Epidemiology Unit Coordinator

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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: Epidemiology Unit Coordinator 
Job Title: Research Specialist IV 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Maternal & Child Health Prog 
Posting Number: 18030 
Closing Date: 07/01/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Office and Administrative Support 
Salary Range: $4,801.17 - $6,281.33 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-22 
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: No military equivalent 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

The Research Specialist IV works under the direction of the Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology (MCHE) Unit Director. This position performs highly advanced (senior-level) consultative services, technical assistance, analysis activities, and oversight of multiple operational aspects of the MCHE Unit. This work includes, but is not limited to coordinating and monitoring DSHS Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions, grants deliverables, data-sharing arrangements, and multi-level approval processes to support maternal and child health (MCH) surveillance systems, maternal and infant health quality improvement initiatives, Title V MCH Block Grant activities, dashboards, and related research activities and analysis. This position plans, develops, implements, and monitors unit-wide compliance systems, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Data Management Plans, workflows, and process improvements. Provides technical consultation and training to unit staff on regulatory requirements, data governance, and administrative processes, while conducting quality assurance reviews and ensuring timely completion of research deliverables through unit, section, and division approval channels. This position prepares technical reports, briefings, presentations, and compliance documentation to support evidence-based decision-making in maternal and child health programs. The position works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

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

This position plans, develops, implements, and monitors unit-wide compliance system for MCHE for the approval lifecycle unit’s  Institutional Review Board (IRB) submission protocol, Data Use Agreements (DUAs), Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs), grant deliverables and reports, and other data sharing arrangements supporting MCH surveillance systems, dashboards, and research activities, including tracking submissions, approvals, amendments, renewals, closures, and maintaining authoritative records. Determines applicable regulatory scope and compliance requirements for MCHE research and data activities, monitors federal, state, and agency regulatory changes, and implements unit-wide operational policies, procedures, and process adjustments to maintain compliance. Serves as the unit’s liaison with IRB offices, legal counsel, privacy officers, and external research or data sharing partners, facilitating approvals, resolving regulatory issues, and providing technical consultation to support compliant project implementation. Conducts internal quality assurance reviews and compliance audits of research projects, surveillance systems, and data files to ensure adherence to approved protocols, agreements, and data release policies; coordinates and supports responses to internal and external audits or investigations as needed. Conducts complex research and analysis of MCH and related topics, including scientific literature searches (traditional, internet, database) and reviews various types of materials including legislation, regulations, and scientific protocol and policies to develop and plan research proposals and appropriate methodologies to support MCHE ongoing projects, surveillance systems, and evidence based decision making. Analyzes proposed legislation, rules, regulations, and policies to assess potential impacts on MCHE programs, research activities, and surveillance systems; collaborates with Section and Division to develop research based analyses, implementation guidance, and required responses to legislative mandates. (35%)

Provides MCHE unit level guidance on planning, policies, and administrative operations to support timely completion of program, research, and reporting deliverables. Establishes short-, mid-, and long-term goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and standards for the MCHE Unit. Plans, develops, implements, and maintains standardized tracking systems, escalation protocols, and workflows to coordinate and monitor assignments, approvals, and deliverables across the MCHE Unit; identifies bottlenecks, resolves issues, and escalates risks as appropriate. Coordinates the flow of programmatic, research, and administrative work across branches to ensure deliverables move efficiently through unit, section, and division approval channels. Leads the development, implementation, and ongoing refinement of unit-wide Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), workflow guidance, and standardized templates to support research approvals, data sharing processes, and operational consistency. Maintains regular communication with the Unit Director and Branch Managers through meetings, briefings, and written updates on project status, risks, and priorities. Supports unit preparation for legislative sessions by conducting research, tracking bills, and assisting with analyses of issues affecting maternal and child health programs and surveillance systems. (30%)

Plans, develops, implements, monitors and maintains Data Management Plans (DMPs) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) governing data collection, storage, access, security, retention, and disposition for datasets, MCHE surveillance systems, quality improvement initiatives, and Title V Block Grant activities. Manages the intake, review, tracking, and resolution of internal and external data requests in accordance with approved policies, IRB protocols, and data sharing agreements, including approval, fulfillment, or denial as appropriate. Ensures data access controls, security safeguards, and data use practices are compliant with legal, regulatory, and funding requirements and aligned with agency data governance standards. Plans, develops. implements, and monitors data quality assurance procedures and conducts routine data integrity reviews of MCHE surveillance systems, dashboards, and analytic products. Monitors and reports required program and performance metrics to support evaluation, quality improvement, and reporting activities. (20%)

Serves as a subject matter resource to support staff in research planning, documentation, compliance, and data sharing activities. Provides technical consultation, guidance, and training to unit staff with presentations and meetings on research methods and techniques, IRB documentation requirements, regulatory compliance, data security standards, records retention, and administrative approval workflows. Reviews scientific and data products to ensure accuracy, regulatory compliance, and alignment with departmental standards and public health best practices. Collaborates with subject matter experts to develop, refine, and edit technical reports, scientific publications, briefs, and presentations for internal leadership and external stakeholders. Prepares and conducts reports and presentations to inform unit staff on policies, compliance, and research. (10%)

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, Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation, and/or serving on the State Medical Operations Center (SMOC) team.  Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of scientific research methods, statistical concepts and methods and their application to research studies, evaluations, and data analysis. 

Knowledge of laws and rules applicable to confidentiality, the management of protected health information, and research.

Knowledge of computer software applications, including Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Tableau.

Knowledge of principles and application of process improvement, continuous quality improvement, quality assurance, and project management.

Skills in good coordination, communication, and writing.

Skills in the development of technical standard operating procedures and data management plans.

Skills in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and negotiating and implementing solutions to data and research problems. 

Skills in project management to organize major project activities into a logical sequence with a reasonable and achievable set of deadlines.

Skill in conducting quality assurance reviews and data integrity assessments.

Ability to work independently and show initiative.

Ability to establish goals and objectives.

Ability to write, develop, implement and evaluate administrative policies and procedures

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and to work with others as part of a team.

Ability to develop and effectively deliver training and technical assistance about research/data methods, procedures, or policies.

Ability to speak and write effectively, clearly, and concisely on a variety of complex subjects related to the program.

Ability to handle a wide range of tasks in an effective manner, along with planning, organizing, and completing multiple tasks and activities in a timely fashion.

Ability to interpret guidelines, policies, procedures, and regulations on a State or National level.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in an area related to public health, health policy, or maternal and child health. Master’s degree preferred.

Experience in research compliance, regulatory processes, and data governance.

Experience in leading and managing projects or research.

Experience developing, implementing, and evaluating administrative policies and procedures.

Additional Information:

Applicants selected for an interview will need to provide writing samples and complete a skills test in-basket exercise after 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