintains annual raw datasets; analyzes survey performance and calculates statistical and epidemiological measures; estimates risk factors and health behaviors across demographic groups; and applies advanced statistical methods, including weighting and adjustment schemas. The role also evaluates dataset strengths and weaknesses, supports data quality and integrity, advises researchers and HHS programs on appropriate data use, and communicates findings to lay and professional audiences. The position assists with planning and developing the annual BRFSS questionnaire and sampling techniques. All work performed on behalf of Iowa Health and Human Services must occur in the State of Iowa.

Requirements

• Proficiency using SAS, SPSS, or other statistical software systems and performing epidemiological surveillance.
• Meet the Epidemiology selective requirement: six months of experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination in epidemiology involving disease surveillance; development of data collection and analysis protocols; ongoing analysis using databases and statistical programs; and development and dissemination of written reports, graphs, tables, or similar materials.
• Meet the Quantitative Social Science Research selective requirement: six months of experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination in quantitative social science research in sociology, psychology, economics, government, public administration, or criminal justice, including developing research methodologies and data collection methods, using statistical software such as SPSS and SAS, calculating and analyzing statistical data and drawing conclusions, and compiling statistical data and writing books and reports.
• Meet at least one minimum qualification pathway: (1) graduate degree in public health from an accredited college or university and at least two courses related to the principles and practice of epidemiology; or (2) non-public health graduate degree from an accredited college or university with at least two courses related to epidemiology principles and practice, plus three years of applied epidemiology experience in an infectious, noninfectious, or chronic disease; environmental poisoning or condition; injury prevention; or substance misuse epidemiology program.
• Applicants qualifying through a graduate-degree pathway must attach an unofficial transcript for verification.
• Complete a background check to be considered.
• Perform all work on behalf of Iowa Health and Human Services within the State of Iowa.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain annual BRFSS and IYS raw datasets.
• Analyze BRFSS and IYS data, including calculating statistical and epidemiological measures describing health and human services problems.
• Calculate estimates of risk factors and health behaviors by demographic factors.
• Use statistical software such as SAS.
• Apply advanced statistical methods, including weighting and adjustment schemas.
• Evaluate dataset strengths and weaknesses and perform tasks to assure survey data quality and integrity.
• Ensure appropriate use of survey data and advise researchers and HHS programs on appropriate use.
• Communicate statistical and epidemiological information to lay and professional audiences through a variety of modes.
• Assist the BRFSS and IYS Coordinator with planning and developing the annual BRFSS questionnaire and sampling techniques.
• Work with the BRFSS and IYS Program Coordinator to support administration of BRFSS and IYS.
• Collect, compile, analyze, and report epidemiological data.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Retirement plans including IPERS and the Retirement Investors Club employer-sponsored plan.
• Flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Life insurance and free long-term disability insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Employee discount programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time