Research Scientist I

Health Research, Inc. • Buffalo, NY

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Research Scientist I will perform a broad range of communicable disease activities related to public health preparedness and response in the Western Regional Office (WRO) including: conducting vector borne disease surveillance, case and outbreak investigations; conducting scientific studies; providing technical assistance and training; serving as a liaison/resource with local health departments, regional office and Central Office partners; and contributing to scientific literature through epidemiologic activities. Communicable disease surveillance and outbreak investigation activities including problem definition, methodology, execution, and the analysis and interpretation of results of projects related to epidemiologic and communicable disease activities. The incumbent will: Utilize a broad array of scientific techniques in collecting experimental data including an evaluation of the validity and possible significance of the findings. Contribute to the development of investigative outbreak tools such as interview questionnaires. Prepare materials, methods, and results sections for manuscripts. Identify and respond to urgent communicable disease outbreak and public health emergency issues, and will provide technical assistance to and support the efforts of LHDs and regional offices. The Bureau of Communicable Disease Control (BCDC) performs a critical aspect of public health preparedness planning and response by assuring a trained epidemiologic workforce, in the central and regional offices, ready to be rapidly deployed in the event of a public health disease emergency, whether naturally occurring, accidental or intentional.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Environmental Education, Public Health, Epidemiology or related field and two years of research experience; OR a Master’s degree in a related field and one year of research experience.
• Reside within a reasonable commuting distance of the official work location specified in the job posting and must also be located in or willing to relocate to one of the following states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Vermont, or Massachusetts, prior to hire.

Nice To Haves

• Experience collecting and identifying arthropod specimens
• Experience preparing and processing specimens for molecular analysis; proficiency in laboratory techniques such as nucleic acid extraction, real-time and conventional PCR, nucleic acid quantification, and sterile technique
• Experience with conducting communicable disease surveillance and investigations
• Experience using various software packages, including Microsoft Office Word, Excel and Access

Responsibilities

• Conducting vector borne disease surveillance, case and outbreak investigations
• Conducting scientific studies
• Providing technical assistance and training
• Serving as a liaison/resource with local health departments, regional office and Central Office partners
• Contributing to scientific literature through epidemiologic activities
• Utilize a broad array of scientific techniques in collecting experimental data including an evaluation of the validity and possible significance of the findings
• Contribute to the development of investigative outbreak tools such as interview questionnaires
• Prepare materials, methods, and results sections for manuscripts
• Identify and respond to urgent communicable disease outbreak and public health emergency issues, and will provide technical assistance to and support the efforts of LHDs and regional offices

Benefits

• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Flexible benefit accounts - Medical, dependent care, adoption assistance, parking and transit
• Generous paid time off - Paid federal and state holidays, paid sick, vacation and personal leave
• Tuition support - Assistance is available for individuals pursuing educational or training opportunities
• Retirement Benefits - HRI is a participating employer in the New York State and Local Retirement System and offers optional enrollment in the New York State Deferred Compensation Plan.
• HRI provides a postretirement Health Benefits Plan for qualified retirees to use towards health insurance premiums and eligible medical expenses
• Employee Assistance Program - Provides educational and wellness programs, training, and 24/7 confidential services to assist employees, both personally and professionally

What This Job Offers

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