Vermont Epidemiologist Position, apply by 7/10

Overview
Do you want to be part of a team dedicated to the surveillance, prevention, and control of infectious diseases in Vermonters?

We have an exciting opportunity for an Epidemiologist III in the Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases Program of the Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Section, Health Surveillance Division at the Vermont Department of Health. The position is responsible for the investigation, surveillance, data analysis, and educational outreach activities for infectious conditions, particularly tick and mosquito-borne diseases and rabies. The Epidemiologist III will maintain and update internal program databases, coordinate disease detection activities with clinical and laboratory staff, and serve as a consultative resource for health care providers, veterinarians, the public, District Office staff, and state agency partners.

The successful candidate will have considerable knowledge of the principles of infectious disease transmission, laboratory diagnosis, and control; working knowledge of public health policy, medical practices, and terminology associated with infectious diseases; and the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing to members of the media, advocacy groups, and the public to provide clear and consistent messaging. The position operates under the State Public Health Veterinarian, frequently collaborating with Health Department, state, federal, and community partners.

Specific examples of work include, but are not limited to:

Providing telephone consultations for infectious disease concerns
Performing educational outreach for health care provider and public audiences
Creating infectious disease summaries from human, animal, and vector surveillance data
Developing new data collection tools or resolving issues with existing ones
Assisting with outbreak investigations and emergency preparedness response

Who May Apply
This position, Epidemiologist III (Job Requisition #2012), is open to all State employees and external applicants.

If you would like more information about this position, please contact Natalie [dot] Kwit [at] vermont [dot] gov

Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

AHS BACKGROUND CHECKS: Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

Environmental Factors
Work is performed mainly in standard office setting but with regular need to travel to hospitals for which private means of transportation must be available. Periodic participation in community or provider meetings which may be held after regular business hours. There is predictable need to manage and deal with members of the medical profession and the public in emotional and pressure type situations.

Minimum Qualifications
Master’s degree in epidemiology.
OR
Master’s degree supplemented by at least two (2) courses in statistics and one (1) course in epidemiology AND one (1) year of experience in a health-related field.
OR
Bachelor’s degree supplemented by at least two (2) courses in statistics and one (1) course in epidemiology AND three (3) years of experience in a health-related field.

Total Compensation
As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it’s more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:
80% State paid medical premium
Dental Plan at no cost for employees and their families
Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan; many jobs also allow for a flexible schedule
Low cost group life insurance
Tuition Reimbursement
Incentive-based Wellness Program
Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

For more information and to apply, click HERE.

TB Epidemiologist, NYC Department of Health

Job Description
The Bureau of TB Control requests the job opening of one Public Health Epidemiologist L-I. The mission of the Bureau of TB Control is to prevent the spread of TB and to eliminate it as a public health problem in New York City. The goals to achieve this mission are 1) identify all individuals with suspected and confirmed TB disease and ensure their appropriate treatment, ideally on directly observed therapy (DOT) and 2) Ensure that individuals at high risk for progression from latent TB infection to TB disease complete treatment and do not develop disease.

DUTIES WILL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO:

* Review and manage incoming TB reports submitted by NYC providers for accuracy, timeliness, and completeness.

* Enter and update surveillance data into the bureau’s electronic surveillance and case management system (Maven) and ensure appropriated action.

* Monitor workflows in Maven to ensure timely and appropriate action.

* Conduct analysis and review of surveillance data to improve and ensure data quality.

* Review, triage, and handle data that are stored and processed by EDRI, DOHMH’s data cleaning, transformation and routing application.

* Provide backup to the Interstate Coordinator and assist with inter jurisdictional and international communication and transfer of patients.

* Handle and triaging calls coming from the TB Hotline.

* Follow-up of incomplete TB reports.

* Other duties as required.

Minimum Qual Requirements
1. A master’s degree in epidemiology or in public health with a minimum of 12 graduate credits in epidemiology from an accredited college or university; or

2. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, supplemented by the successful completion of PRINCIPLES OF EPIDEMIOLOGY (#3030-G) or (#SS1000), a
course for health professionals, given by the Centers for Disease Control, U.S. Public Service and one year of satisfactory full-time experience as a health professional in a position which requires data collection and the reading and interpretation of medical charts and medical information in support of surveillance and epidemiologic investigations; or

3. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and two years of satisfactory full-time experience as described in “2” above.

Preferred Skills
Knowledge of communicable disease surveillance and epidemiologic investigations.

Strong organizational and time management skills.

Excellent phone and customer service skills.

