Epidemiologist III

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

22d • $5,099 - $6,702 • Hybrid

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Environmental Epidemiology and Disease Registries Section (EEDRS) Medical Research Specialist, the Epidemiologist III performs advanced (senior-level) epidemiology work in sickle cell disease data collection, management, and research. The Epidemiologist III coordinates data collection efforts for the Texas Sickle Cell Data Collection Program, including maintaining a data repository, designing and implementing a sickle cell disease data linkage process, and preparing IRB-approved data requests. Establishes and maintains up-to-date documents of legal authority for sickle cell data collection. Provides overall direction to the scientific validity of sickle cell related epidemiology reports, presentations, and publications. Coordinates the sickle cell data collection multi-disciplinary team (SCDC MDT) and stakeholder site visits. Fosters collaboration with other governmental agencies, public health professionals, researchers, and community organizations, as well as identifies and collaborates with health policy partners. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This position is suitable for up to three days of telecommuting per week, where appropriate/feasible.

Requirements

• Master’s degree with major coursework in public health, epidemiology, chronic disease, biostatistics, or a related field.
• Experience in public health research, surveillance, and knowledge translation (e.g., manuscripts, oral presentations).
• Experience in complex data linkages and stakeholder engagement preferred.
• Knowledge of principles and methods of epidemiology and related biostatistics necessary for public health surveillance, investigations, and research.
• Knowledge of principles and methods of public health surveillance.
• Knowledge of electronic data processing methods, including database management.
• Knowledge of IRB processes.
• Knowledge of sickle cell disease and trait across the life-course.
• Skill in epidemiology research and methodology.
• Skill in the analysis of large datasets, including complex data linkages.
• Skill in the use of epidemiology/statistical software packages (e.g., SAS, JoinPoint Regression Program, MatchPro).
• Skill in the presentation and publication of research or other surveillance findings.
• Skill in stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to lead program activities, establish goals and objectives, and devise solutions to problems.
• Ability to clearly and concisely express ideas and information, and to effectively communicate—in writing, speech, and nonverbally—to a broad variety of audiences.
• Ability to independently analyze complex issues, draw conclusions, and initiate appropriate action.
• Ability to establish effective professional contacts and interactions with others.
• Ability to balance multiple, competing program demands.
• Ability to interpret and abide by programmatic and departmental policies and procedures.
• Ability to exercise good judgment in analyzing situations and in making decisions.
• Ability to work independently and within a team structure.

Nice To Haves

• Experience and education may be substituted for one another.

Responsibilities

• Establishes and maintains up-to-date documents of legal authority for sickle cell data collection. Writes and maintains agency Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and data use agreements (DUAs) with internal programs and external collaborators to obtain, link, and deduplicate individual-level data from various sources (e.g., newborn screening, Medicaid claims, hospital or emergency discharge records); ensures IRBs/DUAs allow the sharing of aggregate-level data with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other external partners. Coordinates contracts and DUAs with external collaborators (e.g., academic institutions and specialty clinics) for data sharing.
• Coordinates data collection efforts for the Texas Sickle Cell Data Collection Program, including maintaining a data repository, designing and implementing a sickle cell disease data linkage process, and preparing IRB-approved data requests. Prepares aggregate data reports for CDC submittal and maintains an up-to-date data dictionary. Consults with CDC and other stakeholders on data processes (e.g., collection, management, analysis) and modernization strategies.
• Provides overall direction to the scientific validity of sickle cell related epidemiology reports, presentations, and publications. Works with the Medical Research Specialist on data analysis and interpretation. Analyzes and interprets sickle cell disease surveillance data using scientifically valid methods, appropriate databases, and advanced statistical software (e.g., SAS, MatchPro, JoinPoint Regression Program). Works with other CDC sickle cell disease grant recipients to contribute data to and publish at least one peer-reviewed sickle cell disease manuscript per year.
• Coordinates the sickle cell data collection multi-disciplinary team (SCDC MDT). This includes identifying team members; organizing quarterly meetings and stakeholder site visits; establishing and maintaining collaborations; noting gaps in expertise represented by team members and developing plans to address gaps in coming years; evaluating SCDC MDT communications; preparing annual reports of results; and developing meeting agenda, notes, and evaluation reports.
• Develops and implements a communication and dissemination plan for sickle cell disease data collection. Develops a sickle cell disease data collection website and dashboard to present aggregate results, as well as multi-modal companion materials for diverse audiences from data analysis products.
• Identifies and collaborates with health policy partners to design and implement at least one activity to inform health policy. Fosters collaboration with other governmental agencies, public health professionals, researchers, and community organizations through joint projects.
• Works with the Texas Sickle Cell Data Collection Program core team in the design, development, and continuous improvement of a state sickle cell data collection system. Actively participates and contributes to sickle cell disease grant required workgroups (e.g., CDC Sickle Cell Data Collection Program Data Visualization & Standardization Workgroup). Reports data collection activities to the SCDC MDT to obtain, evaluate, and incorporate feedback.
• Performs other duties as assigned and could include, but is not limited to, actively participating and/or serving 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: Senior