Epidemiologist IV

Make a Difference with DHSS

Our mission at the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is to improve the quality of life of Delaware citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. We prioritize personal and family independence by assisting individuals and families in a variety of life areas.

We offer numerous career opportunities and are dedicated to attracting and retaining highly talented individuals who are ready to make a difference in their community today. DHSS is a great place to kick-start your profession.

For more information, please visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ today!

This position will support epidemiology capacity for several programs within DPH. The primary focus will be to support the Family Health Systems Section in DPH, largely focused on scientific leadership to the state’s maternal and child health (MCH) programs and conducts epidemiologic studies related to disease surveillance, needs assessments, and program evaluation of interventions aimed to improve health outcomes for women, pregnant women, babies, and children. This position supports data-driven decision-making for MCH programs and policies through projects such as: transforming the state’s maternal and infant mortality and morbidity, early childhood and home visiting, supporting the data needs of the Perinatal Quality Collaborative, strengthening surveillance of perinatal mental health, and developing the performance measure framework for the Delaware MCH Services/Title V program. Additionally, the position will provide epidemiology leadership in support of other related programs within DPH including but not limited to cancer epidemiology, chronic disease epidemiology and public health preparedness.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class.  Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here. 

• Conducts epidemiologic investigations, descriptive studies or analytic studies. 

• Identifies public health problems pertinent to the population and determines feasibility and approach for the study.
   
• Collects, analyzes and interprets data using statistical techniques to identify outbreaks, determine changes in trends and probable causes of epidemiologic problems; uses existing epidemiologic databases to analyze and interpret public health issues.
   
• Maintains surveillance systems used to monitor disease trends.
   
• Makes recommendations for continuation or changes to operations, programs, services, policies or procedures based on findings to promote and protect public health.
   
• May participate on internal and external committees and workgroups related to areas of expertise.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Epidemiologist IV
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Possession of a Masters degree or higher in Life, Physical, Health Science or related field.
2. Possession of scientific prominence or recognition with publication in a scientific or trade journal.
3. Three years experience in designing and implementing epidemiologic research methods for communicable, chronic or environmental diseases or other public health problems.
4. Three years experience in designing, conducting, and analyzing epidemiologic studies such as developing and testing a hypothesis by selecting cases and controls, determining information needed, data sources, sampling and collection methods.
5. Three years experience in designing and using surveillance systems to monitor public health problems.
6. Six months experience in inferential statistics such as correlation, t-tests, f-tests or analysis of variance.
7. Three years experience in providing epidemiologic direction, guidance and assistance to state and federal agencies or public and private organizations to control public health problems affecting a population.
8. Six months experience in managing budgets, grants or contracts.

A writing sample will be requested at the time of interview.

This posting may be closed on or before 11/4/2025 upon filling the vacant position(s).

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our Job Seeker Resources.

DHSS does not provide employment-based sponsorship.

All new hires are required to report to the Statewide New Employee Orientation (SNEO) on their first day of employment. Sessions are held at designated locations in Kent or New Castle County.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position.  It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.  For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.   Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  TDD users may request an auxiliary aid or service by calling (800) 232-5470 or by visiting delawarerelay.com.  You may also call (302) 739-5458 or email DHR_ADAConcerns@delaware.gov for additional applicant services support.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.