News, updates, and information for current students and alumni of the Department of Epidemiology at Rollins School of Public Health
Category : Alumni
We provide rigorous training in the development and use of basic theories and research in psychology to understand the links between psychological processes and physical health. Our research covers laboratory community and medical settings.
Category : Alumni
Seeking an analytic epidemiologist or a public health-oriented data scientist, statistician, or population biologist/ecologist with a PhD, MD, or DVM to serve as Analytics Team Lead for a group that addresses analytic priorities that include:
• Informing food safety policy and tracking progress toward food safety goals by analyzing large, complex databases from various government, industry, and public sources to estimate, for
bacterial enteric pathogens, the
o number of illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths, accounting for limitations in surveillance and other data;
o percentage of illnesses acquired by each transmission pathway (food, water, animals, environment, and people);
o percentage of illnesses due to each source (especially food categories); and
o spatiotemporal changes in pathogens and sources responsible for infections
o assessing the possible role of changes in regulation, consumer preferences, food marketing, and pathogens in the trends in illnesses
• Incorporating epidemiologic data analytics into the genomic revolution
• Understanding and adjusting surveillance measures to account for the rising use of cultureindependent diagnostic tests in clinical laboratories that test specimens from ill people.
Background
This branch tracks the incidence of and determines risk factors for illnesses caused by Campylobacter, Escherichia coli O157 and other Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, Listeria, Salmonella, Clostridium botulinum, Shigella, Vibrio, Yersinia, and other known and possible bacterial enteric pathogens. The first four listed are a major focus because they cause many illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths; are transmitted commonly by food; and are amenable to control by national food safety regulations and policies. Clinical laboratories send bacterial isolates from ill people to state health departments, where whole genome sequencing is conducted. CDC collects data on individual illnesses and outbreaks caused by these pathogens, often with detailed information about the person (e.g., demographics, exposures) and the pathogen (e.g., sequence type, antibiotic resistance, virulence factors). Congress, regulatory agencies, consumer groups, the food industry, and others rely on CDC data and estimates to target and evaluate control measures, and to track progress toward food safety goals. The Analytics Team assists with the design and conduct of epidemiological studies, including population surveys, matched case-control analyses, and other research projects, and uses traditional and advanced epidemiologic and statistical methods and software to conduct analyses, including regression, Bayesian methods, and machine learning.
Duties
• Supervise and mentor a team of doctoral and master’s-level epidemiologists and biostatisticians,
providing technical direction, advice, and guidance to staff and encouraging a team environment.
• Design and evaluate epidemiologic studies and data.
• Document analytic plans and modeling methods and publish scientific papers.
• Collaborate on projects within the Branch, across the Division, and with government agencies (especially food safety regulatory agencies).
• Develop reports and provide presentations to communicate technical information to nontechnical audiences.
Qualifications
Successful candidates will have a doctoral degree (PhD, MD, or DVM) and extensive training in epidemiology, biostatistics, or data science. Qualified candidates should have experience in the application of analytic methods, demonstrated by a relevant scientific publication record. Candidates should have demonstrated the ability to communicate effectively and work well in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment. Knowledge of and experience with generalized linear mixed models, Bayesian methods, machine learning techniques, and other modern approaches to causal inference and statistical analysis is preferred. Strong computational skills are preferred (e.g., R, SAS, or similar software; BUGS, JAGS, or similar software; and special purpose software, e.g., @Risk or ArcGIS). An understanding of clinical infectious disease or experience in analyses of infectious disease data would enhance the application. For more information: Interested persons should send their resume/CV and a brief statement of interest to edebadminsupport [at] cdc [dot] gov by with the subject line: Analytics Team Lead. For more information, contact Beau Bruce, MD, PhD (lue7 [at] cdc [dot] gov).
Category : Alumni
Minimum Qualifications:
Highly Desired Skills:
Preferred Skills:
To apply, click HERE.
Category : Alumni
Program Overview
The Division of Research (DOR) Programmer Analyst Training program is designed for entry level analysts interested in health care and epidemiologic research. The program includes a robust curriculum in didactic and interactive programming analysis using data from electronic medical records and other sources. Participants are also embedded with research teams applying their learnings and contributing to real world health research studies. The training program is open to candidates who have recently completed or will complete graduate school by June 2020. Participants in the six-month training program, July 20 – December 18, 2020, are employees with salary and benefits. Upon successful completion of the program, the participant will be evaluated to determine if a long-term position is available.
Program Goals
Develop skills in programming and analysis techniques for research projects
Provide opportunities to contribute to epidemiologic and health research studies
Help successful participants prepare for careers at DOR and Kaiser Permanente Learning Opportunity
Introduction to Kaiser Permanente’s data systems and databases
Training in fundamental skills of data extraction, data analysis and consultation, and data presentation for research studies
One-on-one and group mentoring by experienced team members, including DOR’s research scientists and other senior analysts
Assignment to one or more ongoing research project teams
Participation in DOR’s peer group of more than 100 Programmer Analysts
Qualifications
Recently completed master’s degree program in a related field, such as epidemiology, statistics, biostatistics, or public health
Interest or training in statistical programming languages
Additional Requirements
Strong analytical, self-initiative and innovation skills
Ability to conduct and interpret quantitative and qualitative analyses
Effective communication, consulting, interpersonal, and presentation skills
Proficiency with PC applications including spreadsheet, word processing, and graphics packages
Must be able to work in a Labor Management Partnership environment
Eligible to work in the US
To Apply
Applications are now being accepted through January 15, 2020 for the July 20 – December 18, 2020 program. Interviews and hiring decisions will take place January – March 2020. Application Instructions Please create ONE document file (e.g. Word or pdf) containing the items listed below and email to DOR-PA-Trainee [at] kp [dot] org by January 15, 2020, 11:59 pm pacific time.
One document file (e.g. Word or pdf) to include: 1. Cover Letter: limited to two pages in font no smaller than Times New Roman 12 pt or Arial 11 pt. Margins must be 1”. The cover letter must include:
your programming, internship and/or work experience
your career goals
how the program will help you further these goals
2. Resume: the top of the resume must include: Current degree program and name of school Expected graduation date
3. Two references: reference name, title, organization, phone and email
4. Writing sample (e.g. first few pages of a thesis, report, or paper for coursework where you are the sole author)
5. Work sample, limited to one page, such as an example of programming code, data analysis or similar product, which reflects your skills and experience.
About Us
Kaiser Permanente is an integrated health care delivery system with a diverse membership in eight regions across the US. In the Northern California region, Kaiser Permanente has 4 million members, a network of 21 hospitals and 100 ambulatory medical offices, and a multi-specialty physician group withover 9,000 physicians. The Division of Research, which is part of Kaiser Permanente in Northern California, has more than 600 people on staff, including 55 faculty-level investigators and 80 programmer analysts, with 475 ongoing, funded projects on a wide range of health research topics. Founded in 1961, the Division’s research program has been built on a base of rigorous epidemiologic and health services investigation. In 2017, the Division’s research portfolio totaled over $84 million in grants awarded by the National Institutes of Health, other federal agencies, private foundations, industry, and Kaiser Permanente. The Division of Research draws upon the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Region’s rich electronic medical record data and advanced informatics infrastructure. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Division of Research office is at 2000 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612. This is near Lake Merritt and the Uptown district, and well-served by public transportation. For more information Visit the Division of Research website by clicking HERE.
Important Dates:
Applications due: January 15, 2020 by 11:59 pm pacific time Program Dates: July 20 – December 18, 2020
Category : Alumni
The Pew Charitable Trusts uses data to make a difference. For more than 70 years, we have focused on serving the public, invigorating civic life, conducting nonpartisan research, advancing effective public policies and practices, and achieving tangible results. Through rigorous inquiry and knowledge sharing, we inform and engage public-spirited citizens and organizations, linking diverse interests to pursue common cause. We are a dedicated team of researchers, communicators, advocates, subject matter experts, and professionals working on today’s big challenges – and we know we are more effective and creative collectively than we are individually. With Philadelphia as our home town and the majority of our staff located in Washington, DC, our U.S. and international staff find working at Pew personally and professionally rewarding.
Wise stewardship of resources allows Pew employees to pursue work that strategically furthers our philanthropic mission in significant and measurable ways. We collaborate with a diverse range of philanthropic partners, public and private organizations, and concerned citizens who share our interest in fact-based solutions and goal-driven investments to improve society. Pew attracts top talent, people of integrity who are service-oriented and willing to take on challenging assignments. We provide competitive pay and benefits, a healthy work-life balance, and a respectful and inclusive workplace. Pew employees are proud of their colleagues, proud of where they work, and proud of the institution’s reputation.
The Government Performance Portfolio within Program
Government performance, one of the five program portfolios at The Pew Charitable Trusts, identifies and advances effective approaches to improve policy at all levels of government. The portfolio’s project teams conduct research on emerging topics, develop data-driven reports, and highlight innovative approaches in addressing complex problems. Initiatives currently focus on three key areas for federal, state, and local governments: (1) health and human services; (2) management and budget; and (3) safety and justice.
GP utilizes the basic tools required to explore and advance effective policy solutions at the federal, state, and local levels. These solutions include credible, timely, and user-friendly research; assessments of public support for change; strategic outreach and dissemination to ensure that good information is widely communicated to decision-makers, media, influential stakeholders, and the public; the capacity to bring together diverse perspectives and find common ground; and the ability to identify and apply approaches that have proven successful elsewhere.
The GP portfolio is led by the vice president and head of government performance, with support from a vice president and senior directors who provide oversight over select projects and functions within the portfolio.
Antibiotic Resistance Project
Pew’s antibiotic resistance project supports policies and research that would spur the creation of new antibiotics, establish stewardship programs to ensure that antibiotics are prescribed only when necessary in human health care settings, and reduce the need for antibiotics in food animals. Follow this link for more information: https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/projects/antibiotic-resistance-project
Position Overview
The senior associate, based in Pew’s Washington, DC office, informs and influences public policy by providing research and programmatic support to achieve the goals of the project. This includes developing subject matter expertise in the use of antibiotics in food animal production; taking a lead role in the execution of the project’s research and outreach goals; analyzing policies to phase out the overuse of antibiotics in food animals; and assisting with stakeholder convenings and communications. Reporting to the manager, antibiotic resistance project, the senior associate works closely with the senior officer, health program, and other Pew colleagues in communications, research, government relations, and other areas. The position has a set time frame that could be extended based on the success of the program, funding sources, and board decisions on continued support.
Responsibilities
Under the direction of the manager and guidance of other staff (specifically, the senior officer, health program):
Develop relevant subject matter expertise:
Develop a broad knowledge of issues related to antibiotic stewardship in animal agriculture.
Track trends regarding animal antibiotic use.
Proactively identify and monitor the relevant positions of influential stakeholders and thought leaders.
Contribute to research and publication efforts:
Conduct literature reviews, qualitative research, and data analysis.
Track development and implementation of relevant public policy.
Draft fact sheets, issue briefs, Web features, and other publications.
Confirm accuracy of products and publications through quality-control and fact-check processes.
Contribute to policy advocacy and outreach efforts:
Collaborate with communications and government relations colleagues to generate materials and presentations for outreach to the media, policymakers, and key stakeholders and ensure that materials are timely, accurate, and relevant.
Assist in planning, organizing, and coordinating in-person and online convenings of key stakeholders.
Contribute to and participate in tasks of the project and department as assigned, as well as broader Pew-wide projects and committees as needed.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in a research or policy-related discipline required. Professional or advanced degree in public policy, veterinary science, or research-related field preferred.
