Chief Epidemiologist

City of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

20h

About The Position

This senior leadership position will be responsible for acquiring and analyzing health data, communicating results of those analyses, and developing strategic data use and analysis strategies. The successful candidate will have strong epidemiological expertise and strength in data analysis and interpretation. The Chief Epidemiologist must be a strong communicator, comfortable directing staff, making community presentations, and working with diverse academic and research partners. This position requires occasional evening or weekend work.

Requirements

• Advanced skills in use of various data analysis software tools (R proficiency preferred; experience with SAS, SQL, or GIS is a plus) and analyzing various types of public health data.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, including presentation skills making the results of complex public health analyses easily understandable by non-expert audiences
• Ability to supervise others and manage projects that require contributions from others.
• Ability to mentor less experienced staff in epidemiological analyses and presentation of results.
• Ability to successfully collaborate with others within and outside the Department of Public Health on epidemiological projects.
• A commitment to high professional ethical standards.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate Institutional Review Board (IRB) review processes, including preparing and submitting protocols, ensuring compliance with ethical standards, and maintaining accurate documentation throughout the research lifecycle.
• Completion of a doctoral degree (PhD, DrPH, or equivalent) from an accredited institution(s) of higher education in public health, Epidemiology, or Biostatistics.
• A Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in epidemiology or Biostatistics
• At least five years’ experience working in epidemiology
• At least two years’ experience working in federal, state, tribal, or local health departments

Nice To Haves

• Five to ten years’ of progressive management experience may be considered in lieu of a doctoral degree

Responsibilities

• Acquire new public health data sets that can inform public health strategy for the agency.
• Lead epidemiologic analyses of data sets on a wide range of health topics, either directly or through subordinate staff or through cross-divisional collaboration.
• Lead the writing of reports summarizing analyses for various audiences, including medical and public health professionals, policymakers, the press, and the public.
• Provides population data and information to departmental programs to determine primary determinants of illness, injury, and premature death in Philadelphia communities.
• Work with epidemiologists across the department to promote cross-divisional collaboration and strengthen capacity
• Identify and promote staff development and training opportunities for epidemiologists across the agency.
• Represent the Health Commissioner and/or Philadelphia Department of Public Health to diverse internal and external constituencies with a high degree of professionalism.
• Oversees preparation, and communication of public health reports, briefs, policy papers, etc.
• Examine data sources that can offer information relevant to the Department’s planning, programming, and policies.
• Develop and expand PDPH’s organizational capacity for evaluation of its public health programs, policies, and interventions.
• Support and extend partnerships to accelerate the exchange and use of data across the public health ecosystem.
• Lead various data-related departmental committees and provide guidance on topics including epidemiological methods, data quality, data security, data sharing, and related topics.
• Organize, facilitate, and participate in meetings of stakeholder groups to identify needs and build consensus and collaboration.
• Manage a staff of 2-5 direct reports
• Oversee the effective management and stewardship of contracts and data-sharing agreements.
• Develop, manage and report on a budget.
• Seek grants and other partnerships and manage ongoing grants
• Participate in other Department projects and initiatives as requested/ needed.

Benefits

• City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees