Epidemiologist II (HYBRID)

Posting Number: 532722

Epidemiologist II performs advanced (senior-level) epidemiological work in maternal mortality and morbidity. Work includes serving as a lead investigator for performance evaluation and data management of maternal health and safety bundle initiatives (e.g., TexasAIM). Computes maternal health outcome measures for evaluating hospital progress in implementing maternal safety bundles designed to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality. Probabilistically links birth certificate and delivery hospitalization data to monitor severe maternal morbidity trends for ongoing Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee (MMMRC) study and reporting. Leads the study of hospital performance based on maternal levels of care designations, including measure computation and analysis. Develops and maintains complex, detailed scientific protocols and operational manuals on all projects. Prepares articles, papers, and reports for publication, in-house distribution, and to support program management and other DSHS activities. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Surveillance and Data Analytics Manager in the Maternal & Child Health Epidemiology Unit.  

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

(35%) Serves as a lead investigator for performance evaluation and data management of maternal health and safety bundle initiatives (e.g., TexasAIM). Provides research and evaluation consultation and technical assistance to maternal health & safety bundle program areas on epidemiological methods, research/surveillance design, and program evaluation and assessment of public health practices. Computes maternal health outcome measures for evaluating hospital progress in implementing maternal safety bundles designed to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality. Reviews and studies hospital process and structure measures related to implementation of maternal safety bundles to ensure timely and accurate completion for evaluation. Maintain related data uploads and data dashboards. Conducts advanced qualitative and quantitative statistical analyses of statewide health outcomes for participating hospitals vs. non-participating hospitals to inform maternal health programming. Develop and maintain hospital enrollment maps based on maternal health and safety bundle. Prepare maternal health and safety bundle data-related presentation slides and technical reports.

(20%) Leads the study of hospital performance based on maternal levels of care designations, including measure computation and analysis. Develop, plan, design, and implement research investigation, surveillance, evaluation, and assessment studies following emerging or standardized scientific protocols and policies; coordinate studies; collect, analyze, and evaluate data; and communicate results.

(15%) Assists in the identification and verification of pregnancy-associated deaths for Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee (MMMRC) case review. Probabilistically links birth certificate and delivery hospitalization data to monitor severe maternal morbidity trends for ongoing MMMRC study and reporting. Utilizes advanced statistical software and techniques (e.g., SAS Macros or SQL) to automate and simplify routine complex data tasks.

(15%) Designs and implements data collection and data management tools for maternal health surveillance. Develops and maintains complex, detailed scientific protocols and operational manuals on all projects. Communicates all planned updates and changes to processes with DSHS management and leadership for approval.

(10%) Performs scientific literature searches (traditional, internet, database) and reviews various types of materials including legislation, regulations, and scientific protocols and policies to help develop research proposals and to support on-going investigations/projects. Prepares articles, papers, and reports for publication, in-house distribution, and to support program management and other DSHS activities.

(5%) Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.  

Knowledge of principles and methods of research as well as health outcomes, scientific research methods, survey studies, statistical concepts and methods and their application to research analysis.

Knowledge of current social, economic, and public health issues related to maternal morbidity and mortality.

Knowledge of the principles and functions of public health.

Knowledge of research planning and evaluation methods in epidemiology.

Knowledge and experience with epidemiology.

Knowledge of advanced statistical techniques and methods.

Knowledge of statistical software, especially SAS and ArcGIS.

Knowledge of Qualtrics and Microsoft Office products, especially Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Skills in effective verbal communication, including preparation and presentation of complex data analysis.

Skills in the development of procedures to monitor and evaluate progress in achieving project objectives.

Skills in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and negotiating and implementing solutions to data and research problems.

Strong project management skills to organize major project activities into a logical sequence with a reasonable and achievable schedule of deadlines.

Skills in advanced SAS programming logic and scripting for statistical analysis.

Skills in linking datasets.

Skills in the use of statistical measurement techniques, research design and implementation, problem-solving methods and techniques.

Skills in qualitative research data collection, processing, and analysis.

Skills in advanced technical writing, reporting, and interpretation of complex data to clearly and succinctly communicate project/research information for correspondence with state and federal agencies, grant applications and plans, state rules, and planning procedures.

Ability to work independently.

Ability to organize and present information effectively, both orally and in writing, to a variety of audiences which may require synthesis and translation of complex information into simpler terms.

Ability to survey relevant professional literature and other publications and stay current on existing research methodologies and research findings in area of expertise.

Ability to follow standard operating procedures.

Ability to assimilate complex epidemiological concepts and to communicate these effectively in an easily understood format both orally and in writing.

Ability to plan, organize, and conduct assigned phases of complex research projects.

Ability to interpret complex statistical analysis, charts, and tables.

Ability to formulate reasonable hypotheses and structure research designs to account for variables.

Ability to develop visualizations utilizing specialized software, such as SAS, ArcGIS, or Python.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and to work with others as

part of a team.  

Not applicable  

IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION PRIOR TO SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION:

Information on the application must clearly state how the applicant meets initial selection criteria in the Summary of Experience section in order to be interviewed. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application.

Applicants must provide information relevant to the required experience for this position. Answer all questions and completely summarize your experience including technical and managerial responsibilities and any special training, skills and qualifications for each position you have held in the employment history section of application.

All fields on the application must be filled-in completely. This includes, but is not limited to, previous salary, previous supervisor, and reason for leaving previous position.

This position is available for a hybrid work schedule for up to three days per week as an added employee benefit.

Applicants selected for an interview will be required to provide the following: a SAS code sample showing skills and a writing sample as a first author.

Agency salary policy, budget and candidate’s qualifications will dictate the final salary offer.

Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to: 68S, 60C, HM, 230X, 4E0X1, 43HX, 43MX, 43EX. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.  

68S, 60C, HM, 230X, 4E0X1, 43HX, 43MX, 43EX