Epidemiologist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

9d • $4,523 - $6,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Under the supervision of the epidemiology and surveillance branch manager, the epidemiologist II performs advanced research and epidemiological work, requiring specialized knowledge of tuberculosis (TB) epidemiology and surveillance. Ensures completeness, accuracy and timelines of contact data reports in the state’s electronic TB surveillance system. Assists in the planning, developing, coordinating and conducting epidemiological and surveillance projects and investigations. Designs, develops and implements TB data collection elements and reports in the TB reporting database. Conducts data analysis for quality assurance and database integration of comorbid events and processes data requests. Presents results and findings of analyses to diverse audiences, including local and regional stakeholders. Develops reports, manuscripts, and other documents and ensure their statistical accuracy and the accuracy of data interpretation. Ensures the statistical validity and epidemiologic applicability of activities. Performs other duties as assigned. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

• Master's Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in epidemiology, public health or closely related field.
• At least one year's work experience in epidemiologic data analysis and reporting.
• Must have experience using SAS statistical software.
• Current and valid Texas driver's license
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
• Must be willing to travel at least 20% of the time.
• Must be willing to work outside the normal work schedule if needed.

Nice To Haves

• A Master's degree in epidemiology is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates with local health departments (LHDs) and public health regions (PHRs) to ensure accurate reporting and management of contact investigation data.
• Incorporates data from relevant data systems to improve data completeness and quality.
• Works with staff on data collection issues and provides solutions to enhancing data collection.
• Provides routine feedback and reports to LHDs and PHRs on data entry of contact investigation in the state’s electronic TB surveillance system, as needed.
• Checks data for accuracy prior to transfer of data from the DSHS TB reporting database to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); informs product owners of changes in reporting requirements and ensures continued export functionality; and ensures CDC reporting requirements are met according to established deadlines.
• Assists in preparing contact investigation data and training field staff in contact investigation data entry in the state’s electronic TB surveillance system; incorporates data from other data sources; ensures data quality by data cleaning and standardization prior to file creation.
• Uses appropriate epidemiologic and statistical methods in data analysis such as SAS, SAS VIYA, graphics, mapping, and spreadsheets.
• Creates, edits, and tests de-normalized tables to run reports and workflows in the state’s electronic TB surveillance system; creates and edits data dictionaries as needed.
• Provides support to the Assessment, Compliance and Evaluation team for cohort review analyses and performance indicators.
• Designs TB research investigations, surveillance and assessment based on standard scientific methods, programmatic needs or new/innovative approaches.
• Provides technical assistance to TB program areas regarding epidemiological methods, research/surveillance design, and program evaluation assessment of public health practices.
• Conducts migration and analysis of collected data.
• Applies appropriate advanced statistical and/or analytical procedures for the purpose of analysis.
• Current projects focus on TB behavioral risk factors, testing, treatment and transmission, medical care and clinical outcomes.
• Provides TB data to policy makers, public health practitioners, researchers, internal and external partners and the general public.
• Writes and prepares scientific reports and manuscripts from findings of research investigations.
• Presents results and findings of studies to appropriate audiences.
• Reviews reports, manuscripts, and other documents for accuracy in content, statistics and interpretation of data.
• Assists with other surveillance projects and epidemiologic and statistical analyses as needed.
• Serves as backup for group epidemiologists as needed.
• Participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Benefits

• Insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level