Immunizations Surveillance Epidemiologist, Florida Department of Health

Position Description: The Bureau of Epidemiology, Florida Department of Health is seeking a full-time surveillance epidemiologist with an emphasis on immunizations surveillance.
Position specific responsibilities include: • Assist in the design, implementation, management, and analysis of immunizations surveys.

• Lead integration of the National Immunizations Surveys and Florida SHOTS (Florida’s immunization registry) for state level vaccination coverage assessment.

• Coordinate surveillance activities statewide on immunizations status surveillance, including conducting statistical analysis of immunizations surveillance data to define and monitor immunizations rates and trends in immunization practices.

• Coordinate activities related to the grant (ensure all grant deliverables are being met, do quarterly reports).

• Assist county health departments in the design and evaluation of health initiatives aimed at improving immunizations rates.

• Serve as a liaison between the Immunizations Section, Surveillance Systems Section, and Infectious Disease Prevention and Investigation (IDP&I) Section.

• Review existing data sources on immunization status and vaccination exemptions as well as look at trends over time for immunization status indicators and review existing reports on a regular basis. Identify and validate new data sources for immunization status and trends in immunization status.

• Review our policies, guidance documents, and data collection tools to see if we are making the right recommendations and collecting the right data in the right ways.

• Review current interoperability functionality between Merlin (Florida’s reportable disease surveillance system) and Florida SHOTS to assess what additional updates need to be made. Ensure those updates are entered into the appropriate change management software, prioritized for release, and tested prior to release.

• Update web content.

Qualifications: Candidate must have excellent written and oral communication skills. The successful candidate will have strong data analysis and data visualization skills and a firm understanding of public health surveillance, syndromic surveillance and surveillance system evaluation methodologies. The candidate should have experience with analysis software such as SAS, SQL, Access and/or other analytical tools (R, SPSS) and experience with GIS. The candidate should have an MPH, MSPH, MS in epidemiology, or equivalent degree or an advanced degree in a health-related field (i.e., PhD in epidemiology, biostatistics, or other public- health field; an MD degree; or a DVM degree), including completion of at least three graduate level epidemiology courses and two graduate level biostatistics courses.

Organization Description: This position is in the Bureau of Epidemiology, Florida Department of Health, State Health Office and can be based in either Tallahassee or Tampa, Florida. The position is part of the Surveillance and Surveillance Systems Section of the Bureau of Epidemiology. The Bureau of Epidemiology leads the Department of Health’s efforts to prevent infectious and chronic diseases through surveillance, case and outbreak investigation, training and information dissemination.
We do a lot of good work, we are appreciated by the county health departments, we publish the best work we do, we attract grant funds, and we work well together.

Florida Department of Health Mission: To protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

For more information and to apply, click HERE.

PRAMS Position, Texas Dept of State Health Services

Job Description:
Research Specialist V performs highly advanced (senior-level) research work by designing and conducting research projects for Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology (MCH Epi) in the Community Health Improvement (CHI) Division. Reports to the Manager of the Surveillance and Data Analytics Group with minimal supervision and with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. Work includes developing and/or refining theoretical concepts, designing and implementing complex surveillance/research studies following new or standardized scientific policies/protocols, coordinating studies, collecting, analyzing and evaluating data, and communicating results. Functions as the project director and lead investigator for the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS). Monitors all data collection activities conducted by the contractor including data collection by mail and telephone modalities. Provides research consultation and data-related technical assistance to the Maternal and Child Health Section, CHI Division, and those who seek to utilizing Texas PRAMS data. Generates research articles for scientific publication, as well as papers, reports, and presentations for in-house distribution and to support program management and other DSHS activities. Represents MCH Epi and CHI on committees, regional workgroups, and projects to meet research and data analysis needs. Represents the state at the national level on research and data analysis issues. Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
Essential Job Functions:
EJF1. Serves as PRAMS lead investigator, and acts as a liaison to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that relate to PRAMS on an ongoing basis. Oversees the PRAMS Steering Committee. Develops and revises the PRAMS data collection protocol and survey instrument. Oversees sampling procedures and ensure that monthly samples are prepared in a timely manner. Provides essential information for data collection routinely. Monitors PRAMS surveillance activity. Performs contract oversight for all PRAMS data collection activities. Analyzes and disseminates PRAMS data results; responds to all PRAMS data requests. Generates research articles for scientific publication, as well as papers, reports, and presentations for in-house distribution and to support program management and other DSHS activities utilizing PRAMS data. (35%)

EJF2. Serves as the PRAMS project director. Oversee the preparation and submission of annual cooperative agreement renewal applications and progress reports to the CDC. Prepares and submits all DSHS Institutional Review Board (IRB) documents related to the PRAMS project. Develops and/or renews data collection contract, data use agreements, and memorandum of understanding documents for key data elements for data collection (e.g., telephone numbers and addresses). Participates in all PRAMS training workshops sponsored by the CDC, site visits, and other CDC sponsored events. Works in collaboration with DSHS Center for Health Statistics, other DSHS data centers and state/federal agencies (e.g., CDC, MCH Bureau). Provides research consultation and data-related technical assistance to the MCH Section, CHI Division, and those who seek to utilizing Texas PRAMS data. Reviews PRAMS-related DSHS IRB applications and CDC multi-state PRAMS proposals. (25%)

EJF3. Performs scientific literature searches (traditional, internet, database) and reviews various types of materials including legislation, regulations, and scientific protocol and policies to help develop research proposals and to support on-going investigations/projects. Consults with research professionals, researchers/epidemiologists, administrators, and statistical staff to define and solve specific problems related to the administration of PRAMS and to assure quality control across experimental methods, research design and statistical analysis. (20%)

EJF4. Act as a subject matter expert as it relates to complex sample surveys (e.g., Texas Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, Texas Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, National Health Interview Survey, NSDUH, and SPAN). Analyzes and disseminates MCH data results from other surveys. Provides research consultation and data-related technical assistance to the MCH Section, CHI Division, and those who are interested in utilizing survey data focused on maternal and child health. (15%)

EJF5. Participates in cross-functional training within MCH Epi. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. (5%)

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of the principles and functions of public health.
Knowledge of research planning and evaluation methods in epidemiology.
Knowledge of federal grants, including block grants.
Knowledge of laws and rules applicable to confidentiality and the management of protected health information.
Knowledge and experience with questionnaire development, constructing sampling frames, complex sampling, and survey data collection methods.
Knowledge of advanced statistical techniques and methods.
In-depth knowledge of statistical software, especially SAS and/or SPSS, and Microsoft Office products, especially Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Skill in effective verbal communication, including preparation and presentation of complex data analysis.
Skill in project management with complex projects that cross divisions, agencies, and several lines of business.
Skill in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and negotiating and implementing solutions to data and research problems.
Skill in project management to organize major project activities into a logical sequence with a reasonable and achievable schedule of deadlines;
Skill in advanced technical writing, reporting, and interpretation of complex data to clearly and succinctly communicate project/research information for correspondence with state and federal agencies, grant applications and plans, state rules, and planning procedures.
Ability to organize and present information effectively, both orally and in writing, to a variety of audiences, including state and federal agency staff, legislators, and other stakeholders, which may require synthesis and translation of complex information into simpler terms.
Ability to develop and effectively deliver training and technical assistance about research/data methods, procedures or DSHS policies.
Ability to survey relevant professional literature and other publications.
Ability to develop and evaluate policies and procedures.
Ability to work in collaboration with others as part of a team to manage multiple deadlines.

For more information and to apply, click HERE.

Research Analyst, United Hospital Fund of NY

United Hospital Fund seeks a passionate and engaged individual to join its Medicaid Institute, which produces research on health care policy, financing, quality, and redesign with a substantial focus on New York’s Medicaid program. This individual will conduct guided quantitative and qualitative analyses in collaboration with a team of program directors and analysts and transform these analyses into audience-friendly narrative and visual briefs, reports, presentations, and meeting materials. Examples of potential research areas include: Medicaid eligibility and enrollment, managed care, value-based payment, children’s health, primary care transformation, physical and behavioral health integration, long-term care, and health insurance markets.

We are looking for a self-starter with the ability to work well independently and in groups. Someone that’s flexible and collegial; creative and eager to help shape research ideas; willing to learn new skills and internal analytical tools; and motivated to actively participate in a dynamic and hardworking team-oriented environment with growth potential.

Day-to-day responsibilities include but are not limited to: creating internal source material on policy developments; analyzing quantitative data from primary and secondary sources and developing summaries and visual representations; planning for and participating in qualitative stakeholder interviews; conducting literature searches and reviews; planning for and staffing high-level invitational meetings and conferences; and drafting briefs and reports for publication.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1. Collect timely, policy-relevant information from program administrators, researchers, and advocates by tracking websites and attending frequent meetings, conferences, conference calls, and webinars. Analyze and summarize information for internal stakeholders (emails, detailed notes, memos, tables, and charts).

2. Develop content expertise on assigned Medicaid policy topics and/or subpopulations (e.g., eligibility and enrollment, managed care, value-based payment, children’s health, primary care transformation, physical and behavioral health integration, long-term care, and health insurance markets).

3. Collaborate on tracking and analyzing state and federal Medicaid policy changes, as well as changes in care management frameworks and service delivery models. With guidance, assess the changes’ potential impacts on consumers, providers, health plans, and New York’s Medicaid program overall, by examining relevant metrics – enrollment, utilization, costs, quality, etc.

4. Identify and assemble quantitative data from primary and secondary sources (e.g., New York State’s Medicaid claims files, health insurance filings, hospital discharge databases, physician and facility databases, etc.). Analyze data using Salient Interactive Miner, Excel, and other statistical software. Collaborate on developing scope of research and methodology, and prepare and maintain data files.

5. Collaborate with Medicaid Institute colleagues to engage outside data providers on research questions, methodologies, and data analyses leading to collaborative publications.

6. Prepare materials, including literature summaries, data summaries, and graphics for publications, presentations, briefings, and UHF’s web and social media presence.

7. Develop semi-structured protocols and participate in qualitative interviews with health care stakeholders, including: senior state officials; representatives from health care providers, health plans, and community-based organizations; and consumer advocates. Capture and distill information for internal and external dissemination.

8. Provide other UHF research staff with input and assistance on quantitative and qualitative analyses for various program and policy projects.

9. Collaborate on meeting planning for small group roundtables and larger conferences. Conduct topic and speaker research and prepare background materials.

10. Draft internal memos, working papers, policy briefs, and reports for publication with primary and secondary authorship. Collaborate on adapting Medicaid Institute or interdepartmental UHF work for dissemination in a variety of forums – fact sheets, poster presentations, white papers, and academic journal articles.

Minimum Education and/or Experience Required:

– Master’s degree in health-care related field (e.g., public health, health policy and management, epidemiology, biostatistics) or related field with a health-specific interest (e.g., economics, public policy, public administration, law).

– Demonstrated interest in health policy and experience working with quantitative data (through training and/or professional experience) are required.

Knowledge and Ability:

Excellent writing, research, and analytic skills;
Ability to both discern broad themes and delve into complex detail;
Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
Able to work on several projects simultaneously and manage multiple ongoing responsibilities though strong organizational and prioritization skills;
Proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint is required;
6. Basic experience with web-based tools for data collection and aggregation (e.g., SurveyMonkey), at least one statistical programming application (e.g., SAS, SPSS, Stata, R), and/or data mapping and visualization software (e.g., ArcGIS, Tableau) is preferred.

United Hospital Fund offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience combined with generous benefits, including health, dental, voluntary vision, life, and disability insurance; a tax-deferred annuity savings plan; paid time off; a commuting subsidy; collegial environment.

Required documents:

· Resume

· Cover Letter

To apply, click HERE.

Epidemiologist II, Maryland Health Department

Location of Position
MDH/Prevention and Health Promotion Administration, Baltimore, Maryland

Main Purpose Of Job
This position will conduct statewide epidemiological investigations of violent death incidents. This position will also participate in the prevention and control of these injuries in Maryland. Furthermore, this position will serve as the Program Epidemiologist for the Maryland Violent Death Reporting System (MVDRS).

Finally, this position will track the progress of data collection activities, as well as generate written reports and analyze the MVDRS data, while maintaining the quality of such data.

Minimum Qualifications
Education: A Master’s degree in the field of Public Health from an accredited college or university, with a minimum of three graduate courses in Epidemiology and one graduate course in Biostatistics.

Experience: Two years of experience in designing and conducting epidemiological studies and investigations for disease surveillance as an Epidemiologist, after receipt of the Master’s degree.

Note: Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a Commissioned Officer in Health Care Science classifications or Clinical Lab, Medical Scientists, or Bio Medical Lab Officer specialty codes in the health research field of work, on a year-for-year basis, for the required education.

Desired or Preferred Qualifications
The desired candidate should have experience managing and analyzing data, as well as experience using Statistical Analysis Software (SAS).