Ability to follow protocols and standard operating procedures; working knowledge of disease surveillance. Ideally, experience working and communicating with clinicians and other providers

Comfortable discussing sensitive topics and ability to understand and follow strict patient confidentiality regulations

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Experience with structured interviews, medical terminology, and conducting medical chart reviews

Proficiency with computers and use of data systems, including data entry and Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint

Some experience with statistical software such as SAS.

For more information and to apply, click HERE.

CDC Infant Nutrition Fellowship, ORISE

Application Deadline 7/29/2019 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Description
A research opportunity is currently available with the Nutrition Branch, in the Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity (DNPAO) within the National Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia.

This project will provide training in the area of maternal and child nutrition, including breastfeeding, complementary feeding, micronutrients, and the development of healthy dietary patterns. The research participant will collaborate with others to synthesize the science, identify research and surveillance gaps, and translate the science into public health actions for different aspects of nutrition in pregnancy and through the first two years of life.

Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will be trained in the following research activities:

Building public health skills in research, synthesis, translation, and dissemination of evidence on social, environmental, and policy factors related to maternal and child nutrition. The majority of the research focuses on pregnancy through two years of age
Contributing to the development of guidance documents and written reports with an emphasis on environmental and policy strategies to help address critical factors related to a healthy pregnancy, support for breastfeeding and optimal early child nutrition in clinical settings, childcare settings, and state public health systems
Analyzing data and contributing to the development of translation products on maternal and child nutrition
Synthesizing information and communicating with partners and to the general public
Focused learning on gestational weight gain, breastfeeding, complementary feeding, micronutrient status, and the establishment of healthy dietary patterns that will help inform the development of a comprehensive DNPAO strategic plan on maternal and child nutrition
Participating in interdisciplinary groups and interacting with experts including public health nutritionists, health education specialists, evaluation specialists, maternal and pediatric health care providers, and epidemiologists
Conducting systematic reviews of the scientific literature on the health effects of multiple health behaviors and practices during pregnancy and the first two years of a child’s life
Analyzing data and contributing to manuscripts on key topics related to maternal and child nutrition; reviewing data for indicators to be included in DNPAO’s interactive data portal
Contributing to the preparation of briefing documents on policy and program for review by public health leaders, policy makers, hospital administrators, etc.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: August 27, 2019

This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and CDC. The initial appointment can be up to one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of CDC contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. The appointment is full-time at CDC in the Atlanta, Georgia, area. Participants do not become employees of CDC, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.

Qualifications
The qualified candidate should have received a master’s or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields, or be currently pursuing one of the degrees and will reach completion by the start date of the appointment. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

Preferred skills:

Coursework in epidemiology, statistics, basic nutrition, and/or maternal and child health
Knowledge with policy, systems, or environmental change approaches
Experience in at least one of the following: infant and child feeding, nutrition, obesity
Experience conducting statistical analyses with statistical software systems such as: SAS, SPSS, Stata or R

To apply, click HERE.

ORISE Fellowship, CDC

A research opportunity is currently available with the Nutrition Branch, in the Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity (DNPAO) within the National Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia.

This project will provide training in the area of maternal and child nutrition, including breastfeeding, complementary feeding, micronutrients, and the development of healthy dietary patterns. The research participant will collaborate with others to synthesize the science, identify research and surveillance gaps, and translate the science into public health actions for different aspects of nutrition in pregnancy and through the first two years of life.

Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will be trained in the following research activities:

Building public health skills in research, synthesis, translation, and dissemination of evidence on social, environmental, and policy factors related to maternal and child nutrition. The majority of the research focuses on pregnancy through two years of age
Contributing to the development of guidance documents and written reports with an emphasis on environmental and policy strategies to help address critical factors related to a healthy pregnancy, support for breastfeeding and optimal early child nutrition in clinical settings, childcare settings, and state public health systems
Analyzing data and contributing to the development of translation products on maternal and child nutrition
Synthesizing information and communicating with partners and to the general public
Focused learning on gestational weight gain, breastfeeding, complementary feeding, micronutrient status, and the establishment of healthy dietary patterns that will help inform the development of a comprehensive DNPAO strategic plan on maternal and child nutrition
Participating in interdisciplinary groups and interacting with experts including public health nutritionists, health education specialists, evaluation specialists, maternal and pediatric health care providers, and epidemiologists
Conducting systematic reviews of the scientific literature on the health effects of multiple health behaviors and practices during pregnancy and the first two years of a child’s life
Analyzing data and contributing to manuscripts on key topics related to maternal and child nutrition; reviewing data for indicators to be included in DNPAO’s interactive data portal
Contributing to the preparation of briefing documents on policy and program for review by public health leaders, policy makers, hospital administrators, etc.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: August 27, 2019

This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and CDC. The initial appointment can be up to one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of CDC contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. The appointment is full-time at CDC in the Atlanta, Georgia, area. Participants do not become employees of CDC, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.

