Public Health Data Scientist

The CDC Foundation helps the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) save and improve lives by unleashing the power of collaboration between CDC, philanthropies, corporations, organizations and individuals to protect the health, safety and security of America and the world. The CDC Foundation is the go-to nonprofit authorized by Congress to mobilize philanthropic partners and private-sector resources to support CDC’s critical health protection mission. Since 1995, the CDC Foundation has raised over $1.9 billion and launched more than 1,300 programs impacting a variety of health threats from chronic disease conditions including cardiovascular disease and cancer, to infectious diseases like rotavirus and HIV, to emergency responses, including COVID-19 and Ebola. The CDC Foundation managed hundreds of programs in the United States and in more than 90 countries last year. Visit www.cdcfoundation.org for more information.

Position Highlights:

Position Title: Public Health Data Scientist

Location: Remote

Position End Date: June 30, 2024

Salary: $62,000 to $100,093 plus benefits

Overview:

The CDC Foundation is seeking candidates for a full-time Public Health Data Scientist position to coordinate epidemiology efforts within the New Mexico Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics (BVRHS), which is situated within the Epidemiology and Response Division (ERD) of the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH). The Public Health Data Scientist works under general supervision and is responsible for the oversight of the dissemination of birth and death data for the state. This position collects, analyzes, and interprets statistical data and prepares epidemiologic reports through complex datasets. This position also works closely with bureau staff for annual birth and death file closeouts and annual report publications, interfacing with the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), responding to Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) requests, and responding to data requests for media and research purposes. Furthermore, this position works closely with teams within the NMDOH to assist with datasets related to birth and death trends for the state as well as COVID-19 data tracking, analyzing, reporting, and data cleanup. The primary focus of this position is to develop, review, and update complex SAS coding in order to improve methods for COVID-19 death data analysis, including improved methods of tracking reinfections among deaths within the state. The primary dataset that will be utilized is the NM Database Application for Vital Events (DAVE).

Qualifications:

• An MPH or MS degree with Epidemiology or Biostatistics as the emphasis
• Preferred coursework includes at least two courses in epidemiology covering additional epidemiology principles, methods and design concepts or at least two courses in statistical design and methods courses for the behavioral sciences, or at least two publications in two different peer-reviewed journals, and at least one course in biostatistics or other research-oriented statistics course
• At least five (5) years of relevant work experience performing epidemiologic work or work in a closely related field
• Possess strong data management and analysis skills
• Experience conducting analysis of birth or death records
• Advanced knowledge and experience with SAS is preferred
• Experience working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and engaging in strategic partnerships
• Proficiency with strong understanding of design and implementation of research and epidemiologic studies Microsoft Office Suite
• Organizational skills demonstrating high attention to detail and the ability to organize multiple priorities
• Strong interpersonal skills required for teamwork and interaction with people across CDC and with external partners
• Proficiency in writing comprehensive statistical and analytical reports
• Excellent written and oral communications
• Ability to remain calm under intense stress and a fast-paced environment
  

Responsibilities:

• Performs advanced level work and may direct small teams of epidemiologists, program managers, data analysts, and other health professionals to design, implement and evaluate surveillance of deaths as a result of COVID-19
• Serves as a technical expert for birth and death data through New Mexico Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics
• Plans and provides consultation to implement new or innovative surveillance, prevention, and control as it relates to deaths caused by COVID-19
• Oversees and directs the presentation of data and information along with the processing and analyzing of collected data in order to determine changes in trends and probable causes of epidemiologic problems
• Characterizes problems identified from collected data and makes recommendations for the implementation of improved data collection and data reporting measures
• Oversees projects related to formal case control and cohort studies of complex health issues
• Provides training, technical assistance, and consultative services to departmental staff and others regarding birth and death data and epidemiology
• Serves as a point of contact for various personnel regarding advanced, highly complex epidemiologic issues and datasets
• Oversees the development of policies and procedures for new and existing programs related to birth and death data, including deaths as a result of COVID-19
• Reviews technical and non-technical summaries of work, scientific reports and manuscripts as prepared by team members
  

Special Notes:

This role is involved in a dynamic public health program. As such, roles and responsibilities are subject to change as situations evolve. Roles and responsibilities listed above may be expanded upon or updated to match priorities and needs, once written approval is received by both the CDC Foundation and the New Mexico Department of Health, in order to best support the State of New Mexico in their public health programming.

This position is currently a remote position. CDC Foundation retains the right to make adjustments to this as required.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, mental or physical disabilities, veteran status, and all other characteristics protected by law.

We comply with all applicable laws including E.O. 11246 and the Vietnam Era Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 governing employment practices and do not discriminate on the basis of any unlawful criteria in accordance with 41 C.F.R.

• 60-300.5(a)(12) and 60-741.5(a)(7). As a federal government contractor, we take affirmative action on behalf of protected veterans
  

The CDC Foundation is a smoke-free environment.

Relocation expenses are not included.