Maternal and Infant Health Epidemiologist

Brief Job Description:

The Epidemiologist III performs advanced (senior-level) research and epidemiological work in maternal and infant health. Reports to the Epidemiology Branch Director with minimal supervision and considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. Serves as the State Systems Development Initiative (SSDI) Lead Analyst which requires building data systems and expanding the state maternal and child health (MCH) data capacity to support Title V program efforts and contribute to data driven program efforts throughout the state. Assists in partner data collection and analysis for Title V MCH Block Grant reporting. Work also involves analyzing large data sets and complex sample survey data for dashboards and other reports, conducting highly advanced and descriptive analyses on maternal and infant health factors, and disseminating results. Develops and maintains complex, detailed scientific protocols and operational manuals for all projects. Designs and implements data collection and data management tools for maternal and infant health surveillance. Provides research consultation and technical assistance to programmatic, medical, and public health professionals on epidemiological methods, research/surveillance design and program evaluation/assessment of public health practices on maternal and infant health. 

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

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

(30%) Work includes taking a lead role in the State Systems Development Initiative (SSDI), which complements the Title V Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Block Grant, for the MCH Epidemiology Unit. Requires building data systems and expanding the state MCH data capacity to support Title V program efforts and contribute to data driven program efforts throughout the state. Uses advanced information technology (i.e., automation coding), data and statistical analysis, and surveillance plus GIS mapping and dashboard techniques (e.g., Tableau) to assist programs in developing solutions for improving maternal and child health throughout Texas. Assists in partner data collection and analysis for Title V MCH Block Grant reporting.  

(30%) Work includes analyzing large data sets (e.g., birth and death records) and complex sample survey data (e.g., Texas Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System) for dashboards and other reports. Conducts highly advanced and descriptive analyses on maternal and infant health factors (e.g., Perinatal Periods of Risk), and disseminates results. Uses specialized software, such as SAS, Python, SQL, Tableau, and ArcGIS, to analyze and display data for presentations, reports, publications, and other products. Contributes to written manuscripts and research reports based on these data for publication and/or dissemination.  

(20%) Designs and implements data collection and data management tools for maternal and infant health surveillance for qualitative and quantitative research (e.g., Infant Feeding Practices Survey and breastfeeding screening from newborn screening). Develops and maintains complex, detailed scientific protocols and operational manuals on all projects. Analyzes data collected and provides updates to DSHS maternal and infant health programs.    

(15%) Serves as a subject matter expert on maternal and infant health topics and epidemiology. Provides research consultation and technical assistance to programmatic, medical, and public health professionals on epidemiological methods, research/surveillance design and program evaluation/assessment of public health practices on maternal and infant health. Assists in grant writing as needed. Works in collaboration with epidemiologists and other research specialist staff across the agency and other state/federal agencies. 

(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, 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. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of public health principles and functions.   

Knowledge of research planning and evaluation methods in epidemiology.  

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

Knowledge of maternal and child health epidemiology.  

Knowledge of advanced statistical techniques and methods.   

Knowledge of statistical software (including SAS, SAS Viya, Python, and SQL), Tableau, ArcGIS, and Microsoft Office products (including Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook).   

Skill in developing technical standard operating procedures and data management plans. 

Skill in advanced SAS programming logic and scripting for statistical analysis of large data sets.  

Skill in using statistical measurement techniques, research design and implementation, and problem-solving methods and techniques.  

Skill in effective verbal communication and technical writing, including preparation and presentation of complex data analysis.   

Skill in project management with complex projects that cross divisions, agencies, and several lines of business.   

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

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

Skill in advanced technical writing, reporting, and interpretation of complex data to clearly and succinctly communicate project/research information for correspondence with state and federal agencies, grant applications and plans, state rules, and planning procedures.   

Ability to work independently and show initiative.  

Ability to conduct advanced statistical analyses with SAS.  

Ability to interpret statistical analyses, charts, and tables.  

Ability to organize and present information effectively, both orally and in writing, to a variety of audiences, including state and federal agency staff, legislators, and other stakeholders, which may require synthesis and translation of complex information into simpler terms.   

Ability to develop and effectively deliver training and technical assistance about research and data methods and procedures.  

Ability to survey relevant professional literature and other publications and stay current on existing research methodologies and research findings.   

Ability to evaluate policies and procedures.   

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

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A 

Initial Screening Criteria: 

Graduation from an accredited college or university with receipt of a master's degree in epidemiology, public health, statistics, social science or a related field. Education and work experience can be substituted for one another on a year-for-year basis.  

Experience analyzing data using SAS.  

One or more years of experience in epidemiology; MCH epidemiology preferred. 

Additional Information:

Applicants selected for an interview will be required to provide two samples:  

1) A writing sample as first author; and  

2) A SAS statistical program sample (in PDF, Word, or similar file format) with examples of coding, data cleaning, data manipulation, and data analysis.