Epidemiologist III

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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Under the supervision of the Physician II, in Newborn Screening (NBS) Section within the Community and Health Improvement (CHI) Division. The Epidemiologist III performs highly advanced (senior-level) research and epidemiological work in the area of NBS. Requires building data systems and expanding the state NBS data capacity to support program and legislatively mandated efforts. Develops and conducts routine data management activities on the processing of datafiles to ensure data quality, integrity, and completeness. Utilizes advanced statistical software and techniques to automate and simplify routine data tasks for the standardization and management of NBS data. Develops, plans, designs, and implements research activities, studies, evaluation, and assessment based on standard scientific methods or new innovative theoretical approaches. Uses specialized software, such as SAS, Tableau, and ArcGIS, to analyze and display data for presentations, reports, publications, and other products. Prepares scientific publications, briefings, technical reports, and presentations. Support data quality and improvement efforts throughout the NBS unit. Work is performed under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. 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 performs other duties as assigned.   

(30%) Performs highly advanced (senior-level) research and epidemiological work in Newborn Screening (NBS) unit). Requires building data systems and expanding the state NBS data capacity to support NBS program and legislatively mandated efforts. Uses advanced information technology (i.e., automation coding), data and statistical analysis, and surveillance plus GIS mapping techniques and dashboard (e.g., Tableau) to assist NBS staff in developing solutions for improving newborn screening throughout Texas.    

(25%) Reviews, organizes, and coordinates the collection and compilation of surveillance information. Develops and implements data-linking strategies. Develops and conducts routine data management activities on the processing of datafiles to ensure data quality, integrity, and completeness. Data management activities include the requesting of, receipt of, and maintenance of all major data files used in the Unit with a regular frequency. Develops, establishes, and implements standardized protocols for the careful examination of received data for obvious errors and discrepancies. Utilizes advanced statistical software and techniques (e.g., SAS Macros or SQL) to automate and simplify routine data tasks for the standardization and management of NBS data.   

(25%) Develops, plans, designs, and implements research activities, studies, evaluation, and assessment based on standard scientific methods or new innovative theoretical approaches. Performs scientific literature searches (traditional, internet, and database) and reviews various types of materials including legislation, regulations, scientific protocols, and policies to develop research proposals and to support ongoing investigations/projects. Uses specialized software, such as SAS, Tableau, and ArcGIS, to analyze and display data for presentations, reports, publications, and other products. Prepares scientific publications, briefings, technical reports, and presentations.   

(15%) Support data quality and improvement efforts throughout the NBS Section. Consults with research professionals, researchers/epidemiologists, administrators, and statistical staff to define and solve specific problems and to assure quality control across experimental methods, procedures, and statistical analysis. Develops and maintains complex, detailed scientific protocols and operational manuals on all projects. Works in collaboration with epidemiologists, and other research specialist staff across the agency and other state/federal agencies.   

(5%) Performs other duties as assigned including but 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. 

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

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

Knowledge of epidemiologic/public health research design, methods, principles, and techniques  

Knowledge of measurement, testing, and evaluation procedures  

Knowledge of analysis of large datasets 

Knowledge of computer software, including SAS, Microsoft products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access), Adobe Professional, Tableau, and ArcGIS software   

 
Skill in the use of statistical measurement techniques, research design and implementation, problem-solving methods and techniques  

Strong project management to organize major project activities into a logical sequence with a reasonable and achievable schedule of deadlines 

Skills in technical writing skills to communicate project/research information clearly and succinctly for correspondence with state and federal agencies 

Skill in creating data dashboards that simplify complex ideas to lay audiences and for internal and external consumption 

Skill in critical thinking and problem solving 

Ability to work independently and show initiative 

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

Ability to interpret complex statistical data, charts, and tables and translate detailed information into simpler terms orally and in writing 

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely orally and in writing 

Ability to assess the reliability, validity, and appropriateness of proposed data collection methods and epidemiologic designs 

Ability to plan, organize, and conduct assigned phases of complex research projects 

Ability to formulate reasonable hypothesis and structure research designs to account for variables 

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

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Selection Criteria

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree required. A degree in epidemiology, statistics, or a related field preferred.

At least one year of experience in epidemiology; maternal and child health epidemiology preferred. 

At least one year of experience in SAS and/or SAS Viya or similar software.  

At least one year of experience in analyzing large data sets 

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

This position may have the option to telework. 

Applicants selected for an interview will be required to provide a sample of a manuscript or poster of a project where they had significant contribution. 

Note: 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/

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