Epidemiologist Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Master’s degree (MPH, MS, or MSN), doctorate degree (PhD, DSc, DNP, DrPH, ScD, or DMSc), or professional certification or licensure (RN, PA, or MD).
• At least 2 years of relevant experience in areas such as infection prevention and control, infectious disease epidemiology, public health epidemiology surveillance, data analysis, or microbiology.
• Knowledge of epidemiology, biostatistics, HAIs, infectious diseases, IPC strategies, HAI and AR surveillance, outbreak investigation principles, and relevant state and federal laws and regulations.
• Skills using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook; preparing written reports and technical documents; managing large databases; conducting epidemiologic investigations and outbreak response; coordinating projects and multi-agency initiatives; and providing technical assistance and consultation.
• Ability to lead investigations independently; coordinate partners; collect, analyze, and interpret data; translate findings into public health recommendations; assess IPC compliance; present statistical and technical information; communicate effectively; manage multiple projects; interpret laboratory findings, medical records, and Texas laws and rules; and prioritize demands during public health emergencies.
• If not CIC-certified, obtain associate Infection Prevention and Control (a-IPC) certification within 6 months of hire and CIC certification within 15 months of hire.
• Ability to travel up to 30% and deploy to Public Health Regions within Texas as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Certification in Infection Control (CIC) is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and conduct epidemiological surveillance projects, healthcare facility infection control assessments, and investigations involving HAI and AR.
• Investigate outbreaks and events that may involve infectious diseases, contaminated medical products or devices, IPC breaches, transplant- or transfusion-related infections, bloodborne pathogen exposures, or healthcare facility environments.
• Coordinate investigations with healthcare facilities, local and regional health departments, the CDC, and other stakeholders; coordinate epidemiological and laboratory resources.
• Review medical records and abstract relevant information; communicate investigation findings and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Provide epidemiological consultation to infection preventionists, public health epidemiologists, medical professionals, and other partners.
• Develop, review, and update HAI and AR investigation guidelines and resources, and assist other epidemiologists as needed.
• Mentor and train local and regional health department epidemiologists, infection preventionists, interns, fellows, and other HAI Epidemiologists.
• Support HAI/AR Investigations Group grants by writing work plans, recommending budgets, tracking activities, and reporting milestones and performance measures.
• Manage projects, prioritize tasks, and host or attend stakeholder meetings on IPC topics and HAI/AR investigations.
• Develop and deliver educational materials and training for healthcare facilities, public health departments, the general public, and other partners.
• Prepare and disseminate information, including health advisories, concerning IPC and HAI/AR reporting, prevention, and control.
• Prepare abstracts for manuscripts or presentations at professional organization meetings and conferences; respond to legislative requests and DSHS Press Office inquiries as requested.
• Recommend contracts, staffing needs, policies, and procedures to the Manager.
• Participate in disaster response or recovery and Continuity of Operations Plan activation when required; this may involve an alternate shift pattern or location.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).