Epidemiologist II

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Brief Job Description:

Under the general direction of the Epidemiology Manager of the Texas Cancer Registry, Cancer Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch (CESB), assists with incoming data requests for Texas Cancer Registry (TCR) data from other programs in the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), private and public agencies, researchers, reporting institutions, local health departments, community organizations, and the public. Prepares, presents, and disseminates cancer data, as well as manages the flow of incoming requests for epidemiologic information on cancer and the subsequent dissemination of cancer data. Provides technical assistance in the assessment of the cancer burden in Texas. Analyzes epidemiologic data and disseminates results. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

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

(40%) Manages the flow of incoming requests for epidemiologic information on cancer and the subsequent dissemination of cancer data. Responds to requests for cancer incidence data from the public, DSHS staff, cancer reporters, media, legislators, researchers, and other governmental agencies. Provides consultation regarding appropriate utilization of cancer incidence and mortality data.

(35%) Analyzes cancer incidence and mortality data and prepares summary reports. Manages the production of CESB annual reports and web presentations of data. Interprets epidemiologic analyses and writes cancer epidemiologic portions of DSHS-published annual reports, special reports, and newsletters, as well as similar portions of requests for proposals and grant applications.

(10%) Assists in the review of research proposals and studies requesting TCR cancer data. Completes complex cancer data requests and generates specialized cancer data sets.

(10%) Assists the Epidemiology Manager in conducting epidemiologic studies pertaining to cancer morbidity/mortality. Initiates, designs, conducts, reviews, and consults on specifically assigned or approved cancer-related epidemiologic investigations.

(5%) Performs other duties as assigned. 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.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of the standard and advanced principles and methods of epidemiology and related biostatistics necessary for epidemiologic investigations and studies.

Knowledge of principles and methods of public health surveillance and cancer registration.

Knowledge of the natural history of cancer, the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology coding scheme and cancer registration methods.

Knowledge of electronic data processing methods including data base management and statistical applications.

Skill in cancer epidemiologic research studies and methodology.

Skill in performing complex data linkages.

Skill in planning, organizing, developing, implementing, and managing projects involving multiple people.

Skill in problem solving and interacting with others.

Skill in the use of statistical software packages for data analysis (SAS, Stata, R, or similar software packages).

Skill in programming and managing data in SQL or similar programming language.

Skill in presentation and publication of research or other study findings.

Ability to provide leadership, lead program activities, establish goals and objectives, and devise solutions to problems.

Ability to interpret programmatic and departmental policies and procedures.

Ability to clearly and concisely express ideas and information and to effectively communicate—in writing, speaking, and nonverbally—to a broad variety of audiences.

Ability to present technical information clearly and concisely and to testify at hearings and public meetings.

Ability to establish effective personal contacts and interact with others.

Ability to independently analyze complex issues, draw conclusions, and initiate appropriate action.

Ability to handle multiple tasks.

Ability to exercise good judgment in analyzing situations and in making decisions.

Ability to work independently and within a team structure.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Criteria 1: Master’s degree or higher in Public Health, Epidemiology, or related field.

Criteria 2: Experience with advanced statistical analysis and programming using SAS, R, Stata, SQL, or similar.

Criteria 3: Experience in analyzing and reporting epidemiological data.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form