Vector-borne Disease Epidemiologist, Bureau of Communicable Diseases

City of New York • New York, NY

58d • $74,536 - $74,536 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Division of Disease Control’s mission is to safeguard the health of New Yorkers through identification, surveillance, treatment, control, and prevention of infectious diseases. 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. This position is in the Zoonotic and Vector-Borne Disease Unit (ZVDU) within the Bureau of Communicable Disease (BCD). ZVDU is responsible for overseeing the surveillance for reportable, new, high profile, and emerging vector-borne diseases that are reportable in New York City. Vectorborne diseases include, but are not limited to Lyme disease, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, alpha-gal syndrome and certain high-profile diseases such as legionellosis and cyclosporiasis. ZVDU is recruiting an experienced epidemiologist and data analyst to work under the Research Scientist to perform and enhance Lyme disease surveillance as well as contribute to similar efforts for other vectorborne diseases. The person will have experience in epidemiology, data management, and analysis, outreach and education for the public and human and animal health providers, as well as participate in a wide range of activities, with an emphasis on vectorborne diseases, and direct oversight of Lyme disease surveillance. They will be a collaborative partner working closely with the Division of Environmental Health, the Public Health Laboratory, and local, state, and federal partners.

Requirements

• A master's degree from an accredited college or university with a specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological or environmental science or in public health.
• A doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and one year of full-time experience in a responsible supervisory, administrative or research capacity in the appropriate field of specialization; or
• A master's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and three years of responsible full-time research experience in the appropriate field of specialization; or
• Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least a master's degree in an appropriate field of specialization and at least two years of experience described in "2" above.
• Two years as a City Research Scientist Level I can be substituted for the experience required in "1" and "2" above.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with disease surveillance, infectious diseases, and database management
• Ability to work independently and in teams to collect and analyze data, including leading outbreak and cluster investigations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interpret data and convey concepts clearly and concisely
• Proficiency with SAS (programming and analysis) or other analytic software, Adobe Acrobat, and MS Office software; ability to learn new data systems quickly, document in the data systems, and comply with data integrity and security to safeguard all personal identifiable information
• Flexibility and adaptability are key attributes for this position; candidates should be highly organized with the ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects

Responsibilities

• Assist the Research Scientist II in the development and enhancement of surveillance practices, updating (and developing when needed) disease case investigation protocols and standardized investigation case forms used for tick-borne diseases,
• Conduct case investigations and other activities required for routine surveillance of Lyme disease,
• Participate in the collection, management and analysis of quality data for research and surveillance purposes,
• Conduct quality assurance of data,
• Maintain, summarize and report on tick-borne disease data from the BCD surveillance system
• Conduct literature reviews of recent and relevant research as it relates to our understanding our diseases of interest,
• Work collaboratively with colleagues in Environmental Health and other agencies and organizations,
• Participate in ZVDU fieldwork which may include tick dragging as well as other fieldwork opportunities,
• Participate in large BCD outbreak investigations as needed,
• Supervise seasonal college interns,
• Conduct outreach to the medical and veterinary communities,
• Participate in agency-wide response activations as needed

Benefits

• Loan Forgiveness
• premium-free health insurance plan
• additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position’s associated union/benefit fund.
• a public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.
• a tax-deferred savings program
• a robust Worksite Wellness Program that offers resources and opportunities to keep you healthy while serving New Yorkers.

What This Job Offers

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