At least four years of applicable experience in research or public policy.
Prior to commencing employment with Pew, candidates for this position who were registered to lobby in any jurisdiction must certify termination of previous registration(s) and provide copies of termination notices with said jurisdiction(s) to Pew.
Knowledge of animal production systems or current policy and research on antibiotic use, particularly in food animal production, is preferred.
Excellent applied research and analytical skills, including a proven ability to comprehend scientific research, synthesize large amounts of scientific information, identify themes, and present the information to an informed general audience.
Ability to focus quickly on the essence of an issue, as well as to identify, understand, and synthesize different policy perspectives.
Excellent oral communication skills, including an ease in conveying complex concepts and issues in a clear, effective manner for policy and general audiences.
Excellent written and editing skills, including a proven ability to learn and adopt new writing styles as required.
Demonstrated project- and time-management skills, including the ability to think strategically, juggle multiple priorities, adjust to changing circumstances, resolve problems creatively and logically, organize time efficiently and remain attentive to details.
Ability to work professionally and collegially within a creative, fast-paced corporate culture that emphasizes excellence and teamwork.
To apply, click HERE.
Category : Alumni
Department: Obstetrics & Gynecology
Responsible for all aspects of research projects and research facilities. Plans and conducts clinical and non-clinical research; facilitates and monitors daily activities of clinical trials or research projects. Directs engineering and technical support activities to develop and maintain tools and computational methods needed to gather and analyze data.
Conducts data investigation, including data wrangling, cleaning, sampling, management, exploratory analysis, regression and classification, prediction, and data communication. Implements foundational concepts of data computation, such as data structure, algorithms, parallel computing, simulation, and analysis. Utilizes knowledge in game theory, statistical quality control, exponential smoothing, seasonally adjusted trend analysis, or data visualization to gain insights, develop new strategies, and cultivate actionable business intelligence in diverse career tracks across the University.
P3: Requires in-depth knowledge and experience. Uses best practices and knowledge of internal or external University issues to improve products or services. Solves complex problems; takes a new perspective using existing solutions. Works independently, receives minimal guidance. Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience.
Responsibilities
The job uses best practices and knowledge of data manipulation, statistical applications, programming, analysis and modeling in order to implement projects related to the University’s various internal data systems as well as from external sources. The job is responsible for managing operational protocols.
1) Has a deep understanding of methods to analyze complex data sets for the purpose of extracting and purposefully using applicable information. May develop and maintain infrastructure that connects data sets., 2) Guides staff or faculty members in defining the project and applies principals of data science in manipulation, statistical applications, programming, analysis and modeling., 3) Calibrates data between large and complex research and administrative datasets. Guides and may set the operational protocols for collecting and analyzing information from the University’s various internal data systems as well as from external sources., 4) Designs and evaluates statistical models and reproducible data processing pipelines using expertise of best practices in machine learning and statistical inference. Provides expertise for high level or complex data-related requests and engages other IT resources as needed. Partners with other campus teams to assist faculty with data science related needs., 5) Performs other related work as needed.
Unit-specific Responsibilities
1) Perform significant leadership and creative role in the design, development and execution of quantitative studies using observational, quasi-experimental, experimental and simulation designs as appropriate.
2) Manage and develop a team of masters and more junior-level analysts (biostatistics, informatics, public health, MD-trained analysts) and trainees, including providing support, mentorship and duplicating analyses
3) Lead the writing of the study design and analytic components of proposals, manuscripts and other dissemination materials. Prepare tables and figures for manuscripts, abstracts, and other scientific publications, contributing as author or co-author
4) Oversee development, management and integrity of all research databases, including maintaining and documenting source code for reproducibility of research.
5) Oversee and conduct preparation of datasets for analysis
6) Apply high-level research and writing skills in combination with data analysis skills to ensure timely and effective dissemination of study findings.
