Epidemiologist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

1d

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

• Knowledge of major functions of public health
• Knowledge of infectious disease surveillance
• Knowledge of the principles and methods of epidemiology
• Knowledge of statistical concepts, research methods, and their applications to public health surveillance and research
• Knowledge of sampling, survey methods and weighing
• Knowledge of the health status, socioeconomic and demographic measures used in public health.
• Knowledge of population, socioeconomic and health outcomes data sources
• Knowledge of programming logic
• Knowledge of security and confidentiality as it relates to surveillance
• Skill in using Microsoft Office products especially Excel and PowerPoint
• Skill in using graphics presentation software
• Skill in using statistical software such as SAS and in writing syntax to perform analyses
• Skill in data management and analysis
• Skill in both verbal and written communications
• Skill in graphical presentation of data including charts, tables, and maps
• Skill in working with sensitive personal health information
• Ability to manage and query complex databases
• Ability to plan, conduct and report on epidemiological investigations
• Ability to use population data for public health planning and evaluation
• Ability to conduct research projects
• Ability to organize and prioritize work and meet deadlines
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and show initiative
• Ability to communicate effectively with data users, coworkers and stakeholders
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships
• 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

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.
• Checks data for accuracy prior to transfer of data from the DSHS TB reporting database to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Assists in preparing contact investigation data and training field staff in contact investigation data entry in the state’s electronic TB surveillance system
• Creates, edits, and tests de-normalized tables to run reports and workflows in the state’s electronic TB surveillance system
• Designs TB research investigations, surveillance and assessment based on standard scientific methods, programmatic needs or new/innovative approaches.
• Conducts migration and analysis of collected data.
• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• DSHS offers 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
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees