RACPAC Lunch and Learn, 1/29
Category : News/Events
Join Rollins Association for Cancer Prevention and Control (RACPAC) for their general body meeting from 12 to 1 pm on January 29. Lunch will be served.
Author Archives: Lillian
- January 21, 2019
-
-
0
- January 18, 2019
-
-
0
Alumni Spotlight: Vanessa Da Costa
Category : #WeAreEmoryEPI
Vanessa Da Costa, GLEPI MPH, 2018
Global Epidemiology Fellow at CDC South Africa (PHI/CDC Global Health Fellowship Program)
I am on the Quality Improvement Team at CDC South Africa. In this position I support the development of data collection and analysis tools for quality improvement projects. I also manage SIMS (Site Improvement Monitoring System) to ensure adequate data collection, visit completion, and quality assurance. I work with the Quality Improvement team to collaborate across CDC branches (prevention, care and treatment, etc) and support implementing partners in our overall goal of helping facilities reach their 90-90-90 PEPFAR targets through the use of quality improvement strategies.
From the classroom, I found my coursework in evidence-based decision making, data cleaning to be very helpful skills to my work in this position. Additionally, I am very glad I took the weekend EPI Info course, since I use that software on a daily basis! My work-study experience at Rollins is instrumental to my work now. While working with the Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group and my faculty advisor in the Department of Epidemiology, I was able to lead the data collection tool development and actively participate in the monitoring and evaluation of a postpartum family planning intervention. Those skills I gained while at RSPH are directly related to the work I am doing at CDC South Africa.
Additionally, take advantage of courses outside of your department. The qualitative coursework I’ve completed and accompanying practical experience is beneficial to my work in Quality Improvement. Another suggestion is to take advantage of out of classroom learning opportunities. Personally, my non-classroom experiences are just as valuable- if not more- than my in classroom ones. This includes work study, practicum, and Rollins mHealth Collaboration sessions on implementing digital health strategies!
THIS WEEK: Chair’s Chat, Wednesday 1/23
Category : News/Events
Please RSVP for the Chair’s Chat on Wednesday, January 23. Pizza will be provided!
- January 17, 2019
-
-
0
GPHA Conference Scholarship
Category : Student Opportunities
The Georgia Public Health Association is offering a limited number of scholarships to students for the 90th Annual Meeting and Conference at Westin Buckhead, Atlanta May 7-9, 2019. Scholarship recipients pay a reduced registration rate of $50. All other expenses such as travel and lodging are the responsibility of the conference participant.
The deadline for application is February 15, 2019 at 11:59 P.M. All scholarship applicants will be notified of scholarship decisions no later than March 1, 2019.
Full student conference registration is $165 before March 1, 2019, and $195 on and after March 1. It is advised that all students applying for the scholarship defer registering for the conference until scholarship awards are announced. All scholarships must be acknowledged with the $50 discounted registration by March 6, 2019, or risk forfeiture. Students who applied but did not receive a scholarship will be offered the early registration rate through March 15, 2019, by calling the GPHA office at 404-861-8423.
Each applicant must be:
● A student currently enrolled in a course of study leading to a degree in a health field (i.e. nursing, nutrition, epidemiology, medicine, or public health, etc.)
● An active member of Georgia Public Health Association in good standing. Join here now: http://www.gapha.org/why-join/. Scholarship recipients agree to:
● Attend the GPHA Annual Meeting and Conference in full Tuesday, May 7 through Thursday, May 9, 2019;
● Volunteer at the conference. Volunteer activities might include introducing a concurrent session presenter, staffing a table in the conference exhibit area, or assisting with other on-site duties. Scholarship recipients will be contacted with details; and
● Attend the Student Networking Mixer during the conference.
The establishment of the Jim Alley scholarship fund is to honor James W. Alley, MD, MPH who served as Director of the Division of Public Health of the State of Georgia for 17 years. During his tenure, he focused public health’s attention for the first time on chronic diseases and later initiated analysis and interventions on infant mortality and how social factors play a role in morbidity and mortality. As a medical missionary to Bolivia, Dr. Alley helped establish a local Board of Health in the city of Montero to attempt to remediate some of the health issues of the indigent and medically needy. He continued to visit and work in this eastern area of Bolivia for over a decade and left the region with the most respected medical service in Bolivia. Dr. Alley served a term as President of GPHA. As a staunch supporter of GPHA, he recognized the value of health workers having an organization that could systematically encourage networking and continuing education.
To learn more about the Georgia Public Health Association’s Annual Meeting and Conference please visit their website at http://www.gapha.org/annual-meeting-conference/.
To access the application, click HERE
WHO Cambodia position
WHO Cambodia is looking for a P4 epidemiologist to join their WHE team as soon as possible. In the interest of time, we would offer a 5.5 month position to the successful candidate with a possibility of extension if the work is satisfactory. The terms of reference are as follows:
Expected specific outputs/outcomes:
· Clear guidelines and technical support given to national counterparts at various levels as required in all aspects of programme planning, organization, implementation, scale-up and evaluation of activities for the prevention and control of emerging diseases;
· Strengthened coordination and collaboration in Cambodia between all stakeholders and partners working for emerging diseases and Applied Epidemiology Training (AET) in Cambodia
· Strengthened linkage between AET and Veterinary Epidemiology Training
· Investigated communicable disease outbreaks or health security events in the country
· Coordination and supervision of epidemiological evaluation of surveillance systems, identifying constraints in control measures, examining the potential for policy development, assisting Member States with implementation and reviewing the surveillance systems to ensure quality improvement
· Recommend methods for enhancing capacity for surveillance, risk assessment and response in the country
· Information sharing of influenza and respiratory disease surveillance, and preparedness and response plan to pandemic
· Technical and financial gaps identified and resources mobilized
Specific roles to be undertaken within this job:
1. To provide technical advice to the government in further developing Applied Epidemiology Training in Cambodia
2. To support capacity building strategies by providing course materials and supervising trainees of Applied Epidemiology Training in Cambodia
3. To advise on human health epidemiology for Veterinary Epidemiology Training and supervise trainees of the programme
4. To identify needs for technical assistance and to work with Ministry of Health (MoH) and other WHO staff to strengthen core capacity in national communicable diseases surveillances, risk assessment and response to ensure MoH can meet APSED 2010 and IHR 2005 requirements
5. To provide technical advice to the government and collaborate with partners in influenza and respiratory disease surveillance, and pandemic preparedness and response
6. To assist in the joint MoH – WHO investigation and response to communicable disease outbreaks and unusual health events in Cambodia as the need arises
7. To analyze and interpret epidemiological information and share with partners
8. To assist in any other tasks as instructed by WHO Representative
Specific skills and knowledge required:
1. Broad knowledge of principles, practices, methodology and techniques in public health and epidemiology
2. Significant knowledge and skills in communicable disease control, including teaching and advisory techniques
3. Ability to develop plans, organize resources and take actions to ensure objectives are achieved within realistic timeframes
4. Very good interpersonal skills
5. Ability to work independently and to take initiative
Education (Qualifications):
Essential: University degree in health or social science with postgraduate degree in epidemiology or public health from a recognized university.
Desirable: Completed a course in Field Epidemiology Training Programme.
Experience:
Essential: Minimum seven years’ work experience in epidemiology and /or public health and Field Epidemiology Training Programme, including experience at international level.
Desirable: Experience in managing Field Epidemiology Training Programme or modified Field Epidemiology Training in developing countries.
Please contact Asheena Khalakdina, Team Leader for WHE Cambodia (khalakdinaa [at] who [dot] int) with CV and letter of interest.
- January 16, 2019
-
-
0
Epidemiology Phd Summer Internship
Category : Student Opportunities
Upper Providence, PA
Description of Department: In the Epidemiology team, we are committed to diversity as a goal and work to ensure diversity is infused into our intern cohort which serves as a critical source of early career talent for the organization. At GSK, we focus on creating an inclusive organization where all employees feel engaged and know their work makes an important contribution. An inclusive environment welcomes different knowledge, perspectives, experiences, and working styles from across our global population. This not only enhances individual creativity and innovation, but also makes good business sense. Epidemiology at GSK Pharma comprises a team of highly-skilled subject matter experts who provide epidemiological and analytical leadership to influence decision-making across drug discovery, development, and commercialization. We analyze a wide variety of data sources including electronic health records, administrative claims, patient registries, and clinical trial data. Our work supports drug development by providing real-world insights into patterns of disease occurrence, healthcare utilization, and the safety and effectiveness of treatments.
Job Description: We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic summer intern who is interested in learning more about the application of epidemiology in the pharmaceutical industry and the use of observational data to generate evidence in support of GSK products across the drug development lifecycle. The intern may work on the following projects: literature review to characterize target patient populations for medicines in development and/or observational database analyses to generate descriptive data for target patient populations. Interns will be exposed to ways of working in the research and development (R&D) arm of a large global pharmaceutical company and gain knowledge and experience in how epidemiology, observational data analyses, and health services research are used in R&D. Interns will sit in the Epidemiology team, part of the larger Value Evidence Outcomes and Medical Engagement department. They will have the opportunity to interact with and understand some of the key groups that Epidemiology interacts with such as Real World Data Analytics, Health Outcomes, and Safety partners. Basic
Qualifications:
• Pursuing a PhD in a quantitative discipline such as public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, health economics, or outcomes research.
• At least 2 years of completed course work and training in observational research design and analysis techniques.
• Have an active student status and/or within 12 months post-graduation from a degree program.
• Be legally authorized to work in the U.S. for the duration of the intern/co-op assignment. There is no visa sponsorship available for this position.
• Be available to work full-time throughout the internship or co-op.
• Have a 3.0 or greater cumulative GPA.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Candidates should be self-motivated with the ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills are required.
• Prior experience in observational research would be ideal.
Eligibility Requirements:
• Successfully pass a drug screen and background check prior to assignment target start date.
• Provide your own funding for relocation and commuting.
To apply, click HERE
UNICEF Internship: Digital Epidemiology, Office of Innovation, due 1/25
Category : Student Opportunities
How can you make a difference?
What could be a better way to spend your winter than trying to help develop and streamline lifesaving innovations in UNICEF – one of the world’s largest organizations serving children? The UNICEF Internship Programme offers eligible/qualified students the opportunity to acquire direct practical experience in UNICEF’s work under the direct supervision of experienced UNICEF staff.
As a UNICEF Innovation Intern you will:
- Get to work on a specific project of strategic value to the team. You’ll get to present your ideas and outputs to the team at the end of the summer.
- Receive dedicated mentorship from a member of multidisciplinary team related to your project and your career and development plans
- Be part of a dedicated induction programme to UNICEF and UNICEF Innovation
- Have a fun and inspiring internship experience
Main responsibilities will be:
- Cleaning, curating and analyzing air traffic human mobility data
- Supporting in exploring new geospatial datasets
- Developing methodologies and pipelines to generate insights from human mobility data.
- Developing methodologies and pipelines to improve the accuracy of existing early warning and response system for dengue outbreaks by integrating human mobility based variables
- Visualizing, interpreting and communicating findings to the team, UNICEF country offices, and the broader public.
To qualify as an advocate for every child, you will…
- Be enrolled in a Ph.D. programme in Computational/Digital Epidemiology or have graduated within the past two years. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Have excellent academic performance as demonstrated by recent university or institution records.
- Have no immediate relatives (e.g. father, mother, brother, sister) working in any UNICEF office.
- Have no other relatives in the line of authority which the intern will report to.
- Additional consideration will be given for any past experience.
- Have expertise in data science, complex systems and/or machine learning.
- Have expertise in epidemiology and global health.
- Have expertise in developing models to predict patterns of spatiotemporal spread of vector-borne diseases and early warning systems
- Have experience with geospatial data analysis and visualization (including shapefile/raster mapping)
- Have excellent programming skills: Python or R.
