Special Pathogens Lead, Bureau of Communicable Diseases

City of New York • Long Island City, NY

4d • $96 - $102

About The Position

The Bureau of Communicable Disease(BCD), part of the Division of Disease Control, is responsible for the surveillance, prevention, and control of over 70 infectious diseases including foodborne, enteric, waterborne, respiratory (including COVID-19),zoonotic and vector borne diseases. Position Summary: Reporting to BCD’s Medical Director, the Special Pathogens Lead will serve as a medical epidemiologist and subject matter expert for biological threat preparedness, infectious disease exposures in laboratory settings, and rare or emerging infectious disease investigations. The Special Pathogens Lead will provide scientific and operational leadership in collaboration with the Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response, the Public Health Laboratory , and other local, state, and federal partners.

Requirements

• Possession of a valid license to practice medicine in the State of New York; and either: a) Valid Board Certification issued by the appropriate American Specialty Board in any specialty area required by the agency; or b) Current approved application on file for admission to the certifying examination given by the appropriate American Specialty Board in any specialty area required by the agency.
• To be assigned to Assignment Level II, individuals must have, in addition to meeting the minimum qualification requirements for Assignment Level I described above, one year of satisfactory experience practicing in the specialty area.
• To be assigned to Assignment Level III, individuals must possess: a) A valid license to practice medicine in the State of New York; and b) A Master's degree in Public Health, or equivalent Master's degree, including or supplemented by graduate credits in epidemiology and biostatistics. Completion of Epidemic Intelligence Service program of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention may be used to substitute for this Master's degree; and c) At least two years of satisfactory experience after receipt of the Master's degree, or equivalent, in the practice of epidemiology. Specialty Board Certification or eligibility may be substituted for one year of this experience.
• To be assigned to Assignment Level IV, individuals must possess: a) A valid license to practice medicine in the State of New York; and b) Completion of an approved residency program in an accredited hospital, including three years of experience, in either internal medicine, or family practice, or pediatrics, or another related specialty area required by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene; and c) Valid board certification or board eligibility issued by the appropriate American Subspecialty Board in Infectious Disease, Pulmonary Medicine, or a related subspecialty; and d) Completion of an approved fellowship program in an accredited hospital, including two years of experience, in either infectious diseases, or pulmonary medicine, or another related subspecialty required by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Nice To Haves

• Excellent written/verbal communication skills with the ability to interpret complex data and convey concepts in a clear and concise way.
• Public health experience and training, with a specific focus on intra-and inter-agency collaboration and strategy.
• Epidemic Intelligence Service completion or equivalent.
• Experience understanding and evaluating rare infectious diseases.
• Ability to quickly review scientific publications synthesize summary information for others.

Responsibilities

• Provide subject matter expertise and surveillance support for infections classified as agents of bioterrorism including, but not limited to: Bacillus anthracis, Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis, Yersinia pestis, other Category A and human Tier 1 biological select agents.
• Collaborate with the Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response on Biological Threat Agent Preparedness and operational response.
• Serve as subject matter expert for viral hemorrhagic fevers and other emerging pathogens with close collaboration across the Health Department and other city, state, and federal partners to ensure transport, safety and treatment protocols are in place.
• Manage and update protocols and reporting forms to ensure they accurately reflect and incorporate scientific and public health standards.
• Support investigation and follow up of infectious disease laboratory exposures when needed.
• Participate in BCD's Doctor of the Week program and the Departments' On-call program to support identification of and response to diseases of public health significance.
• Participate in outbreak response.

Benefits

• Benefits: City employees are entitled to unmatched benefits such as: o a premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment. o additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position’s associated union/benefit fund. o a public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement. o a tax-deferred savings program and o a robust Worksite Wellness Program that offers resources and opportunities to keep you healthy while serving New Yorkers.
• Work From Home Policy: Depending on your position, you may be able to work up to two days during the week from home.
• Job Security - you could enjoy more job security compared to private sector employment and be able to contribute to making NYC a healthy place to live and work.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees