Epidemiologist

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Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Functional Title: Epidemiologist 
Job Title: Epidemiologist II 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: TB Branch 
Posting Number: 15127 
Closing Date: 04/06/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical 
Salary Range: $4,523.16 - $5,888.50 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: 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: 201 W HOWARD LN STE 200 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 230X,43EX,43HX,43TX,4E0X1,61G,HM,SEI12 
 
 
 

General Job Description

Under the supervision of the epidemiology and surveillance branch manager, the epidemiologist II performs advanced research and epidemiological work, requiring specialized knowledge of tuberculosis (TB) epidemiology and surveillance. Ensures completeness, accuracy and timelines of contact data reports in the state’s electronic TB surveillance system. Assists in the planning, developing, coordinating and conducting epidemiological and surveillance projects and investigations. Designs, develops and implements TB data collection elements and reports in the TB reporting database.  Conducts data analysis for quality assurance and database integration of comorbid events and processes data requests. Presents results and findings of analyses to diverse audiences, including local and regional stakeholders.  Develops reports, manuscripts, and other documents and ensure their statistical accuracy and the accuracy of data interpretation. Ensures the statistical validity and epidemiologic applicability of activities. Performs other duties as assigned. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJF)  

EJF 1 (25%) Coordinates with local health departments (LHDs) and public health regions (PHRs) to ensure accurate reporting and management of contact investigation data. Incorporates data from relevant data systems to improve data completeness and quality. Works with staff on data collection issues and provides solutions to enhancing data collection. Provides routine feedback and reports to LHDs and PHRs on data entry of contact investigation in the state’s electronic TB surveillance system, as needed.

EJF 2 (20%) Checks data for accuracy prior to transfer of data from the DSHS TB reporting database to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); informs product owners of changes in reporting requirements and ensures continued export functionality; and ensures CDC reporting requirements are met according to established deadlines.     

EJF 3 (20%) Assists in preparing contact investigation data and training field staff in contact investigation data entry in the state’s electronic TB surveillance system; incorporates data from other data sources; ensures data quality by data cleaning and standardization prior to file creation.  Uses appropriate epidemiologic and statistical methods in data analysis such as SAS, SAS VIYA, graphics, mapping, and spreadsheets.  

EJF 4 (10%) Creates, edits, and tests de-normalized tables to run reports and workflows in the state’s electronic TB surveillance system; creates and edits data dictionaries as needed. Provides support to the Assessment, Compliance and Evaluation team for cohort review analyses and performance indicators. 

EJF 5 (5%) Designs TB research investigations, surveillance and assessment based on standard scientific methods, programmatic needs or new/innovative approaches. Provides technical assistance to TB program areas regarding epidemiological methods, research/surveillance design, and program evaluation assessment of public health practices.  

EJF 6 (5%) Conducts migration and analysis of collected data. Applies appropriate advanced statistical and/or analytical procedures for the purpose of analysis. Current projects focus on TB behavioral risk factors, testing, treatment and transmission, medical care and clinical outcomes.

EJF 7 (5%) Provides TB data to policy makers, public health practitioners, researchers, internal and external partners and the general public.  

EJF 8 (5%) Writes and prepares scientific reports and manuscripts from findings of research investigations. Presents results and findings of studies to appropriate audiences. Reviews reports, manuscripts, and other documents for accuracy in content, statistics and interpretation of data.

EJF 9 (5%)  Other duties as assigned but not limited to: assists with other surveillance projects and epidemiologic and statistical analyses as needed; serves as backup for group epidemiologists as needed; participates and/or serves 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. 

Licensure, Certification, or Registration Required

Current and valid Texas driver's license

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of major functions of public health

Knowledge of infectious disease surveillance

Knowledge of the principles and methods of epidemiology

Knowledge of statistical concepts, research methods, and their applications to public health surveillance and research

Knowledge of sampling, survey methods and weighing

Knowledge of the health status, socioeconomic and demographic measures used in public health.

Knowledge of population, socioeconomic and health outcomes data sources

Knowledge of programming logic

Knowledge of security and confidentiality as it relates to surveillance

Skill in using Microsoft Office products especially Excel and PowerPoint

Skill in using graphics presentation software

Skill in using statistical software such as SAS and in writing syntax to perform analyses

Skill in data management and analysis

Skill in both verbal and written communications

Skill in graphical presentation of data including charts, tables, and maps

Skill in working with sensitive personal health information

Ability to manage and query complex databases

Ability to plan, conduct and report on epidemiological investigations

Ability to use population data for public health planning and evaluation

Ability to conduct research projects

Ability to organize and prioritize work and meet deadlines

Ability to exercise independent judgment and show initiative

Ability to communicate effectively with data users, coworkers and stakeholders

Ability to maintain effective working relationships  

Additional Information

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

The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.

Applicants invited to an interview will be administered a skills test as part of the interview process.

Must be willing to travel at least 20% of the time.

Must be willing to work outside the normal work schedule if needed.  
 

Initial Screening Criteria

Master's Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in epidemiology, public health or closely related field. A Master's degree in epidemiology is preferred.

At least one year's work experience in epidemiologic data analysis and reporting.

Must have experience using SAS statistical software.  
 

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