Mortality Epidemiologist

Mortality Epidemiologist

FT / PT Status – Full-Time
Benefits Eligibility – This position is eligible for a full benefits package.
Salary – $29.66 - $47.06 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office – Hybrid

Recruiter – Ashlee Adams | ashleeadams@utah.gov | 385-538-4235
Application Deadline – 9/3/2026*

*This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

The Utah DHHS Office of the Medical Examiner seeks a knowledgeable, driven, senior level epidemiologist to assist and lead mortality surveillance and injury research. The incumbent will independently design, conduct, and evaluate analytical studies, including hypothesis testing and observational research to identify trends, sources, and underlying causes of sudden and unexpected death.  This role provides expert epidemiologic consultation to Department of Health and Human Services programs, other agencies, health care professionals, and the public, with a focus on utilizing advanced, informatics-based technology to build modern surveillance tools that inform statewide injury prevention strategies. 

Incumbents at this level have an advanced knowledge of specific injury-related events epidemiological techniques, and expertise in statistical computing using reproducible software tools (e.g., R, Stata, Python). Incumbents function independently with limited supervision, but also work collaboratively with other epidemiological and public health professionals. The incumbent may prepare grant applications and represent the DHHS OME on local, state and national committees.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyzes, summarizes, and reviews complex mortality data; reports findings, interprets results and makes recommendations using a reproducible statistical software package (e.g., R, or Stata) and qualitative data analysis tools (e.g., NVIVO). 

• Organizes and conducts surveillance and research.
• Collects data, manages databases, and reviews research materials, to determine accuracy and validity of sources.
• Facilitates the use of research data to improve existing programs and utilization of resources.
• Plans and manages projects and/or programs. Effectively communicates project/program plan(s), recommendation(s) and/or finding(s).
• Provides consultation, makes recommendations, gives appropriate advice, and/or facilitates decisions related to public information.
• Identifies developing patterns, emerging public health problems or anomalous trends that suggest g a need for further epidemiological investigation.
• Writes or drafts technical reports, articles or related material based on research, investigation or analysis.
• Develops educational materials and speaks to state or community groups.
• Answers technical questions regarding data, methodology, trends or results from studies.
• Conducts field investigations and/or research. Specifically, is able to conduct interviews of recently bereaved persons to better understand the circumstances that preceded the death.
• Lead or functionally supervise staff; delegate work assignments, monitor/review quality of work, schedule staff, provide technical assistance or training, and/or provide input on performance appraisal, hiring and discipline.
• Writes, reviews, and/or negotiates grants, contracts and/or agreements.
• Serves on various boards, councils, committees, or task forces to coordinate agency activities and facilitate agency goals and initiatives.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in public health, statistics, social work, public policy, or a related field.
• Knowledge of basic informatics.
• Proficiency in analyzing public health or epidemiological data using reproducible statistical software packages (e.g., R, Stata, or Python) and qualitative software (e.g., NVIVO).
• Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
• The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
• Knowledge of drug overdose prevention.
• Knowledge of suicide prevention.
• The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
• Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
• Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Preference may be given to candidates who have: 

• Experience creating data dashboards and data visualization tools 
• Experience in medicolegal death investigation or mortality related public health work
• Prior or current employment with the Utah Department of Health and Human Services
• Ability to travel in-state
• A Driver’s License Comment end  

Other Necessary Requirements 

• The ability to work in a medicolegal death investigation and forensic pathology environment. 

About the Role

Location –
4451 South 2700 West
Taylorsville, Utah, 84129
United States
Background Check Required – Yes
Drug Test Required – No
Schedule Code – B - Competitive Career Service

Why You Should Join Our Team
In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here. Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization. 
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals. 
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The Agency
For more information, Click Here 

EEO Statement
The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.