Epidemiologist

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.

Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs.

Functional Title: Epidemiologist 
Job Title: Epidemiologist III 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Cancer Epidemiology & Surveill 
Posting Number: 11549 
Closing Date: 12/18/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 
Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $6,701.75 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 5% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: HOUSTON 
Job Location Address: 5425 POLK ST 
Other Locations: Houston; Austin 
MOS Codes: 230X,43EX,43HX,43TX,4E0X1,61G,HM,SEI12 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Performs highly advanced senior-level epidemiological work. Leads Epidemiology Group activities involving the review of incoming epidemiologic research proposals for studies requesting Texas Cancer Registry (TCR) data and the creation of specialized cancer research datasets. Provides leadership on grant application writing and reporting of epidemiologic activities, and is ultimately responsible for preparing and reviewing sections in grant applications and grant reporting related to cancer epidemiology. Coordinates, conducts, or directs highly advanced special epidemiologic projects as requested by senior management. Serves as resource scientist and provides scientific/technical expertise to Cancer Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch (CESB) staff, private and public agencies, researchers, reporting institutions, local health departments, community organizations, and the public related to epidemiologic activities for the assessment of cancer in Texas. Represents the Department at scientific meetings and presentations. Works under minimal supervision of the Epidemiology Manager, with extensive 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.

(35%) Leads Epidemiology Group activities including the review of incoming epidemiologic research study proposals for studies requesting Texas Cancer Registry (TCR) data, the management of existing research protocols, and the creation of specialized cancer research datasets. Leads Epidemiology Group activities related to communicating and collaborating with internal and external researchers in the design and implementation of epidemiologic studies that utilize TCR cancer data, including studies involving complex data linkages and patient recruitment/contact.

(20%) Initiates, designs, plans, develops, and directs advanced cancer-related epidemiologic analyses, reports, briefings, presentations, and/or studies. Analyzes and interprets cancer surveillance data using scientifically valid methods and advanced statistical software (e.g., SAS and SEER*Stat). Uses sound scientific principles to draw defensible conclusions from epidemiologic work for dissemination to the public, and to satisfy granting agencies.

(15%) Responds to requests for cancer data from CESB, private and public agencies, researchers, reporting institutions, and other customers. Data requests may include epidemiologic activities involving advanced statistical analyses, written summaries, and data linkages.

(15%) Serves as a resource scientist and provides scientific/technical expertise to CESB staff, private and public agencies, researchers, reporting institutions, and other customers. Serves as an expert resource to answer requests about cancer data from the public, media, legislature, researchers, cancer reporters, other staff at DSHS, and state and federal agencies.

(10%) Provides direction to, and is ultimately responsible for preparing and reviewing sections in grant applications and grant reporting related to cancer epidemiology. Grant-related responsibilities include collecting information, outlining project objectives, assembling, writing, and editing project sections related to cancer epidemiology. Coordinates grant-related reports, work plans, and other documents/deliverables (i.e., success stories, evaluation plans, etc.) for the Epidemiology Group and Senior Management. Participates in the implementation, monitoring of, and reporting on grant activities related to cancer epidemiology.

(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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of basic 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 spreadsheet (i.e., Excel) and epidemiological/statistical software packages (SAS, SEER*Stat or similar software).

Skill in presentation and/or 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 develop and manage grant proposals.

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.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

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 or SQL.

Criteria 3: Experience in analyzing and reporting epidemiological data.

Additional Information:

N/A

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