Epidemiology Research Associate

The Department of Health (DOH) is seeking an Epidemiology Research Associate who is eager to support important public health work. This role offers the chance to study disease trends and strengthen systems that protect communities across the Commonwealth. Your work will help guide prevention efforts and improve the quality of health data. Join a team that makes a meaningful difference in public health every day.

This position supports disease surveillance and analysis on behalf of the Division of Tuberculosis and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (TB/STD) by improving data systems and reporting. The work strengthens public health efforts by enhancing data quality, supporting program operations, and guiding surveillance activities. As an Epidemiology Research Associate, you will perform the following duties:

• Data Analysis: Conduct analyses, review data quality, and develop reports and dashboards using surveillance systems
• Program Support: Work with program staff to oversee Pennsylvania National Electronic Data Surveillance System (PA-NEDSS) data, manage electronic lab reporting, and guide case notifications
• System Collaboration: Coordinate with technology teams to improve surveillance systems and address technical issues
• Cross Program Work: Integrate TB and STD data with other public health datasets to support broader epidemiologic studies
• Data Communication: Explain data findings, limitations, and uses to staff, partners, and stakeholders
• Policy Contribution: Support the review and development of surveillance policies and assist with applying disease reporting requirements
  

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 37.5 hour per week
• Work hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg, PA. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• One year of professional experience performing public health or environmental health epidemiological investigations or studies, or designing and managing a disease surveillance system; and a master's degree that includes or is supplemented by six credits in epidemiology, environmental health, statistics, or research.

Other Requirements:

• One year of experience using SAS, R, or Python statistical software packages.
• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. 
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position. 
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): 

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions. 
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.