7) Identify appropriate statistical methods to address research hypotheses and conduct statistical analyses accordingly. Provide statistical analysis and data management for multiple NIH and other funded projects, including randomized controlled trials, longitudinal intervention studies, network studies of information-based and clinical interventions
8) Participate in regular meetings to discuss proposed analyses, share code and analytic approaches, and discuss data and/or methodological challenges as they arise.
Unit-preferred Competencies
1) Demonstrated ability in effective management and training of analysts
2) Demonstrated success in development and writing of federal (especially NIH) and other funding proposals
3) Demonstrated skills using analytic software including STATA or the equivalent required; ArcGIS preferred; social network, systems science, machine learning, predictive analytics experience a plus
4) Proficiency with Microsoft applications, including but not limited to Outlook, Excel, Access and Word
5) Ability to adhere to protocols for maintaining confidentiality of protected health information, and work with sensitive information
6) Meticulous attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
7) Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
8) Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
9) Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills, including ability to communicate results from complex statistical analyses to a lay audience.
10) Flexibility, creativity, and problem solving skills.
11) Ability to collaborate with colleagues from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.
12) Demonstrated effective leadership skills and ability to manage new analysts or students
For more information and to apply, click HERE.
Category : Alumni
Description
The Senior Behavioral Economics Professional in Clinical Data Science team designs, executes, and measures the results of large scale experiments. The Senior Behavioral Economics Professional work assignments involve moderately complex to complex issues where the analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors.
Responsibilities
Digital Health and Analytics is a new area of Humana, focused on transforming the health experience for Humana members through the use of technology and analytics. We are looking for a Behavioral Economics Professional to assist in transforming Humana into a best in class Test and Learn organization, using both Behavioral Economics theory and Design of Experiment expertise to design rigorous business experiments that will inform Humana’s strategy moving forward.
The Behavioral Economics Professional will work cross-functionally and collaboratively with teams across Humana in the design, execution, and analysis of business experiments, with emphasis on randomized control studies when appropriate. To enable Humana’s transformation to a best in class testing organization, the Behavioral Economics Professional will guide Business Partners for the Clinical Data science team through a new process that makes it easy for teams to navigate the complexity of testing in a large organization with regards to legal, compliance, and other regulatory oversight.
The ideal candidate will have experience conducting experiments in an applied healthcare setting and have demonstrated innovation and creative methods for overcoming testing constraints.
As a Behavioral Economics Professional, you will:
guide Business Partners through a new Test and Learn process that makes it easy for teams to navigate the complexity of testing in a large organization with regards to legal, compliance, and other regulatory oversight
provide regular reporting of the Test and Learn landscape at Humana
work with Business Partners to clearly define hypotheses and design rigorous tests that allow confidence in the results
provide recommendations for sample sizing through power analysis
apply Behavioral Economics theory to the design of interventions
build strong working relationships with a variety of teams in a collaborative, matrixed environment with physical locations across the U.S.
design, conduct, analyze, and provide recommendations for the interpretation of results of business experiments
First Year Success Factors
You communicate effectively and timely with Business Partners engaged in the Test and Learn process.
You are recognized as an experimentation expert by Business Partners.
You are able to identify innovative methods for overcoming testing constraints.
You have developed effective partnerships with business partners and coworkers.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Behavioral Sciences, Applied Statistics, Public Health or related field
Experience conducting lab or field experiments
Experience working with and analyzing various types of data using SAS, R, Python or similar software
History of solving problems, creating solutions and driving change within a team
Naturally curious and comfortable with ambiguity
Demonstrated strategic and analytical thinking
Clear and concise oral and written communication skills
Strong interpersonal and consulting skills
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s or PhD Degree in Economics, Behavioral Sciences, Applied Statistics, Public Health or related field
1-3 years of work experience in healthcare, insurance, or related field
Experience conducting microeconomic or behavioral science research
Previously applied research to help a firm reach objectives
Work experience in a health care and/or Insurance setting
To apply, click HERE.
