Iis Epidemiologist II

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. Through its Immunization Program in the Division of Disease Control, oversees the purchase and distribution of federally funded vaccines to local healthcare providers.  As one of 64 U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funded program areas, the Philadelphia Immunization Program is charged with the mission to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases and increase the immunization coverage levels among infants, children, adolescents, and adults in Philadelphia.

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. The IIS Epidemiologist will provide support to the IIS and the Immunization program as needed.  Their primary role will be to assist the IIS Informatics section, IIS Outreach section, IIS Systems section, and Immunization Program at large with ad-hoc and routine reports. The IIS Epidemiologist may be asked to provide support for grant work within any IIS section or the immunization program.

A qualified candidate will be able to code in SAS and SQL and be willing to, or already familiar with, GIS software.  They should possess 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. Additionally, basic knowledge of a non-query or statistical language is preferred (Python, Java, VBA, etc.).  Experience with data visualization software is preferred.

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.

This job involves viewing a CRT or VDT screen 50 to 75 percent of the time.

This is not remote work. As of July 15, 2024, all City and City-embedded employees are required to work full-time at Health Department offices or in the field.

The position requires responding to public health emergencies and at times requires rapid turnaround of communications on short notice.

This position reports directly to the Epidemiology Unit Manager.

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 Immunization data sources to identify reporting, workflow, and data quality issues.
• Contribute to Immunization 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 Immunization databases.
• 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 Immunization 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.

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, to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and to 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 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 Requirement:

1a.  Completion of a Master’s Degree program at an accredited college or university in Epidemiology or 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 (2) year 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 (4) 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: $71,000-$76,000

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

Contact Information:

Interested applicants should submit an electronic cover letter that expresses the individual’s interest and expertise along with a resume to:

Robbie Madera, MPH, Epidemiologist Unit Manager

Philadelphia Department of Public Health

Email: Robbie.Madera@phila.gov

PHMC is an EOE and an E-Verify Employer