- Fluency in English is required.
For more information and to apply, click HERE.
Jobs with the Georgia Department of Public Health
Category : Student Opportunities
The Georgia Department of Public Health is looking for four students to work in the Epidemiology Section, Drug Overdose Surveillance Unit, on the growing opioid epidemic
Below is a description of the positions which are posted HERE. If you have questions, please contact Dr. Laura Edison (laura [dot] edison [at] dph [dot] ga [dot] gov).
1. The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is looking for a current MPH/MSPH student and two PhD students to assist in developing methods to determine areas in Georgia that are vulnerable to increased opioid-involved drug overdoses, and infectious disease outbreaks (HIV/Hepatitis) associated with injection drug use. This position will be working on a cooperative project between Emory University and DPH, and will work closely with Rollins School of Public Health Faculty and DPH Epidemiologists. The project goals are: to develop systematic small area estimates of county-level statistical summaries relevant to monitoring opioid use and abuse, to better estimate rates in counties with small numbers of overdoses, and to develop standardized analytic approaches for assessing urban-rural disparities in local statistical summaries monitoring opioid use and abuse. The project will expand to develop models for identifying vulnerable communities using a variety of data sources. Data management and analysis responsibilities will include using various databases, such as Excel, the Georgia electronic notifiable disease system, and statistical programs such as SAS and R. This is a one-year position that may be extended based on available funding.
The MPH/MSPH student will be employed for approximately 20 hours per week at a salary of $12/hr. The PhD students will be employed for approximately 20 hours per week at a salary of $15-18/hr. The schedule is flexible. The position could fulfill MPH practicum requirements. Student with a concentration in Biostatistics are preferred, but Epidemiology students with strong statistical skills will also be considered.
As part of the position the students will:
* Gain an understanding of data sources used to conduct disease and opioid overdose surveillance.
* Gain an understanding of data sources used to evaluate community health.
* Assist with the development of small area estimates to be able to estimate rates for small counts.
* Assist with the development of methods to determine urban-rural disparities.
* Create reports of findings.
2. The Georgia Department of Public Health is looking for a current MPH/MSPH student to assist in monitoring and improving Georgia’s syndromic surveillance for drug overdose-involved emergency department visits. The student will work with DPH Epidemiology staff from the Syndromic Surveillance Program and the Drug Overdose Surveillance Unit to conduct routine monitoring of surveillance data, weekly reporting of surveillance data, and improve data monitoring processes. Data management responsibilities will include using various databases, such as Excel, SAS, and the Georgia electronic notifiable disease system. This is a one-year position that may be extended based on available funding.
The student will be employed for approximately 20 hours per week at a salary of $12/hr. The schedule is flexible, and the student will be placed at the Department of Public Health offices in downtown Atlanta during normal business hours, and can perform some of the duties remotely. The position could fulfill MPH practicum requirements. Students with strong epidemiology skills and an interest in surveillance are preferred.
As part of a practicum experience, the student will:
* Gain an understanding of how syndromic surveillance functions.
* Review and revise weekly drug overdose surveillance monitoring protocols
* Review and revise and cluster analysis protocols
* Develop a drug overdose report template for communicating overdose clusters with Health Districts.
* Analyze disease surveillance data.
* Produce weekly surveillance reports.
CSTE internship position due 1/31
Category : Student Opportunities
Organization Description: For more than six decades, the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have worked together in partnership to improve the public’s health by supporting the efforts of epidemiologists working at the state and local level by promoting the effective use of epidemiologic data to guide public health practice and improve health. CSTE and its members represent two of the four basic components of public health – epidemiology and surveillance. CSTE, as a member-based organization, represents the interests of applied public health epidemiologists working in state, local, tribal, and territorial settings to improve the public’s health through effective epidemiology and surveillance. More information can be found at www.cste.org.
Position Description: Under the general supervision of the Director of Workforce Development the intern will be responsible for supporting a variety of CSTE’s Epidemiology Program Activities.
