Epidemiologist I, Texas Health and Human Services

Job Description:
Performs moderately complex epidemiological work. Works with general supervision and moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment under the direction of the Vaccine Preventable Disease Group Manager, in the Emerging and Acute Infectious Disease Unit. Provides consultation and training on the epidemiology and control of vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) to regional and local health agencies, medical professionals, federal entities, and the public. Participates in epidemiologic investigations, including the development and creation of outbreak survey forms and reports. Utilizes the NEDSS based system (NBS) for surveillance and incidence reporting. Participates and evaluates the development of surveillance procedures, protocols, and guidelines on VPDs. Evaluates program information and educational needs. Develops quality assurance measures to ensure disease data reporting is accurate and timely. Works with Unit Managers, Team Leads, and other Program Specialists to maintain QA/QI standard operating procedures. Coordinates with the Immunization Unit as necessary to ensure consistency of prevention messaging and interpretation of VPD related statistics such as disease surveillance data and immunization coverage levels. Consults with health and medical personnel and provides information to the public on matters related to VPDs. Maintains the VPD pages on the DSHS website.

Essential Job Functions:

• Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
• (50%) Vaccine-Preventable Disease Surveillance and Epidemiology: Assists in management of statewide surveillance for VPDs such as: measles, rubella, congenital rubella syndrome, mumps, pertussis, H. influenza, tetanus, diphtheria, varicella, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and polio infection. Assists senior epidemiologists with epidemiological data gathering, analysis, and the resulting recommendations for disease control. Is responsible for the continuous monitoring of surveillance data to identify unusual trends and patterns. Reviews written and electronic disease reports and electronic laboratory reports to identify and confirm illness caused by VPDs. Using latitude, corresponds verbally and in writing with regional and local health departments, medical professionals, laboratories, federal entities, and the general public concerning VPD surveillance issues. Coordinates and oversees the entry of VPD data into the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS) by regional and local health departments. Corresponds with sites, evaluates staff reporting needs, and recommends and initiates appropriate training and education. Assembles reports of site-specific data issues for training and remediation purposes to enhance surveillance program activities. Enters and corrects data as needed. Responsible for monitoring data and enforcing quality assurance techniques to ensure the integrity of reported data, and user competency. Identifies and resolves duplicate records. Monitors VPD surveillance procedures for efficiency. Using NBS surveillance data, in conjunction with Word, Access, Epi Info, Excel, and/or PowerPoint, prepares status and ad hoc morbidity reports, and epidemiologic summary reports. Oversees airline notifications, including managing the database, informing local health departments of exposures, coordinating the release of vaccine if necessary, and providing feedback to the CDC. Evaluates local health department VPD data quarterly and provides technical assistance as necessary for improvement. Assists team lead with preparation of performance measure reports for CDC. Conducts enhanced surveillance projects to identify unreported cases of VPDs.
• (30%) Education, Training, and Consultations: Provides input regarding definitions, standards, and policies for the effective and efficient rendering of public health services and enforcement of public health laws and regulations. Interprets written and verbal public health information requests. Coordinates with the VPD team lead to formulate definitions, apply standards, and responses regarding VPD surveillance data. Coordinates with the VPD team lead to update guidelines on the infectious agents, modes of transmission, reservoirs, incubation periods, communicability periods, and control methods. Ensures content of the VPD website is current and complete. Acts as a resource for consultations on the epidemiology and control measures of listed diseases and others as assigned. Responds to written and verbal requests for information. Participates in the development of NBS user training and educational materials: creates and documents data flow charts; data entry procedural manuals; case rejection procedures; rejection notification messages and forms; data standards, definitions, and minimum datasets; current case definitions. Conducts group training and discussions regarding VPD surveillance. Provides guidance to regional health departments on specimen submission guidelines and other regional training topics. Performs public speaking before medium and large groups. Stays informed and current on prevalent and emerging VPDs.
• (15%) Outbreak Investigations and Special Projects: Participates in outbreak investigations. Develops interview tools and surveys. Interviews patients, coordinates the collection and transport of clinical and environmental specimens, reviews hospital charts, and/or develops databases for managing epidemiologic and laboratory information. Coordinates and conducts active surveillance by contacting medical providers, reviewing records (medical charts, laboratory reports, etc.) to identify previously unreported cases of reportable conditions. Participates in special projects.
• (5%) Other Duties as Assigned: Performs related duties as assigned by supervisor, which may 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 Plan (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Initial Selection Criteria:

• Master’s degree from a U.S. accredited college or university or a foreign degree determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator with a focus on epidemiology and/or analysis and assessment; OR
•  Bachelor’s degree in public health with at least 1 year of experience in epidemiology; OR
• Bachelor’s degree in other non-public health field from a U.S. accredited college or university or a foreign degree determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator with at least 2 years of experience in epidemiology

Apply: 

Click here to learn more about the position and apply online! 

