Author Archives: Alex Whicker

Summer Opportunity, GenTech

GenTech is looking to fill vacant Data Analyst position(s) from May – July 29, 2022 with the Birth Defects Monitoring Research Branch (BDMRB) at CDC. 

Specific projects:

      • create historic overview of BDMRB branch multiple project databases.
      • landscape analysis of public access databases at different CDC CIOs.
      • assess feasibility of public access data for BDMRB projects.

Skills:

      • Self-motivated
      • Team player
      • Excellent communication skills
      • Experience working in data management or public health
      • Masters in public health, computer science or comparable experience

Contract:

2.2.1    Review, clean, analyze the state birth defects and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) surveillance data.

2.2.2    Prepare and maintain human subjects, Institution Review Board (IRB), assurance of confidentiality and other human subjects protection documentation.

2.2.3    Work with Information Technology staff to establish, document, and facilitate data reporting mechanisms.

2.2.4    Establish a database variable structure for housing multi-state data submissions to CDC.

2.2.5    Develop and execute data quality control protocols to identify data issues.

2.2.6    Communicate with state birth defects surveillance systems to resolve data issues.

2.2.7    Prepare documentation of the multi-state birth defects and NAS surveillance databases including data dictionaries, file formats, and data cleaning procedures.

2.2.8    Identify program improvement opportunities and recommendations to increase the timeliness and accuracy of data.

2.2.9    Perform statistical analyses of data, e.g. prevalence ratios, trend analyses.

2.2.10  Generate files, reports and data tables, as needed.

2.2.11  Prepare written and oral reports of program improvement recommendations and analytic findings.

 

Interested candidates should contact Taylor Hunter, thunter [at] gentechassociates [dot] com.
 

Art Installation for Class of 2022

Second-year EPI and GLEPI students,

We are so looking forward to celebrating all that you have accomplished during your time at RSPH! Your cohort is particularly unique in that you are the first to have completed your MPH or MSPH entirely under pandemic conditions, and we are incredibly proud of your perseverance and dedication to the betterment of public health. 

One way that we would like to celebrate and commemorate your achievements is to create a permanent presence for you in our department, just as we did for the classes of 2020 and 2021. To this end, we are extending the opportunity for you to submit entries for an art installation to be hung in our department to commemorate EPI’s Class of 2022.

Submissions should be sent to sphepidept [at] emory [dot] edu by Tuesday, May 3. If you have a physical piece of artwork (e.g., something on paper or canvas), please let us know and we can arrange for you to drop it off. The selected artwork will be announced ahead of the RSPH Candidate Recognition Ceremony. 

While we know that this is a busy time, we hope that the opportunity to tap into your artistic side will be a welcome stress relieving activity for those who choose to create a submission. 


IQVIA Virtual Information Session, April 12

Category : News/Events

Are you ready to help create a healthier world?
Attend this session to:
• Network with a Senior Recruiter and gain insight into career opportunities (full-time, part-time, and internships) at IQVIA.
• Hear about the different career paths with the company.
• Learn about their interviewing process and qualities they look for in candidates.

The session will take place on Tuesday, April 12th at 12 PM. Register on RSPH Career Connect.


CDC Virtual Information Session, April 6

Category : News/Events

During this event, you will learn about careers with the CDC Division of Healthcare Quality and Promotion, Clinical Environmental Microbiology Branch, Office of Laboratory Strategies and Analytics. They will also share information regarding their recruiting process, desired skills, work examples, and interviewing.

This event will take place Wednesday, April 6th at 12 PM. Register on RSPH Career Connect.


Applied Epidemiology and Surveillance Fellowship, CDC

Category : Alumni

Application Deadline: 5/23/2022 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
 
Description

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

CDC Office and Location: Two fellowship opportunities are currently available with the Influenza Division (ID) Epidemiology and Prevention Branch of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) located in Atlanta, Georgia.

