Data Analytics Team Lead

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Functional Title: Data Analytics Team Lead 
Job Title: Medical Research Specialist 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Infectious Disease Prevention 
Posting Number: 11995 
Closing Date: 03/12/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Computer and Mathematical 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24 
Salary Range: $5,425.33 - $8,886.16 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 10% 
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 (RDM) 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 230X,43BX,61E,61M,61N,71F,72A,72D 
 
 
 

Under the direction of the Director in the Disease Surveillance and Epidemiology (DSE) Section, the Medical Research Specialist of the Data Team performs complex (journey-level) work that provides for the daily operations of the team. Work involves providing oversight and direction for planning, implementing, coordinating, and evaluating activities mandated or assigned to the Data Team. Serves as subject matter expert regarding analysis of infectious disease data in Texas. Monitors Data Team activities and guides activities to serve agency and Texas public health’s infectious disease data analytics needs. Develops priorities and standards for accomplishing goals. Provides epidemiological consultation and work related to emerging and acute infectious disease surveillance. Provides data management and data analysis expertise. Oversees activities for the Data Team to function as liaisons with the Public Health Information & Data Exchange (PHID) Group, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and others to enhance and improve National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS) functionality and underlying data. Designs detailed procedures that ensure data quality. Oversees a team to produces routine and ad hoc data reports, as well as contribute to epidemiologic reports, presentations, and manuscripts.  Represents the Section in attending meetings and conducting oral presentations.  Activities are performed to meet agency objectives including short-term and long-term objectives. Performs duties under limited supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.    

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

Essential Job Functions:

35% -  Data Management and Analysis
• Oversees the development of policies and procedure for data quality assurance, and for data management of infectious disease investigations, especially for National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS) data. 
• Document new and existing databases and ensure accuracy and integrity of Section's datasets.
• Develop and run specific software programs to perform analytical tasks and generate reports.

20% - ELC Core Activities
• Oversee ELC Core Project A Cross-Cutting Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity Grant requirements.  Develop the milestones for completion of the required activities.  Coordinate with the other staff members including the laboratory to complete the required reporting and application documents throughout the year.  
• Work with the appropriate staff to complete the required tasks for the grant as prescribed and approved in the milestones.  This includes completing the needs assessment, analyzing the results, and developing a training plan.  Plan and implement approaches to support outbreak response and respond in a timely manner.  Develop plans to improve surveillance and reporting including improving use of and reviewing surveillance data.  Coordinate and engage with partners.
• Work with the other section staff to hold the yearly ELC Conference, if funding is approved, and it is part of the workplan.  

15% - Serves as Data Team Lead
• Makes assignments, participates in the screening, interviewing, and selection process, plans and directs projects for the team and makes sure deadlines are met.  
• Works with the DSE Director to establish priorities for the team; then implements them.  
• Provides support to management in obtaining and analyzing data for the purposes of surveillance program evaluation.
• Assesses training needs and makes recommendations for training; may provide on-the-job training and assist less experienced staff with the more complex issues and/or situations.   
• Attends and provides input at meetings pertaining to work assignment. 
• Represents the Section in attending meetings and conducting oral presentations related to infectious disease investigations associated with grant deliverables as assigned.

10% - Epidemiologic studies and investigations 
• Plans, designs, conducts, and coordinates epidemiological and medical research activities and studies and surveillance projects on reportable infectious disease conditions.
• Serves as the subject matter expert with program epidemiologists in the application of statistical methods and appropriate study design.
• Collaborates with program epidemiologists to develop objectives, design sampling, randomization, and statistical analysis plans to achieve epidemiological and medical research activities or projects.

10% - Liaison with PHID Group & Data Quality Assurance
• Works with the Public Health Informatics & Data Exchange (PHID) Group to improve and enhance notifiable disease conditions data on in NEDSS.  
• Interacts with epidemiology staff to make sure NEDSS meets staff needs and data standards are commonly used.
• Identifies data quality assurance issues in NEDSS and work with staff and the PHID Group to remediate the issue(s).  
• Generates performance statistics and reports.  
• Develops and implements data quality assurance protocols and tools in support of disease surveillance program activities throughout the public health system at the state, regional, and local levels.  
• Evaluates the effectiveness of quality improvement projects. 

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 Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) activation. 
• Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
• Conducts data analysis by utilizing disease specific databases and software such as SAS and Tableau, providing technical assistance in analyzing data, and preparing summary reports for investigations and assessing epidemiological and medical research information on emerging infectious diseases.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of epidemiological research design, methods, principles, and techniques
• Knowledge of public health laws and regulations
• Knowledge of data management, quality assurance, and analysis procedures 
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of management.
• Knowledge of statistical and data manipulation software (e.g., SAS, ArcGIS, Tableau)
• Skill in using statistical techniques, 
• Skill in in research design and implementation
• Skill in collaborating to produce data from and written reports of epidemiologic investigations
• Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities
• Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative approaches and solutions to problems.
• Skill in using computers and software including Word, Epi Info, Access, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability to establish goals and objectives, and to devise solutions to meet these goals and objectives
• Ability to develop and evaluate administrative policies and procedures,
• Ability to design and implement systems necessary to collect, maintain, and analyze data
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports from abstract data, concepts, and requests
• Ability to analyze and evaluate empirical data and develop graphic and/or written interpretations and conclusions
• Ability to organize, manipulate, and maintain complex data files
• Ability to present statistical and technical data accurately, clearly and concisely
• Ability to provide operational guidance to leadership and field staff
• Ability to work independently using sound judgment 
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Ability to train and supervise the work of others, including planning and assigning work
• Ability to work with others

Initial Screening Criteria

1. Master’s degree in epidemiology or biostatistics from a U.S. accredited college or university.
2. Use of Excel, Access AND statistical analysis software.
3. Minimum of 2 years of experience working full-time with public health data, infectious disease data preferred. 
4. Experience with GIS, Tableau or other data processing software preferred.

Additional Information

An in-basket exercise will be required at the time of the interview.

This position is eligible for a hybrid telework/in-office schedule.

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

Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview 

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