The Epi Program intern position will support a variety of projects in infectious diseases, surveillance and informatics, and/or non-infectious diseases. Projects may include but are not limited to the Council to Improve Foodborne Outbreak Response (CIFOR), Council for Outbreak Response: Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antibiotic-Resistant Pathogens, planning and organizing disaster epidemiology-related workshops and trainings, chronic disease, maternal and child health, and oral health projects, occupational and environmental health projects, the state Reportable Conditions Assessment (SRCA), and developing, distributing, and analyzing data from assessments of CSTE members on various topics, including epidemiology capacity assessment modules, disease-specific surveillance capacity assessments, and electronic disease surveillance systems.
Other activities may include participating in conference calls, taking notes, attending meetings, communicating with CSTE members and staff, literature reviews, data analysis, report writing, administrative tasks, and other duties as assigned.
PLEASE NOTE: Internship projects are not thesis eligible.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Qualifications and Employment Requirements:
- Current graduate student in public health or a related field
- Knowledgeable with Excel and Outlook
- Demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills
- Must have strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Must be able to work in Atlanta, GA.
Positions Available: 1
Education/Experience: Current graduate student in public health or a related field
Click HERE to apply
Post-doctoral and post-baccalaureate Positions at the NIH/NIEHS
Category : Alumni
Perinatal and Early Life Epidemiology Group
We are seeking talented and motivated fellows with training and experience in environmental health sciences, biostatistics, or epidemiology for positions in the Perinatal and Early Life Epidemiology Group (PI: Dr. Kelly Ferguson) in the Epidemiology Branch at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in Durham, North Carolina. The successful candidate will have a strong background in epidemiology, including experience with statistical modeling. Experience in environmental health sciences, biomarker studies, or chemistry is beneficial but not required.
Early delivery and reduced fetal to early childhood growth are associated with later-life disease and extensive public health burden. Research clearly indicates a role of the maternal environment during pregnancy in the origin of these outcomes, with evidence for effects of chemical exposures. However, research in this field has primarily been limited to investigation of known chemicals. Multiple positions are available to focus in this research area, with projects in untargeted analyses of chemical exposure biomarkers and metabolomics data, statistical methods for chemical mixtures analyses, and longitudinal modeling of fetal growth data. Opportunities for research on other aspects of perinatal health and the environment are also available.
Four positions are currently available and will remain open until filled:
• Post-baccalaureate position. This research assistant will become involved in multiple research projects and provide support for statistical analysis and manuscript preparation. MPH in epidemiology, biostatistics, or environmental health sciences preferred.
• Post-doctoral positions. Two post-doctoral positions are available. The fellows’ time will be devoted to data analysis, manuscript preparation, and career development (e.g., grant writing). Fellows will have the opportunity to propose related research that can be internally funded, and are also eligible and encouraged to apply for K99/R00 and non-NIH research grants. While NIEHS fellows have no teaching responsibilities, interaction with faculty and students at local universities (University of North Carolina, North Carolina State University, and Duke University) can be facilitated and is encouraged. Opportunities for mentoring undergraduate and graduate students are available.
• Joint post-doctoral position with the Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch. One post-doctoral position available with the explicit focus of developing and applying statistical methods for chemical mixtures in environmental epidemiology. Fellow will be mentored jointly by Dr. Ferguson and Dr. Shanshan Zhao and have the same opportunities as those described for Epidemiology Branch fellows. Salary and benefits are highly competitive. Initial appointment will be two years at NIEHS in Durham, North Carolina, with additional time (up to 5 years) depending on productivity. Anticipated start dates from summer to fall 2019.
Applicants should submit the following materials to epifellowships [at] niehs [dot] nih [dot] gov or directly to kelly [dot] ferguson2 [at] nih [dot] gov:
• Letter describing areas of research interest
• Curriculum vitae with bibliography
• Copies of 1-2 recent publications The NIH is dedicated to building a diverse community in its training and employment programs
Recent Comments