For more information and to apply, click HERE.

Foodborne Epidemiologist I, closes 6/14

Job Description:
With direction from the Epidemiologist III team leader, performs moderately complex investigative and consultative epidemiological work in the Emerging and Acute Infectious Disease Branch. Collects, analyzes, interprets, and distributes epidemiological data on notifiable enteric diseases in Texas. Monitors the statewide surveillance system and consults with local and regional health department staff on case reports in the system; oversees year-end cleanup of data. Provides telephonic and electronic technical consultations to public health professionals, healthcare providers, and the general public on the epidemiology of enteric pathogens. Assists local and regional health department partners with investigations of single cases and clusters of enteric illnesses, and also assists these partners during outbreak investigations. Monitors the Texas data for the National Outbreak Reporting System (NORS), ensuring the quality and completeness of the data as assigned. Prepares public health information, training materials, and investigative tools for foodborne disease surveillance and investigation. Prepares written articles for publication. Serves as a team member in the State Medical Operation Center (SMOC) or State Operations Center (SOC) in the event of a natural or man-made emergency requiring DSHS or State of Texas response. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

(50%) Conducts surveillance activities: Monitors the statewide surveillance system for case reports on select enteric pathogens; assists and provides consultation to local and regional health department staff on data entry, case classification, and other aspects of case investigations; conducts some data entry; ensures data quality, reviews and approves or rejects notifications, and oversees year-end data cleanup in the system. Coordinates surveillance activities and maintains databases within the Branch for assigned conditions Creates patient line listings using Microsoft Excel to track information on investigations. Using Microsoft Excel, creates charts and graphs. Retrieves data from the Department’s laboratory information management system (Labware). Coordinates and assists with the collection of information for investigation forms for assigned conditions, and provides investigation forms for cases to state and federal regulatory partners. Working with Branch staff, ensures data entry instructions and procedures for reporting enteric diseases are available. Analyzes and interprets epidemiological data, including laboratory results such as whole genome sequencing (WGS), on reportable enteric diseases. Assists in establishing and implementing activities to improve surveillance for enteric diseases. Assists local and regional health department partners with investigations of single cases and clusters of enteric illnesses, and makes recommendations for prevention and control of foodborne illnesses.

(25%) Epidemiologic studies and outbreak investigations: Participates in infectious disease outbreak investigations by conducting activities often including outbreak detection and dissemination of information to local and regional health department partners, case finding, abstracting of medical data from hospital and medical records, designing or modifying questionnaires or report forms, interviewing patients, coordinating collection and transport of clinical and environmental specimens, performing data analysis using EXCEL or other statistical programs, assisting with recommendations for control measures, and assisting in the preparation of written reports. At times, coordinates investigations with other state health departments and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Presents results at state public health meetings. Creates, maintains, and distributes databases using applications such as Access and EpiInfo.

(20%) Communication and Training: Prepares reports and graphic presentations of surveillance and investigation data using EpiInfo, PowerPoint, Excel, and NEDSS-based system. Prepares and gives oral presentations. Assists in the development of disease fact sheets and press bulletins. Assists in preparing articles for publication in journals and for the web. Reviews scientific literature as appropriate. Provides telephonic and electronic technical consultations to public health professionals, healthcare providers, and the general public on the epidemiology of enteric pathogens and their prevention and control Promotes particiption by public health system in the National Outbreak Reporting System (NORS).

(5%) Other duties as Assigned include but not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligation for disaster response and/or recovery of Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternative shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
• Knowledge of infectious diseases and epidemiology
• Knowledge of the principles and methods of biostatistics and epidemiology, medical terminology, current public health programs
• Knowledge of microbiological laboratory procedures including PFGE and PCR
• Knowledge of public health and the natural history of infectious diseases
• Knowledge of the epidemiology of enteric infectious diseases
• Ability to conduct disease surveillance
• Ability to devise and develop solutions
• Ability to organize, manipulate, and maintain complex data files
• Ability to present statistical and technical data clearly and concisely
• Ability to work effectively with regional and local health department personnel, private physicians, hospital staff, laboratory staff, and the public
• Ability to provide operational guidance and leadership to field staff
• Ability to interview patients to collect clinical and exposure information
• Ability to abstract clinical and laboratory data from patient medical charts
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Ability to develop and deliver presentations
• Ability to design and implement systems necessary to collect, maintain, and analyze data
• Ability to analyze and evaluate empirical data and develop graphic and written interpretations and conclusions
• Ability to interpret laboratory findings, physical signs/symptoms, and diagnostic test results

For more information and to apply, click HERE.