Epidemiologist II

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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 II 
Job Title: Epidemiologist II 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Congenital Syphilis 
Posting Number: 14808 
Closing Date: 03/25/2026 
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 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,43EX,43HX,43TX,4E0X1,61G,HM,SEI12 
 
 
 

Job Description:

The Epidemiologist II is located in the Congenital Syphilis (CS) Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit in the Community Health Improvement division. Under the supervision of the Congenital Syphilis Manager, the Epidemiologist II performs advanced journey-level research and epidemiological work requiring specialized knowledge of congenital syphilis surveillance and epidemiology. Designs and conducts advanced epidemiological data analysis, evaluating populations and their risk factors for CS using data from the disease reporting system and other large data sets available in the Department of State Health Services and State Health and Human Services. Prepares and presents data analysis reports on CS issues from across the health jurisdictions. Track program progress with data and provide update on gap analysis.
Work with the CS surveillance team to provide technical assistance to local and regional health CS operations. Works under minimum supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.  

Essential Job Functions:

(30%) Coordinates with health information exchanges (HIE), private health plans, Medicaid and other partners within and external to DSHS in order to obtain data related to congenital syphilis. Responsible for performing data merges, matches, cleaning and updating. Manages specialized program databases and develops new databases and tracking mechanisms as program needs arise.

(20%) Serves as a subject matter expert on congenital syphilis epidemiology in Texas. Works within the team of surveillance staff at central office to ensure accurate, timely and complete reporting of cases of congenital syphilis and oversees follow up of any infants born to mothers diagnosed with syphilis during pregnancy to ensure accurate reporting. Collaborates with STD Prevention and Public Health Follow Up colleagues to provide training, guidance, technical assistance and oversight to local and regional programs performing congenital syphilis surveillance data collection.

(15%) Uses specialized software, such as SAS, Tableau, and ArcGIS to analyze data associated with congenital syphilis from a variety of sources, including examining surveillance efforts, epidemiologic trends, academic research, and testing and public health follow-up efforts.

(10%) Uses academic and general search engines to locate congenital syphilis -related research. Provides consultation relating to research design, planning, instrumentation, and statistical analysis, both quantitative and qualitative.

(10%) Synthesizes disease information from a variety of sources to write reports for lay and professional audiences. Oversees, coordinates and prepares reports and/or materials for presentation and publication. Works with IT partners to develop Tableau dashboards and visualizations. Develops illustrations of program data and analyses using PC software such as Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint. Presents reports and data analysis findings to internal and external groups, including DSHS staff and community groups. This position may contribute to CS epidemiologic profiles and DSHS reports for lay and professional audiences. Prepares required program annual and quarterly reports. Represents DSHS at meetings and conferences on a statewide and national basis and acts as a liaison to other branches within the Department and with state and national organizations related to congenital syphilis.

(10%) Directs the preparation of and responds to complex requests for CS information, data and analyses as requested by the team lead, CS Manager, Division Director or other Department staff, outside agencies, the public and the media.

(5%) 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 (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Knowledge of epidemiologic/public health research design, methods, principles, and techniques 
Knowledge of measurement, testing, and evaluation procedures 
Knowledge of analysis of large datasets
Knowledge of computer software, including SAS, Microsoft products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access), Adobe Professional, Tableau, and ArcGIS software  Skill in the use of statistical measurement techniques, research design and implementation, problem-solving methods and techniques 
Skills in project management to organize major project activities into a logical sequence with a reasonable and achievable schedule of deadlines
Skills in technical writing skills to communicate project/research information clearly and succinctly for correspondence with state and federal agencies                                                                                        Skill in creating data dashboards that simplify complex ideas to lay audiences and for internal and external consumption
Skill in critical thinking and problem solving                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Ability to work independently and show initiative
Ability to develop and effectively deliver training and technical assistance about research/data methods, procedures or DSHS policies        
Ability to interpret complex statistical data, charts, and tables and translate detailed information into simpler terms orally and in writing
Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely orally and in writing
Ability to assess the reliability, validity, and appropriateness of proposed data collection methods and epidemiologic designs
Ability to plan, organize, and conduct assigned phases of complex research projects
Ability to formulate reasonable hypothesis and structure research designs to account for variables
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and to work with others as part of a team.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:  N/A.

Initial Screening Criteria:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in epidemiology, statistics, or a related field preferred.
At least one year of experience in epidemiology; maternal and child health epidemiology preferred.
At least one year of experience in SAS, SAS Viya or similar software. 
At least one year of experience in analyzing large data sets.

Additional Information:This position is eligible for Telework

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