Public Health Program Associate, RSPH

Job Summary:

A team of researchers in the Department of Epidemiology at Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University has been conducting research aimed at improving prevention, care, and treatment of tuberculosis (TB) including drug-resistant TB, TB/HIV co-infection and latent TB infection.

The group’s collaborating partners include Albert Einstein College of Medicine (New York), Columbia University (New York), Yale University (Connecticut), Brown University (Rhode Island), National Health Laboratory Service (South Africa), CAPRISA (South Africa), and University of KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa).

We are seeking a self-motivated, highly-organized Public Health Program Associate with experience in research project management, who will be responsible for coordinating and monitoring the quality and project progress of an NIH-funded research project being conducted in South Africa.

This is a one-year position.

This position reports to the U.S. based Program Director and requires 30-35% travel to Durban, South Africa for monitoring project progress.                                                      

Scope of Responsibility:

Provides principal administrative and research support to the Principal Investigator in the administration and implementation of multiple NIH funded projects and their completion

Interfaces with research and administrative staff at Emory Rollins School of Public Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Columbia University, Yale University, PHRI and in-country study staff in South Africa.

Responsibilities:

• Provide principal administrative and research support to the Principal Investigator and Program Director in the administration and implementation of multiple NIH funded projects and their completion
• Be responsible for communication across research sites and collaborating agencies based in the U.S. and South Africa, including daily emails, and biweekly video/teleconferences and quarterly site visits
• Prepare agendas for and lead weekly project U.S. team meetings and monthly conference calls with site staff and collaborating partners; write and distribute minutes from meetings/calls
• Serve as a point of contact and interact with the study personnel at the study sites to ensure smooth integration of the study into the clinical and programmatic setting
• Work with on-site project staff to ensure site compliance to all aspects of the project protocols and national and international regulations
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for activities at each site
• Work with U.S. and South African team members to maintain data collection forms and study database
• Track screening, enrollment and completion of study procedures of all study participants
• Prepare and present periodic progress reports, meeting agendas and minutes, and action items to document project progress and next steps in regular team meetings with the Study Investigators and other Key Personnel
• Develop and monitor implementation of project work plans
• Track and review electronic transfer and archiving of scanned paper case report forms (CRFs) and source documents
• Modify CRFs as needed and maintain study database
• Review data entered into study database and develop data reports to track study progress
• Work with the site study staff to monitor accuracy and completeness of data collection and data entry to ensure quality data management
• Conduct quarterly site monitoring in South Africa including quality control (QC) of informed consent forms, study CRFs and source documents, and meeting with in-country team regarding all aspects of project progress
• Prepare and send daily notes to the Principal Investigator and other Key Personnel during trips to South Africa, detailing study activities and discussions
• Collaborate closely with site investigator to provide targeted support and training of a team of 12-15 South African study staff members to ensure accurate and timely completion of all project activities
• Prepare and submit ethics applications, including amendments and annual renewals to the Emory Institutional Review Board (IRB); oversee ethics applications at all relevant site IRBs
• Review project ledgers and track expenses
• Complete additional research duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• A master’s degree in public health, a Master of Science degree in public health or health education, or a master’s in development practice from an accredited school.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s in public health or related field from an accredited school is preferred
• Experience with international research projects is preferred 

Skills and Competencies

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects while working as part of a geographically dispersed team
• Accuracy and attention to detail is required
• Ability to work independently with minimal oversight
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills
• Ability to work effectively in teams
• Knowledge of human subjects research study design and regulations, epidemiology and biostatistics
• Ability to complete tasks in a timely manner
• Ability and desire to travel internationally multiple times per year to study sites during 2-3 week trips, to support the needs of the project
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office suite applications

Apply 

Click here to learn more about the position and to apply!

Developmental Disabilities Epidemiology Fellowship, CDC

Description 

Two summer research opportunities are currently available with the Child Development & Disability Branch (CDDB), of the Division of Human Development and Disability (DHDD), National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia.

The National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD) seeks to promote the health of babies, children, and adults with disabilities. The work of NCBDDD includes identifying the causes of birth defects, developmental disabilities, helping children to develop and reach their full potential, and promoting health and well-being among people of all ages with disabilities. NCBDDD has three Divisions that carry out this mission: Division of Birth Defects and Infant Disorders (DBDID), Division of Human Development and Disability (DHDD), and Division of Blood Disorders (DBD).

