Research Specialist Team Manager

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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Functional Title: Research Specialist Team Manager 
Job Title: Program Supervisor VI 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Cancer Epidemiology & Surveill 
Posting Number: 10110 
Closing Date: 11/05/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Management 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-25 
Salary Range: $5,797.66 - $7,200.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 5% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (DHT) 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 0203,0207,0302,0370,0520,0602,0802,1802,1803,2340,5502,6302,6502,7202,7208,7210,7220,7502,8005,8858 
9702,16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,86P0,8U000,9G100,BOSN,ELC,ISS,MAT,MED,MLES,MSSD,MSSE,MS 
SR,OSS,WEPS 
 

Serves as supervisor for the Cancer Epidemiology & Surveillance Branch’s (CESB) Research Specialist Team and provides leadership and direction for program staff. Establishes team goals and objectives. Develops guidelines, policies and procedures related to the creation of cancer data files for use in cancer surveillance, ensuring that the team stays on track with deduplication, linkage, and other routine processes on an annual cycle. Responds to administrative, legislative, legal, budget, personnel and programmatic requests. Represents the Department on workgroups, committees, and in meetings. Acts as Branch Director in the Director’s absence. Works under minimal supervision of the CESB Director, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions: 

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

(40%) Serves as supervisor/manager of the CESB Research Specialist Team. Directly hires, trains, plans, assigns, supervises, and evaluates the work of Research Specialist and GIS Specialist staff. Develops staff performance standards and conducts performance reviews. Meets regularly with Research Specialist Team staff and provides guidance, leadership, and oversight to staff. Oversees the research and identification of needed Information Technology and other purchases for data-related functions. Collects information for, develops, and justifies budgets to meet program needs.

(20%) Assures the epidemiologic integrity of the cancer incidence surveillance system for Texas. Oversees the annual development of cancer data files sent to the Texas Cancer Registry’s federal funders and accreditation entity. Works with Program teams in design, development, and continuous improvement of Registry data. Develops or modifies guidelines, policies, and procedures for team activities and functions, including analyzing and disseminating data. Monitors compliance with policies and procedures. Plans, develops, and directs funding requests and awards in coordination with the CESB Director. Assists in develops funding requests to secure funding for cancer surveillance and studies.

(20%) Serves as project manager for the registry’s fall and spring Calls for Data. Plans meetings among managers and selected senior staff to communicate about progress on tasks, some of which are dependent on other tasks, needed for the creation of files submitted for participation in national and North American cancer surveillance systems. Tracks progress on tasks such as data linkages and deduplication that fall within the purview of this manager position. Asks other managers for their updates on processes in their teams related to Call for Data. Develop effective relationships with other managers and staff working together to create files of high-quality, valid, complete, timely data. 

(15%) Serves as or assigns another person to serve as backup for all specialized tasks in the Research Specialist Team (such as linkage analyses or dashboard maintenance). Recommends, prioritizes, and implements training activities and fosters professional growth and development within the team.

(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:

Knowledge of principles and methods of public health surveillance.

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

Knowledge of electronic data processing methods including database management and statistical applications. Knowledge of SQL-based databases such as SEER*DMS.

Knowledge of principles and practices of public administration and management.

Skill in performing complex data linkages.

Skill in planning, organizing, developing and implementing multiple projects/activities.

Skill in managing staff and activities.

Skill in problem solving and interacting with others.

Skill in public speaking.

Skill in the use of statistical software (such as SAS, SQL, or similar software) for the analysis of data and the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database and graphics software (such as MS Word, Access, Excel).

Ability to manage complex projects involving multiple people and processes that have dependencies on other processes or outcomes.

Ability to interpret programmatic and departmental policies and procedures.

Ability to manage the work of others and to interview, select, and train staff.

Ability to clearly and concisely express ideas and information and to effectively communicate, both orally and in written form.

Ability to present technical information clearly and concisely.

Ability to establish effective personal contacts and interact with others.

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

Ability to provide leadership.

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.

Ability to develop grant proposals.

Initial Screening Criteria: Masters or Doctoral degree in Biostatistics, Epidemiology, or related field from a U.S. college or university or foreign degree determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator. Experience conducting biostatistical analyses.

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