ID provides the scientific and programmatic foundation and leadership for the diagnosis, prevention, and control of influenza domestically and internationally.

Research Project: The Applied Research and Modeling (ARM) Team, Epidemiology and Prevention Branch, Influenza Division, at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is seeking a motivated masters level graduate with a background in epidemiology, biostatistics, or data science. This position will offer a unique opportunity to train with a multi-disciplinary team focusing on innovative ways to gather, analyze, and disseminate public health information.

The Influenza Division provides the scientific and programmatic foundation and leadership for the diagnosis, prevention, and control of influenza domestically and internationally. The ARM team supports surveillance and research platforms that supplement our understanding of influenza disease burden and community transmission through data collection, analysis, and mathematical modeling. The Team is particularly interested in exploring the potential utility of new and under-used data sources that could allow for better or timelier understanding of the epidemiology and burden of influenza.

The selected fellow would train with mentors on the team in applied epidemiology and be involved in projects including: assisting with management and analysis of hospital-based influenza surveillance, special studies on the household transmission of influenza and other respiratory viruses, or helping coordinate mathematical modeling studies in support of the public health response to influenza.

Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor, the fellow will have the following training opportunities:

  • Learn to manage and analyze hospital-based influenza surveillance
  • Learn to coordinate mathematical modeling studies in support of the public health response to influenza
  • Learn to work with surveillance and research platforms that supplement understanding of influenza disease burden and community transmission
  • Learn to work with new and under-used data sources that allow for timelier understanding of the epidemiology and burden of influenza

Mentor(s)The mentor for this opportunity is Carrie Reed (ggj2 [at] cdc [dot] gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: June 2022. Start date is flexible.

Appointment LengthThe appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of CDC and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of ParticipationThe appointment is full-time.

Participant StipendThe participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.

Citizenship RequirementsThis opportunity is available to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.

Click here to apply!


Webinar: Support through Separation: Coping with the Physical and Emotional Separation for the Birthing Person and Baby During Incarceration, April 19th

Category : News/Events

Please join Emory’s MCH Center of Excellence for a webinar, “Support through Separation: Coping with the Physical and Emotional Separation for the Birthing Person and Baby During Incarceration” on Tuesday, April 19 at 12 noon EST.  Please see attached flyer, and registration link here.

Featured speakers include Lanetta Garner, a Peer Support Specialist, discussing her experiences working at Human Solutions Women’s Shelters, and Alicia Roach, an experienced doula from Oregon. Jessica Katz (The Family Preservation Project), Lesley Mondeaux (Northwest Mothers Milk Bank), and Carrie Cohen (Portland State University) will share their work in supporting families and children of incarcerated mothers.

The Cross-Center Collaboration on the Health of Justice-Involved Women and Children (JIWC) sponsors this third webinar in a four-part webinar series focused on “Support through Separation: Coping with Physical and Emotional Separation.” This series aims to provide a trauma-informed, welcoming, inclusive, and healing experience, especially for those with lived experience. Find recordings of the first two webinars, “Support through Separation…for the Birthing Person” here and “Support through Separation…for Families Impacted by Maternal Incarceration” here.

We hope you can join us!  Please direct any questions about this webinar or series to MCH [at] emory [dot] edu


Senior Biostatistician, Cytel Inc

Category : Alumni

Cytel provides unrivalled biostatistics and operations research to improve drug development success rates, crucial for human welfare. Focused on using innovative applications of statistical science and adaptive clinical trial design, Cytel is at the cutting edge of technology and human ingenuity, driving healthcare forward.

We are hiring a remote Principal/Senior Biostatistician to work directly with a pharma company’s internal team leading project efforts and providing statistics knowledge. This position reports to the Associate Director of Biostatistics in FSP Services business unit in Cytel.

Your Impact

The (Principal/) Senior Biostatistician position is part of the Research and Development team to develop and provide scientifically sound analyses that answer questions to support product development.  The level of this position will be determined based on the amount of the candidate’s industry experience and statistical knowledge.

