Skip to content
Search Public Health Job Opportunities Across The Nation

Explore national fellowship and internship opportunities

The list includes opportunities with governmental public health agencies, nonprofits organizations, global health initiatives, and more. Opportunities include, but are not limited to, national programs affiliated with the Centers of Disease Control and Preventions (CDC).

Data Scientist, Public Health Data Linkage

Internal Number: DOH8949

As a Data Scientist you will work within the Linkage and Integrated Data Analysis (LIDA) Unit within the Center for Health Statistics (CHS). The LIDA Unit develops advanced data linkage methods that improve the quality, accuracy, and usability of public health data used to support research, surveillance, and decision making across Washington State.

In this role, you will lead complex data science projects that combine machine learning, statistical modeling, data engineering, and informatics to connect and analyze large, complex datasets. You will develop and evaluate data linkage models, build automated analytical pipelines, improve data quality, and explore innovative approaches that strengthen the Center's data modernization efforts. You'll also serve as a technical expert, collaborating with epidemiologists, informaticists, data scientists, and public health partners on complex analytical initiatives.

Your work will strengthen the systems used to connect vital records and other health data, providing reliable information that helps identify health trends, improve data quality, and support evidence based public health decisions that protect and improve the health of people across Washington.

Key Responsibilities Include:

  • Lead complex analyses of linked public health data using advanced statistical methods, machine learning, and data science techniques to answer challenging analytical questions.
  • Design, evaluate, and improve machine learning and AI driven data linkage models, ensuring high quality, accurate, and equitable results.
  • Develop and maintain automated data engineering and analytical pipelines using programming languages such as Python and SQL to support large scale data integration and analysis.
  • Acquire, process, and standardize structured and unstructured data from administrative and open source data sources to strengthen data linkage performance and quality assurance.
  • Research, test, and implement emerging data science methods that improve interoperability, entity resolution, and public health data modernization.
  • Serve as the technical expert for data linkage and machine learning by providing consultation, mentoring colleagues, and collaborating with internal and external partners on complex projects.
  • Communicate analytical findings and technical recommendations to a variety of audiences to support data informed public health decisions.
  • Contribute technical expertise during public health emergency response activities and support critical analytical needs when required.

Why You’ll Love This Role:

  • Work with cutting edge data science, machine learning, and data engineering technologies to solve complex public health challenges.
  • Lead innovative projects that shape how public health data is integrated, analyzed, and modernized across Washington State.
  • Improve the quality, accuracy, and accessibility of health data that supports research, surveillance, and evidence-based decision making.
  • Collaborate with experts across epidemiology, informatics, and public health to build data solutions that strengthen programs serving communities throughout Washington.

Option 1: Seven (7) years of experience developing, analyzing, or implementing advanced data science, machine learning, statistical modeling, or data engineering solutions using large and complex datasets.

Option 2: A bachelor's degree in data science, computer science, statistics, biostatistics, mathematics, informatics, public health informatics, epidemiology, engineering, or another closely related quantitative field; AND Five (5) years of experience developing, analyzing, or implementing advanced data science, machine learning, statistical modeling, or data engineering solutions using large and complex datasets.

Additional Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Experience

  • Experience using Python to develop or evaluate machine learning models, automate data processing, or analyze large and complex datasets.
  • Experience using SQL to extract, transform, integrate, and analyze large datasets.
  • Experience developing, implementing, or evaluating machine learning or data linkage models.
  • Experience developing or maintaining automated data processing or analytical pipelines.
  • Experience evaluating data quality, validating analytical outputs, and performing quality assurance.
  • Experience in applying statistical analysis or modeling techniques to large, complex datasets.
  • Experience leading complex data science or analytics projects or serving as a technical subject matter expert.
  • Experience communicating technical findings and recommendations to technical and nontechnical audiences.
About Washington State Department of Health
Our programs and services help prevent illness and injury, promote healthy places to live and work, provide information to help people make good health decisions and ensure our state is prepared for emergencies. To accomplish all of these, we collaborate with many partners every day.We help ensure a safer and healthier Washington by:Working to improve health through disease and injury prevention, immunization, and newborn screeningProviding health and safety information, education and training so people can make healthy choicesPromoting a health and wellness system where we live, learn, work, play and worshipAddressing environmental health hazards associated with drinking water, food, air quality and pesticide exposureProtecting you and your family by licensing healthcare professionals, investigating disease outbreaks and preparing for emergencies
Connections working at Washington State Department of Health
More Jobs from This Employer
https://govphcareers.astho.org/jobs/22474763/data-scientist-public-health-data-linkage

Date Posted
08/03/2026
Job Reference
22474763
Organization
Washington State Department of Health
Location
Tumwater, WA
Category
Data Science
Apply Back

Connect with Local, State, and Territorial Health Departments

To find local governmental public health jurisdictions, see - www.naccho.org