Epidemiologist II

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH), through its Epidemiology and Informatics program located within the Division of Disease Control, studies the incidence, distribution, and possible means of control of diseases. Our DDC epidemiologists support work across all programs and ultimately seek to understand how our communities influence, and are affected by, the spread of disease.

JOB OVERVIEW:

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH), through its Epidemiology and Informatics program located within the Division of Disease Control, studies the incidence, distribution, and possible means of control of diseases. Our DDC epidemiologists support work across all programs and ultimately seek to understand how our communities influece, and are affected by, the spread of disease.​ 

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH), Division of Disease Control (DDC), is seeking a skilled and motivated Epidemiologist II to join the Epidemiology Unit. The Epidemiologist II position plays a vital role in ensuring the quality, management, and analysis of public health data while contributing to the evaluation and enhancement of program performance. Reporting to the Epidemiology Unit Manager, the Epidemiologist II will have opportunities to collaborate with multiple programs within the DDC, such as the Immunizations Program, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Program, Acute Communicable Diseases, Healthcare-Associated Infections, Bioterrorism Preparedness, Hepatitis and others. The Epidemiology Unit supports these programs by overseeing surveillance activities, data management, quality assurance, analysis, reporting, and the interpretation of data trends to inform decision-making and improve public health outcomes in Philadelphia County. We are seeking to fill two (2) Epidemiologist II positions that will provide direct support to the STD Control Program or the Immunization Program. An individual in this position possesses strong analytical skills, the ability to synthesize and communicate data findings, and close collaboration with program staff, division leadership, and external partners to ensure accurate and consistent data reporting.

This job involves viewing a CRT or VDT screen 50 to 75 percent of the time. The position may require some travel and occasional participation in off-site functions. The position requires responding to public health emergencies and at times requires rapid turnaround of communications on short notice.

The position may require some travel and occasional participation in off-site functions.

This position reports directly to Manager of Epidemiology Unit and Informatics. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the supervision of the Manager of the Epidemiology Unit, the Epidemiologist will perform the following essential job functions:

• Develop, refine, and perform data cleaning/quality assurance routines for DDC data sources to identify reporting, workflow, and data quality issues.
• Contribute to DDC Program Unit support by participating in meetings and discussions, and providing data analysis as needed.
• Develop, refine, and oversee the production of routine reports to monitor progress toward program goals.
• Provide support to the Epidemiology Unit as needed for day-to-day operations for DDC database applications.
• Assess and design data workflows for DDC databases.
• Ensure the movement of electronic laboratory results (ELR) and/or vaccine (VXU) messages and monitor HL7 workflow to their respective data systems.
• Create and/or maintain ad hoc REDCap projects and/or SQL databases for the supported DDC Program.
• Perform/oversee routine data analysis required for grant applications, presentations, program evaluation, and to fulfill requests from DDC Program staff.
• Develop and conduct ad-hoc, non-routine analysis including assuring that all appropriate steps are completed (IRB, etc).
• Summarize analytic findings for presentation at scientific conferences, reports, and publication in technical and scientific journals.
• Assess and fulfill data requests from outside (non-DDC) entities.
• Provide the Epidemiology Unit with the assistance NNDSS Modernization Initiative (NMI) for creating the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System HL7 case notification messages (15%).

SKILLS:

• Knowledge of the principles and procedures of epidemiological research including study design or epidemiological surveys, theory and application of epidemiological methodologies, principles and methods of biostatistics, and preparation of scientific research reports
• Strong analytical abilities using statistical analysis software such as SAS and/or R
• Ability to analyze data, write project proposals and technical reports
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to analyze and think critically to apply reasonable judgment and problem-solving skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to work as part of a team, prioritize and handle multiple tasks, and work independently in a high-pressure environment
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with persons contacted in the course of work
• Scientific communication to stakeholders and the general public – written and verbal
• Project design with support
• Project management with support
• Division-specific skills/knowledge (e.g. surveillance, etc.)
• Sensitivity to and experience working with ethnically, culturally, and sexually diverse individuals, communities, agencies, and organizations

EXPERIENCE:

• Experience with database development (SQL or similar software)
• Training or experience with mapping software (ArcGIS preferred) and/or Visualization Software like Tableau, POSIT (R-Shiny)
• Experience working and conducting research with health and prevention service agencies

EDUCATION:

1a. Completion of a master’s degree program at an accredited college or university in epidemiology or a related field that includes a minimum of two graduate-level courses in epidemiology or two comparable graduate-level classes in advanced research methodology AND two graduate-level courses in statistics or biostatistics; AND

1b. Two years of experience within the field of epidemiology performing study design, evaluation, or analysis

OR

2a. Completion of a master’s degree program at an accredited college or university; AND

2b. Four years of work experience within the field of epidemiology performing study design, evaluation, or analysis

Applicants should be equally comfortable working individually and within a team environment that emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration. Flexibility, professionalism, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously are highly valued attributes.

SALARY:

• Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Range: $69,000 to $73,000 annually

This position comes with a comprehensive benefits package consisting of medical and dental coverage as well as paid sick, vacation, and personal time.

PHMC is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.

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