Acute Flaccid Myelitis Epidemiologist III

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Functional Title: Acute Flaccid Myelitis Epidemiologist III 
Job Title: Epidemiologist III 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Emrgng & Acute Infcts Disease 
Posting Number: 17849 
Closing Date: 07/11/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical 
Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $6,701.75 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 20% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (DHT) 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 230X,43EX,43HX,43TX,4E0X1,61G,HM,SEI12 
 
 
 

Under the general supervision of the Vaccine Preventable Disease (VPD) Group Manager within the Emerging and Acute Infectious Disease Unit, the Epidemiologist III performs advanced epidemiologic work involving the design, implementation, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of surveillance, investigation, and response activities related to acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, vaccine preventable diseases, and other communicable diseases as assigned.

The position conducts complex epidemiologic investigations; develops and maintains surveillance systems, databases, protocols, and standard operating procedures; analyzes and interprets surveillance and outbreak data; and prepares reports, recommendations, and public health guidance for internal and external partners. The Epidemiologist III serves as the subject matter expert for AFM surveillance and provides epidemiologic consultation and technical assistance to healthcare providers, healthcare facilities, local and regional health departments, state and federal partners, laboratories, and other stakeholders. The Epidemiologist III also provides technical assistance for viral respiratory disease and vaccine preventable disease surveillance.

This position leads or supports disease investigations, outbreak responses, special studies, and surveillance evaluations; develops data collection tools and epidemiologic methodologies; and identifies emerging trends, risks, and opportunities for public health intervention. Responsibilities include preparing technical documents, briefing materials, presentations, and scientific communications for leadership, public health partners, and professional audiences on AFM.

The Epidemiologist III collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to support disease surveillance and control activities for AFM and viral respiratory conditions, program planning, protocol development, oral and written presentation preparation, and quality improvement initiatives. Work is performed under limited supervision with considerable latitude for independent judgement, initiative, and decision-making in the application of epidemiologic principles and public health practice.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: (From HR-702, Section IV.  Skip one line between each function percentage.)

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

(35%) Surveillance activities.

Serves as the lead epidemiologist for Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) and coordinates statewide surveillance activities to ensure timely identification, investigation, and reporting of suspected cases.

Conducts quality assurance reviews and assessments of surveillance data to ensure completeness, accuracy, and timeliness.

Collaborates with the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS) Office, healthcare providers, laboratories, local and regional health departments, and national organizations to support AFM surveillance activities and reporting requirements. Ensures NEDSS data entry instructions and procedures for AFM and vaccine preventable disease reporting are current and available.

Develops, maintains, and updates surveillance protocols, data collection tools, standard operating procedures, and reporting guidance

Analyzes and interprets surveillance data; prepares disease summaries, situational reports, data visualizations, and briefing materials for internal and external stakeholders using Word, Access, Epi Info, PowerPoint, statistical analysis software, data visualization programs, and/or Excel; and ensures public-facing website information remains current and accurate.

Provides epidemiologic consultation and technical assistance regarding AFM surveillance, case definitions, specimen collection, and reporting requirements.

Assists with surveillance activities related to influenza, RSV, COVID-19, vaccine preventable diseases, and other conditions as assigned.

(25%) Epidemiologic studies and investigations.

Initiates, plans, implements, and directs epidemiological studies, surveillance projects, and outbreak investigations on related to Acute Flaccid. Assembles appropriate epidemiological and laboratory resources to address disease investigations, surveillance projects, and public health recommendations.

Assist with epidemiologic investigations, surveillance projects, and outbreak response activities related to influenza, RSV, COVID-19, vaccine preventable diseases, and other conditions as assigned.

(25%) Oral and written communications activities.

Provides epidemiologic consultations to medical and public health professionals on AFM and other conditions as assigned.

Prepares information for dissemination via the Division’s website and other communication channels.

Responds to information requests from the DSHS press office, healthcare providers, local and regional health departments, national partners, and stakeholders.

Prepares written manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and develops surveillance summaries, reports, guidance documents, and other written materials.

Using PowerPoint and other presentation tools, prepares and conducts oral presentations on infectious disease topics to various audiences, including medical providers, epidemiologists, public health professionals, and health department staff.

Assists in the development and review of policy statements, technical guidance, educational materials, and program recommendations related to AFM and other assigned conditions.

(10%) Leadership.

Ensures deadlines are met and supports assignments of team members.

Assesses training needs and makes recommendations for training; may provide on-the-job training and assist less experienced staff with more complex issues and/or situations.

Attends and provides input at meetings pertaining to unit goals, objectives, and activities.

Provides technical assistance to local and regional health departments, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders.

Serves as point of contact for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on issues related to AFM surveillance, investigations, reporting, and control activities.

Assists with coordination of surveillance activities and special projects related to influenza, RSV, COVID-19, vaccine preventable diseases, and other conditions as assigned.

(5%) Other Duties as Assigned
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 State Medical Operations Center (SMOC) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Assists with emergency preparedness, response, recovery, continuity of operations activities, and other unit and agency priorities as assigned.

REGISTRATION, LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS OR CERTIFICATIONS:

None

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of contemporary principles of epidemiology
• Knowledge of biostatistics and Access, Epi Info, and Excel database management
• Knowledge of the rules and regulations governing the control of notifiable conditions
• Knowledge of biostatistics and database management
• Knowledge of the natural history and epidemiology of common infectious diseases, especially AFM
• Knowledge of the surveillance methods for common infectious diseases, especially AFM
• Knowledge of evidence-based interventions and control measures in response to epidemiologic findings
• Ability to manage intervention projects and facilitate workgroups
• Ability to train others
• Ability to plan, conduct, and report on epidemiologic investigations
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and prepare grant applications and decision packages
• Ability to present statistical and technical data in a clear and concise format
• Ability to work effectively with regional and local health department personnel, private practice physicians, and hospital staff
• Ability to organize and maintain complex records and files
• Ability to initiate and manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Ability to function as a team member and collaborate with internal and external partners
• Ability to devise and develop solutions
• Skills in utilizing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Skill in conducting disease outbreak investigations
• Skill using statistical software packages and data visualization programs

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

INITIAL SCREENING CRITERIA:

• Master’s degree from a U.S. accredited college or university (or a foreign degree determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator) with a focus in epidemiology with 3 or more years’ work experience in epidemiology in a public health setting.

OR

• Professional doctoral degree (e.g. MD/DO, DDS/DMD/DVM) or doctoral degree with a focus in epidemiology from a U.S. accredited college or university (or a foreign degree determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator) with 2 or more years’ work experience in epidemiology in a public health setting.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form