Specifically, these opportunities are currently available within DHDD’s Child Development and Disability Branch (CDDB). DHDD leads inclusive programs to optimize the health and development of children and adults with, or at risk for, disabilities. Moreover, major priorities of the Division include a) identifying and reducing disparities in key health indicators (obesity, tobacco, etc.) among persons with disabilities; b) improving developmental outcomes of children; c) ensuring that all newborns are screened and assessed for hearing loss and receive appropriate intervention; and d) reducing disparities in health care access for persons with disabilities. Under the guidance of mentors of the Epidemiology and Surveillance Teams, the participants will be trained in the following projects and activities: 

For the Epidemiology Team: 

• Draw upon public health training and experience to recommend and contribute to various elements of the DHDD/CDDB activities, such as public health surveillance, project coordination, data analysis, presentation, and writing by supporting activities of autism in the Georgia Study to Explore Early Development (SEED) and the Georgia Study SEED Teen research studies
• Receive mentorship and guidance: 1) in the day to day activities for one of the largest multi-site research study addressing autism and developmental disabilities; 2) on data analysis for major publications and leading analytic strategies for self-initiated publications and presentations; 3) in the development of key communication strategies for dissemination of surveillance and epidemiological study findings; 4) on the management, design, and development of research study methods, including data linkages with vital records and census indicators and compilation of analysis datasets; and 5) in the development and implementation of program evaluation methods.
• Contribute to the preparation/assembly of research study materials
• Participate in performing quality checks on all study forms received from study participants
• Contribute to data entry of the GA SEED and SEED Teen research study forms

For the Surveillance Team:

• Draw upon public health training and experience to recommend and contribute to various elements of the DHDD/CDDB activities, such as public health surveillance, project coordination, data analysis, presentation, and writing by supporting activities of autism in the Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network and the Metropolitan Atlanta Developmental Disabilities Surveillance Program (MADDSP)
• Acquire scientific knowledge in the field of autism and other developmental disabilities
• Provide opportunity to learn surveillance data collection procedures and evaluate improvement for efficiency
• Receive mentored guidance in the day-to-day activities necessary for a multiple-state surveillance network
• Engage and have the opportunity to learn data management, scientific communication, and critical thinking needed for analysis and scientific writing
• Train in conducting literature reviews for autism prevalence studies
• Perform data entry and cleaning of an analytic database for cerebral palsy analysis
• Contribute to the communication of data proposals to ADDM investigators and track progress of abstracts and manuscripts
• Engage with principal investigators to analyze trends in autism prevalence over time, and may contribute to the preparation of abstracts and manuscripts

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 be currently pursuing a master’s degree in one of the relevant fields.

Preferred Skills:

• Data analysis and analytical skills
• Research
• Data collection
• Public health surveillance

Apply

Click here to learn more about the opportunity and to apply online!

Corona Virus Response Fellowship, CDC-ORISE

Description 

A research opportunity is currently available with the Center for State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial Support (CSTLTS) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. CSTLTS seeks to foster deeper engagement between CDC senior leaders and public health leadership from the U.S. territories and freely- associated states.

Duties and Responsibilities 

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

• Contribute to the development of a system to monitor the progress of Coronavirus response recovery efforts, including coordinating with multidisciplinary stakeholders including local public health jurisdictions, federal officials from various government agencies, and non-governmental partners
• Systematically evaluate the progress of recovery efforts and participate in the presentation of such evaluation results at an interdisciplinary stakeholder summit planned for Summer 2020
• Contribute to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs to prevent disease
• Provide a basis for epidemiologic research

During this appointment, the participant’s learning objectives include:

• Receive hands-on experience with the Coronavirus response, with particular emphasis on cross-coordination of federal disaster recovery efforts and public health-specific needs
• Learn how routine public health is disrupted by disasters and methods to resume normal activities as quickly as possible
• Understand the importance and unique expertise of various federal, local, and private sector organizations in emergency response and recovery and get hands-on experience with how such organizations work together to mitigate disasters
• Learn and be immersed in the organization, coordination, and direction of available resources in order to respond to public health emergencies
• Participate in high-level meetings between senior local health officials and CDC leaders, to learn how public health decisions are made on a macro scale
• Gain familiarity and experience with the extensive vetting and monitoring process required to manage federal funds
• Learn about considerations for prioritizing the allocation of health resources
• Learn how to monitor progress in the implementation of large-scale federally funded projects, including funding drawdown and progress of programmatic activities, and troubleshoot concerns about budgets, awards, and program implementation
• Undergo training on operating in an emergency response, including federal-level disaster response processes and CDC-specific mechanisms
• Learn how the CDC Emergency Operations Center collects, gathers, and analyzes data; makes decisions based on available data; and communicates decisions and valuable information to stakeholders
• Receive training and mentorship from subject matter experts in emergency management and public health partner coordination

Additional Information

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 be currently pursuing or have received a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date. 

Contact and Application Information

• Click here to learn more about the position and apply online! 
• If you have questions, send an email to ORISE [dot] CDC [dot] CSTLTS [at] orau [dot] org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity (CDC-CSTLTS-2020-0086) in your email.