What are the responsibilities and job description for the Epidemiology Research Associate position at PHMC?
Delaware County requires all employees be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Proof of vaccination must be submitted before a candidate’s start date if hired.
Summary:
This is a specialized position involving advanced scientific health epidemiology. An employee in this position is responsible for all infectious disease surveillance, investigations and interventions utilizing only state-of-the-art public health principles, and methodologies of the science of epidemiology. Work shall be performed under the professional and programmatic oversight of the Delaware County Health Department Administration using relevant national standards of excellence; designated epidemiology and analytical tools and standards; and Delaware County Health Department policies, procedures and regulations.
The position provides a 24/7/365 expert, consultative service for the scientific disciplines of epidemiology, medicine, public health and disease prevention and control within the County. The position may supervise professional, technical and clerical subordinates. Incumbents shall conduct assessments of public health hazards; carry out epidemiological investigations; communicate/consult with regional and local health officials; and attend professional meetings throughout the United States as guided by Delaware County Health Department Administration. The Epidemiology Research Associate reports to the Delaware County Health Department Epidemiologist.
The above statements reflect the general details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the job.
Essential Duties:
- Responsible for disease outbreak investigations, managing and analyzing population-based data to identify risk factors and health needs, and analyzing service-based data to provide program evaluations
- Routinely analyze births, deaths, and disease data, and provide epidemiological interpretation
- Conduct disease cluster analysis by examining population-based data, preparing statistics, providing epidemiological interpretation of statistics, and writing reports
- Lead design, planning, analysis, and reporting of information and health intelligence based on large population-based data sets
- Assist in the evaluation of interventions or programs’ effectiveness
- Research public health issues and prepare health reports and issue briefs
- Assist other staff members gain knowledge of basic epidemiology tools and techniques
- Participate in coordinated response activities during public health emergencies through the department’s emergency management and incident command system
- Provide technical assistance for users of surveillance systems and/or other databases
- Member of health needs assessment Core Committee
- Work shall be performed under the professional and programmatic oversight of the Delaware County Health Department, Epidemiology Division
- The ERA provides expert consultative service for the scientific disciplines of epidemiology, medicine, public health and disease prevention and control within the County
- The position may supervise professional, technical, and clerical subordinates
- Incumbents shall conduct assessments of public health hazards; carry out epidemiological investigations; communicate/consult with regional and local health officials; and attend professional meetings
Qualifications:
- Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a background check
- Master’s degree in public health with concentration in epidemiology and/or biostatistics
- 3-5 years of field experience in detecting, controlling, or reporting illness and diseases preferred
- Skills in data analysis based on large data sets, questionnaires, and interviews
- Strong skills in oral and written communication, which includes preparation of reports, training education to public health partners and the general public, prepare written manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and other publications
- Ability to work effectively as part of interdisciplinary teams
- Expertise with statistical software SAS, STATA, SPSS, Epi-Info, etc
- Familiarity with complex surveys and statistical analysis, e.g., CDC NHANES
- Demonstrated experience effectively leading and directing staff and/or volunteers
- Ability to maintain and handle confidential information
- Ability to follow protocol, procedures, and established guidelines
- Excellent communication skills
- A strong work ethic and ability to manage a demanding workload
- Strong relationship-building skills