Category : Alumni
JOB SUMMARY:
Supervises, guides, and/or instructs the work assignments of subordinate staff. Supervises epidemiologic investigations, surveillance, and interventions with significant impact on public health and the agency`s resources. Supervises the collection, analysis, and interpretation of complex statistical data and the preparation of epidemiologic reports.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Supervises and plans work of assigned staff.
• Collects, analyzes, and interprets statistical data and prepares reports.
• Provides training, technical assistance, and consultative services regarding epidemiology and the control of diseases.
• Serves as a point of contact for various personnel regarding moderately complex epidemiologic issues.
• Develops policies and procedures for new and existing disease control programs. Designs and leads, from conception to completion, long-term epidemiologic projects with significant impact on public health and the agency’s resources.
• Functions as principal investigator for investigations of diseases and oversees formal case control and cohort studies of complex health issues.
• Oversees the design, implementation, and maintenance of disease surveillance systems. Provides related training, mentoring, and consultation to departmental staff and others. Oversees epidemiologic programs for the control of communicable and/or chronic diseases.
• Develops presentations and publications.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Doctorate degree in public health, Epidemiology, biostatistics or a closely related field from an accredited college or university AND Two years of experience performing epidemiologic work or work in a closely related field OR Master`s degree in public health or a closely related field from an accredited college or university AND Five years of experience performing epidemiologic work or work in a closely related field OR Bachelor`s degree from an accredited college or university AND Six years of experience performing epidemiologic work or work in a closely related field OR One year of experience at the lower level Epidemiologist 3 (HCP182) or position equivalent.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Preference will be given to applicants who, in addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, possess two or more of the following:
1. Doctorate degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics.
2. Author of research article in a peer reviewed journal addressing problem in public health, epidemiology or biostatistics.
To apply, click HERE.
Category : Alumni
Mission: To prepare epidemiologists for public health leadership positions in California.
Goals:
To provide experience in epidemiology and public health practice during placements with governmental health agencies.
To produce well-trained epidemiologists for employment in California public health agencies.
To assist local health departments in emergency outbreak and other field of epidemiology investigations, if the opportunity arises.
California Epidemiologic Investigation Service (Cal-EIS) is a one- or two-year program for promising but green epidemiologists to gain hands-on experience working with an epidemiologist preceptor in either local or state health departments in California.
Established in 1989 in response to the California Conference of Local Health Officers’ need to employ qualified epidemiologists in California’s health departments, Cal-EIS provides one year of training in applied epidemiology for epidemiologists who have recently graduated from a Master’s degree program. Occasionally, there is the opportunity to extend the Fellowship for a second year.
Cal-EIS takes pride in public health workforce training. It is a unique program; very few states have a training program designed to train Master’s-level epidemiologists.
For more Information and to apply, click HERE.
Category : Alumni
A research opportunity is currently available with the Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch (ESB), Division of Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention (DHDSP), within the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch monitors heart disease and stroke patterns and trends through the timely collection, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of programmatically relevant data.
Under the guidance of a mentor, the selected participant will have the opportunity to gain experience in advanced spatial and spatiotemporal studies of heart disease and stroke morbidity and mortality. These activities may include:
Creating, updating, analyzing and managing very large datasets
Participating in advanced spatial and/or spatio-temporal analyses of heart disease and stroke morbidity, mortality and risk factors using Bayesian and frequentist approaches
Writing summaries of methods, results and interpretations for use in government reports and peer-reviewed articles
Conducting literature reviews
Presenting the results to internal and external audiences, including professional meetings and/or conferences
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: October 28, 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:
Experience analyzing spatial and/or spatiotemporal data
Experience in the management and analysis of large data sets
Knowledge/Awareness of Bayesian statistical methods
Experience using statistical software, such as SAS or R, for data analysis
Experience using ArcGIS or other mapping software package
For more information and to apply, click HERE.
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