Essential Requirements

  • MS or PhD in Statistics, Mathematics, or related field with 3+ years’ experience
  • Excellent writing, communication, and project management skills.
  • Proficient SAS programming skills, solid understanding of CDISC SDTM and ADAM models and standards.
  • Support clinical development biostatistics with core deliverables (SAP, CSR TLFs, etc.) and exploratory analyses necessary for submissions and regulatory queries.
  • Experience in Neuroscience, Oncology, Early Phase, or Medical Affairs.
  • Experience with sample size estimation (e.g., in SAS, R, N-Query, or simulation).
  • Specification reviews, Reviewer’s Guide contribution/review.
  • An additional qualification of Principal Biostatistician:  the Principal Biostatistician will bring additional experience (5+ years) and is expected to mentor/manage less experienced staff.

Skills and Knowledge Requirements

  • Experience in a matrix team environment
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills and demonstrated problem-solving abilities
  • Ability to work proactively while handling multiple deliverables and short timelines
  • Computer proficiency in SAS, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Must be able to prioritize and multi-task, work effectively with little or no direction, and build collaborative relationships with management, partners, and peers from diverse backgrounds.
  • Ability to work across multiple projects
  • Demonstrated working knowledge of GCP, ICH guidelines and FDA regulations
  • Understanding of study phases and general knowledge of how they apply to biostatics and statistical programming
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment
  • Ability to create and maintain of study-specific data management documents
  • Ability to interface cross-functionally with Data Programming
  • Ability to assist with the training of new study team members

Apply here!


Convos on Tap, March 29

Category : News/Events

Come check out Convos on Tap this Tuesday, March 29 from 4:30-7:30 in the RSPH courtyard! Food and drinks will be provided. Register on the corq app to attend.


Antibiotic Stewardship Epidemiologist I

Category : Alumni

The Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH) is seeking an Epidemiologist 1 to join the antibiotic stewardship team to assist with monitoring antibiotic use (AU) and antibiotic resistance (AR) using the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN), the State Electronic Notifiable Disease Surveillance System (SendSS), and other data sources related to antimicrobial use. The Epidemiologist  1 will work closely with Georgia healthcare providers and associations, the Georgia Public Health Laboratory, and epidemiologists in our 18 health districts.
 
The Epidemiologist  1 provides assistance and expertise for conducting surveillance, investigating antimicrobial use in select AR outbreaks, and analyzing and interpreting data.
 
  • Monitors and uses data from a variety of sources, including NHSN, CMS, and SendSS to summarize and inform team needs for interventions and effectiveness of response efforts
  • Analyzes data and creates reports to distribute to internal team members and to the healthcare community
  • Participates in AUR surveillance, investigation, prevention and control activities; ensures that AUR information is accurate, complete and reported in a timely manner
  • Analyzes data gathered during epidemiologic investigations using appropriate statistical methods and computer software
  • Provides guidance on methods for data analysis and type of study conducted  
  • Gathers, compiles, and helps epidemiologists analyze data from NHSN AUR module, CMS datasets, or other projects related to antibiotic use
  • Supports provider communication and implements plans to increase use of AR Laboratory testing of isolates for Expanded Antimicrobial Testing Program.
  • Performs other duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Master’s degree in Public Health or closely related field from an accredited college or university
OR
Bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited college or university AND Two years of experience performing epidemiologic work or work in a closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications
MPH or MSPH from an Association of Schools of Public Health accredited program, with a concentration in Epidemiology or at least 24 credit hours in epidemiology and/or biostatistics. At least one year of experience performing epidemiologic activities.  Relevant knowledge of job area indicated by at least three graduate-level credit hours or one year of work experience in that area. 
Preference will be given to applicants who in addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, possess experience in the following: 
  • Broad knowledge of principles of public health practice, especially those applicable to the surveillance, prevention and control of infectious diseases
  • Broad knowledge of principles of public health surveillance, including electronic disease reporting and syndromic surveillance
  • Specific knowledge of principles, practices and investigative procedures of infectious disease epidemiology
  • Specific knowledge of and ability to conduct statistical procedures used in epidemiologic analysis including SAS and geographic/spatial analysis
  • Ability to report on epidemiological studies relating to various communicable diseases
  • Ability to quickly learn and accurately interpret federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations and policies relating to communicable diseases
  • Ability to provide technical assistance to medical practitioners, hospital staff, public health officials, agency staff, businesses and lay people
  • Ability to effectively communicate with health care professionals, state and local officials, public health officials, and laypeople, verbally and in writing and individually or in group settings
  • Ability to coordinate and maintain effective working relationships with various internal and external customers and stakeholders.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Georgia Department of Public Health Commissioner and  leaders encourages all employees to engage in regular wellness activities and to make lifestyle choices that promote health and well-being.

