Senior Epidemiologist / Epidemiologist III

Department: City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH)

Division: Division of Disease Control (DDC)

Job Overview:

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH), Division of Disease Control (DDC), is seeking a skilled and motivated Epidemiologist III to join the Epidemiology and Informatics Program. The Epidemiologist III 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.

This position will report to the Epidemiology and Informatics Manager and oversee a team of 2-3 epidemiologists. The Epidemiologist III will have opportunities to collaborate with multiple programs within the DDC, such as the Immunizations Program, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Program, Acute Communicable Diseases, Healthcare-Associated Infections, Bioterrorism and Public Health Preparedness, Hepatitis, and other PDPH programs, as well as other local, state, and federal public health entities.

The Epidemiology and Informatics Program supports these programs by overseeing surveillance activities, data management, quality assurance, analysis, reporting, and the interpretation of data trends to inform decision-making and improve public health outcomes in Philadelphia County. An individual in this position should possess strong analytical skills, the ability to synthesize and communicate data findings, and the ability to closely collaborate with program staff, division leadership, and external partners to ensure accurate and consistent data reporting. A qualified candidate will be able to code in SAS and SQL and be willing to learn, or already familiar with, GIS software. Additionally, basic knowledge of a non-query or statistical language is preferred (Python, Java, VBA, etc.). Experience with data visualization software is also preferred.

The position requires responding to public health emergencies and, at times, requires rapid turnaround of communications on short notice. This job involves viewing a CRT or VDT screen 50 to 75 percent of the time.

This position reports directly to the Epidemiology Unit Manager. The position is full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, with occasional work after hours and on weekends to support Program activities. This is a grant-funded position; continuation of the position is contingent upon sustained funding. Employees are expected to work in the office as of July 2024.

Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the Manager of the Epidemiology and Informatics Program, the Epidemiologist will perform the following essential job functions:

• Develop, refine, and perform data cleaning/quality assurance routines for DDC data sources to identify reporting, workflow, and data quality issues.
• Contribute to the Epidemiology and Informatics Program by leading meetings and discussions, and providing data analysis as needed.
• Work independently to develop, refine, and oversee the production of routine reports to monitor progress toward program goals.
• Develop and contribute to federal grant applications and Funding Opportunity (FOA) responses, including preparation of technical narratives, scope-of-work documentation, milestones, performance measures, data management and interoperability plans, and other grant deliverables required for award maintenance and renewal.
• Assist in reviewing DDC abstracts, posters, analysis, and publications for the DDC approval process.
• Oversee a team of 2-3 epidemiologists as needed for day-to-day operations for DDC database applications.
• Perform/oversee routine data analysis required for grant applications, presentations, program evaluation, and to fulfill data requests from DDC 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 external (non-DDC) entities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills:

• Deep understanding of epidemiological research principles and procedures, including study design, survey implementation, epidemiologic theory, biostatistical methods, and preparation of scientific reports.
• Advanced analytical skills with proficiency in statistical software such as SAS and R.
• Ability to independently design epidemiologic studies and projects.
• Strong independent project management skills.
• Expertise in data analysis, proposal development, and preparation of technical reports.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong critical-thinking abilities and sound judgment for complex problem-solving.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in high-pressure settings.
• Ability to supervise and guide a team of epidemiologists, optimizing workflow and task prioritization.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Skilled in scientific communication to both technical audiences and the general public.
• Knowledge of and experience with disease control surveillance.
• Demonstrated sensitivity to and experience working with a range of populations, communities, agencies, and organizations.
• Equally comfortable working individually and within a team environment that emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Flexibility, professionalism, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Experience:

• Extensive experience (at least 5 years) with database development (SQL or similar software).
• 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.
• Experience collaborating with multi-program, cross-jurisdiction, and state, local, and federal government agencies
• Experience writing for federal funding grants and funding opportunities, and associated grant deliverables and grant renewal documents.

Qualifications:

1. BA or BS with over 10 years of relevant experience in an applied public health setting (state or local government) and/or data management/programming

OR

2. Completion of a Master’s Degree program at an accredited college or university in Epidemiology or a 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 five (5) years of experience within the field of Epidemiology performing study design, evaluation, or analysis

OR

3. Completion of a PhD Degree program at an accredited college or university; AND one (1) year of work experience within the field of Epidemiology,y performing study design, evaluation, or analysis

Salary:

• Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Range: $85,000-$97,300
• This position comes with a comprehensive benefits package consisting of medical and dental coverage, paid sick, vacation, and personal time.

PHMC is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.

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