EMSTR Epidemiologist III

Job Description: 

Epidemiologist III performs highly advanced (senior-level) research and epidemiological work in the Injury Prevention Unit. Work is performed under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. Reports to Analytic Program Manager. Designs, develops, and implements advanced epidemiologic investigations related to EMS and Trauma Registries (EMSTR) data. Cleans, prepares, analyzes, and evaluates data and communicates results to diverse audiences. Consults with health professionals, researchers, and other epidemiologistswithin DSHS to define and solve specific problems and to assure quality control across methods, procedures, and statistical analysis. Develops and directs grant-funded projects, generates scientific publications, public health reports and presentation of completed work to agency/program management, and presents at scientific conferences. Develop educational materials and trainings used in implementing epidemiology programs. Participates in cross-functional training within the Injury Prevention Unit and DSHS. To perform these job duties, this position may require working extra hours needed to meet defined deadlines and support the agency’s mission critical reporting requirements.

Essential Job Functions: 

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and perform other duties as assigned.   

(25%)  Designs, develops, and implements advanced epidemiologic investigations related to EMSTR data following new orstandardized scientific polices/protocols, coordinating studies, collecting, analyzing and evaluating data, and interpreting results. Translates compex findings into accessible reports, briefs, and data visualizations to inform stakeholders. 

(25%) Develops and directs grant-funded projects, generates scientific publications, public health reports and presentation of completed work to agency/program management, and presents at scientific conferences. Responds to data requests from internal and external requestors, standardizes data requests, and shares results in easily digestible formats.  

(25%)  Support data quality and improvement efforts within EMSTR. Identify opportunities for the use and distribution of program data to internal and external stakeholders. Standardize data across years and improve processes to clean and standardize data. 

(20%) Consults with health professionals, including managers, researchers, and other epidemiologists within DSHS to define and solve specific public health and injury prevention problems and to assure quality control across methods, procedures, and statistical analysis. 

(5%) 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. To perform these job duties, this position may require working extra hours needed to meet defined deadlines and support the agency’s mission critical reporting requirements. 

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities: 

List the knowledge, skills, and abilities critical to performance in this position:   

Knowledge of the basic principles and methods of epidemiology and related biostatistics; infectious diseases, adverse reproductive outcomes, cancer, or other chronic diseases; occupational and environmental diseases or injuries; and how causes of disease affect epidemiologic practices 

Knowledge of research planning and evaluation methods 

Knowledge of principles and methods of epidemiology and related statistics as well as health outcomes, scientific methods, statistical concepts and methods and their application to surveillance and research 

Knowledge of analysis of large datasets 

Knowledge of computer software package applications, especially SAS 

Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access), and Tableau 

Knowledge of SQL Developer (Preferred) 

Skill in the use of a computer and applicable software, in collecting and abstracting data from health records, in analyzing and interpreting large amounts of data, and in critical thinking 

Skills in development of procedures to monitor and evaluate progress in achieving project objectives, including feedback to policy makers to provide input into the ongoing research process 

Skills in strong project management skills to organize major project activities into a logical sequence with a reasonable and achievable schedule of deadlines 

Skills in strong technical writing skills 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 conduct epidemiological studies and investigations, and to communicate effectively. 

Ability to manage projects and prepare reports on epidemiological studies and investigations; to interpret and publishing findings; and to supervise the work of others 

Ability to plan and direct programs and to plan and report on epidemiological investigations. 

Ability to review the work of other epidemiologists 

Ability to link multiple large databases 

Ability to gather information from a variety of sources and to synthesize and translate detailed information into simpler terms 

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely orally and in writing 

Ability to develop and effectively deliver training and technical assistance about research/data methods, procedures or DSHS policies 

Ability to facilitate meeting agendas to achieve planned outcomes, and to convey planning alternatives or recommendations to a variety of audiences including DSHS staff, the public and decision makers 

Ability to interpret complex statistical analysis, charts, and tables; to develop and analyze measuring instruments with respect to reliability, relevance, and validity 

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and to work with others as part of a team

Ability to make recommendations for program improvement and direction

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: N/A  

Initial Screening Criteria: 

Required graduation from an accredited 4-year college or university in epidemiology, health or social science, statistics, or a related field; 

AND 

Full-time experience using SAS 

AND

Experience working as an epidemiologist/researcher/public health data analyst.  

Additional Information: 

IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION PRIOR TO SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION:  

Information on the application must clearly state how the applicant meets initial selection criteria in the Summary of Experience section in order to be interviewed. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application.  

Applicants must provide information relevant to the required experience for this position. Answer all questions and completely summarize your experience including technical and managerial responsibilities and any special training, skills and qualifications for each position you have held in the employment history section of application.   

All fields on the application must be filled-in completely. This includes, but is not limited to, previous salary, previous supervisor, and reason for leaving previous position.  

Applicants selected for an interview will be required to complete an in-basket exercise. 

The position is not eligible for telework. 

Agency salary policy, budget and candidate’s qualifications will dictate final salary offer. 

Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to: 68S, 60C, HM, 230X, 4E0X1, 43HX, 43MX, 43EX.  All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position.  For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.