Selection Process
Applicants who meet the minimum (and selective) qualifications will be included in further evaluation. The evaluation may be a rating of your application, based on your education, training and experience, as they relate to the requirements of the position. Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.

Please report all related education, experience, dates, and hours of work. Clearly indicate your college degree and major on your application, if applicable. For education obtained outside the U.S., any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing an evaluation for equivalency by a foreign credential evaluation service prior to starting employment (and may be requested prior to interview).

Complete applications must be submitted by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be added.

Incorrect application forms will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Candidates may remain on the certified eligible list for a period of at least one year. The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this, or other, State agencies.

To apply, click HERE.

Health Scientist Administrator (Program Officer and Scientific Review Officer)

Summary
Join one of the 24 Institutes and Centers within the NIH that awards extramural grants! Extramural grants account for approximately 80 percent of NIH’s budget and are awarded to investigators at more than 2,500 universities, medical schools, and other research organizations around the world. To learn more about the grants process, types of grant programs, and the peer review process, visit the website for the Office of Extramural Research.

Responsibilities
This announcement will be used to fill the following positions within the NIH:

Health Scientist Administrator (Program Officer)
As a Health Scientist Administrator (Program Officer), you will perform the following tasks:

Perform scientific and administrative reviews and analyzes of applications/proposals from a programmatic viewpoint.
Consult with and advise grantees/contractors during preparation of applications/proposals and provide guidance on program issues.
Develop, coordinate and administer grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts established to fulfill the mission of the Branch and Division.
Visit universities, research institutions, commercial organizations, other government agencies, and public and private organizations to promote and explain the objectives of the program.

Health Scientist Administrator (Scientific Review Officer)
As a Health Scientist Administrator (Scientific Review Officer), you will perform the following tasks:
Provide policy direction and coordination for the planning and execution of initial scientific and technical review conducted within the Institute.
Utilize scientific knowledge and expertise to perform a variety of management functions associated with the scientific peer review of IC research and research training support activities and other contract activities.
Manage the initial scientific and administrative review of grant, program project grant, and training grant applications as well as research project applications submitted in response to requests for applications.
Appoint and manage review panels, including the identification of qualified reviewers to evaluate all applications and proposals and make any recommendations from IC and NIH program officials, to assemble a balanced group of experts and consultants.
Act as the sole Federal official and agency representative by guiding the activities of a review committee and ensuring continuity in their approach toward evaluating applications, proposals, and adherence to peer review policies and procedures.
Travel Required
25% or less – You may be expected to travel for this position.

To apply, click HERE.

Health Scientist Administrator

Summary
Join one of the 24 Institutes and Centers within the NIH that awards extramural grants! Extramural grants account for approximately 80 percent of NIH’s budget and are awarded to investigators at more than 2,500 universities, medical schools, and other research organizations around the world. To learn more about the grants process, types of grant programs, and the peer review process, visit the website for the Office of Extramural Research.

Responsibilities
This announcement will be used to fill the following positions within the NIH:

Health Scientist Administrator (Program Officer)
As a Health Scientist Administrator (Program Officer), you will perform the following tasks:

Perform scientific and administrative reviews and analyzes of applications/proposals from a programmatic viewpoint.
Consult with and advise grantees/contractors during preparation of applications/proposals and provide guidance on program issues.
Develop, coordinate and administer grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts established to fulfill the mission of the Branch and Division.
Develop, coordinate and administer grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts established to fulfill the mission of the Branch and Division.
Visit universities, research institutions, commercial organizations, other government agencies, and public and private organizations to promote and explain the objectives of the program.

Health Scientist Administrator (Scientific Review Officer)
As a Health Scientist Administrator (Program Officer), you will perform the following tasks:
Provide policy direction and coordination for the planning and execution of initial scientific and technical review conducted within the Institute.
Utilize scientific knowledge and expertise to perform a variety of management functions associated with the scientific peer review of IC research and research training support activities and other contract activities.
Manage the initial scientific and administrative review of grant, program project grant, and training grant applications as well as research project applications submitted in response to requests for applications.
Appoint and manage review panels, including the identification of qualified reviewers to evaluate all applications and proposals and make any recommendations from IC and NIH program officials, to assemble a balanced group of experts and consultants.
Act as the sole Federal official and agency representative by guiding the activities of a review committee and ensuring continuity in their approach toward evaluating applications, proposals, and adherence to peer review policies and procedures.

To apply, click HERE.