The use of wellness breaks during the workday is authorized to support this philosophy and assist employees in meeting their wellness goals.  A maximum of 30 minutes in a given workday may be used to engage in wellness activities, generally in the form of two 15-minute breaks or one 30-minute break.
 
To apply click here.

TAs Needed for Clinical Research Bootcamp

Our Health Services Research Center team is running a “Clinical Research Bootcamp 301” on Apr 22nd, 2022 for School of Medicine faculty and staff. The overarching goal of the workshop is to teach R- foundational skills that are immediately useful for researchers, using lessons and datasets that allow researchers to quickly apply what they have learned to their own work.

We are in need of a few graduate students (4-5 positions; 15$/hour, ~8am-4pm) to help out if learners run into problems or get stuck during the workshop. Helpers move around the room to answer questions and help learners work through installation problems, error messages, and unexpected output. You do not need to be an expert in the tools we are covering, just to have used one or more of them and be comfortable helping people troubleshoot. At this workshop, we plan to cover basic statistical concepts and corresponding coding in R such as tidyverse, tableone, and other valuable packages.

Interested students should reach out to Ram Jagannathan (ram [dot] jagannathan [at] emory [dot] edu) with a note of interest and description of experience with R programming.

See the pdf below to read more about the bootcamp and the schedule.

Clinical Research Bootcamp 301 Schedule


Upcoming Events

  • The Summer Institute in Statistics and Modeling in Infectious Diseases (SISMID) July 15, 2024 – July 31, 2024 Conference / Symposium Event Type: Conference / SymposiumSeries: The Summer Institute in Statistics and Modeling in Infectious Diseases (SISMID)Speaker: Leaders in the FieldContact Name: Pia ValerianoContact Email: pvaleri@emory.eduLink: https://sph.emory.edu/SISMID/index.htmlThe Summer Institute in Statistics and Modeling in Infectious Diseases (SISMID) is designed to introduce infectious disease researchers to modern methods of statistical analysis and mathematical modeling.
  • Functional Biomarkers for Early Detection and Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy August 5, 2024 at 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Zoom Online Location: ZoomSeries: EGDRC Seminar SeriesSpeaker: Dr. Machelle PardueContact Name: Wendy GillContact Email: wggill@emory.eduLink: https://tinyurl.com/Machelle-PardueDr. Pardue’s lab is focused on clinically relevant treatments for retinal disease that can make a difference in the quality of life of patients. She is developing novel screening and treatment strategies for early-stage diabetic retinopathy and elucidating the retinoscleral mechanisms…
  • The Second Annual RSPH Staff and Post-Doctoral Ice Cream Social August 14, 2024 at 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Networking and Special Event Event Type: Networking,Special EventContact Name: Staff CouncilContact Email: rsphstaffcouncil@emory.eduRoom Location: RRR_Terrace 2nd FloorRSPH staff and post-docs are invited to join us for ice cream and delightful conversation. This event is hosted by the RSPH Staff Council.

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