Pharmacy Research Specialist

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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: Pharmacy Research Specialist 
Job Title: Research Specialist V 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Pharmacy Branch 
Posting Number: 13107 
Closing Date: 04/29/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24 
Salary Range: $5,425.33 - $8,886.16 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 5% 
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: No military equivalent 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

The Research Specialist reports to the DSHS Central Pharmacy Director and provides advanced research and data analysis work included but not limited to; planning, conducting, and leading research projects centered on pharmacy operations, inventory, and distribution.  Manages, develops, and researches the implementation of effective data dissemination methods for ordering and distribution. Plans and monitors research projects and determines appropriate methods and designs to be used for research. Develops and implements new procedures, policies, protocols and processes for data quality assessment of pharmacy medications, vaccines, and related systems. Consults and provides expert technical assistance and guidance to program staff within the DSHS central and regional offices, local health departments, other governmental agencies, community organizations, the general public, providers, and other stakeholders in regard to available pharmacy data. Provides support to programs and entities ordering vaccines. Assists with coordination and analysis of data pipelines and processing activities. Ensures data submitted adheres to the standard import format. Monitors database for data integrity and records quality issues. Develops, implements and monitors data quality assurance and testing activities.  Recommends system improvements based on research methods and data analysis. Communicates verbally and in writing with wide range of stakeholders on a regular basis. Provides written and verbal feedback regarding system testing results. Serves as the lead for data analysis at multiple levels, with minimal supervision and with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

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

EJF1: (40%) Develops, implements and manages data quality research projects, advanced data reports and deliverables and effective data dissemination methods for ordering and distribution. Develops methodology, protocols, internal policies and procedures for data analysis of ordering and distribution. Oversee all research and data analysis activities performed by the Analysis and Finance team. Manages and monitors the methods and quality of pharmacy data extracts. Plans, implements and oversees the development of pharmacy data sets, data analysis methodologies and procedures for generating graphs, charts, and statistics to support program staff and activities. Develop operational reports and data summaries. Identifies the significance of data trends and gaps and reports findings to stakeholders and program staff and makes recommendations for improvement. Manages reporting of grant benchmarking metrics. Oversees the extract and compilation of data sets used to calculate metrics. Reviews metrics with team members to ensure accuracy and resolve any issues.

EJF2: (30%) Oversee and monitor operational data and makes improvement recommendations to assist program management. Develop and implement operating procedures based on results of data analysis, research and study. Plans and manages complex analytical research projects. Presents findings orally and in writing. Collaborates with others across Public Health in the development and presentation of local, statewide, and national trainings and presentations. Develops and prepares operational reports, data summaries, and presentations. Recommends interventions to improve data quality. Assists in defining, developing, and implementing data standards. Develops and implements data collection systems, data analytics, and other strategies that optimize statistical efficiency and quality.

EJF3: (25%) Provides consultative and technical assistance to Pharmacy partners and internal Pharmacy program staff regarding data extracts, reports, and data processing for vaccine usage. Clarifies technical specifications of data requests with partners. Prepares reports and other documentation as requested by program staff and management. Plans and develops accurate and detailed requirement/functional specification documents and user interface guides to be implemented in system. Prepares preliminary analysis and design plans and user requirements. May facilitate and document user design sessions.

EJF4: (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 obligation for disaster response and/or recovery of Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternative shift patter assignment and/or location.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

Medical/epidemiologic research design, methods, principles, and techniques.

Scientific research methods, principles, and philosophy.

Statistical concepts and methods and their application to research analysis.

Measurement, testing, and evaluation procedures.

Developing statements of work.

Sampling and weighting data.

Computer application (SQL, SAS) to biostatistics, Excel (including VBA), Power Point, and Tableau/PBI.

Skill in:

Use of statistical measurement techniques.

Research design and implementation.

Team leadership.

Development of procedures to monitor and evaluate progress in achieving project objectives.

Project management to organize major project activities.

Oral communication skills to facilitate meeting agendas to achieve planned outcomes.

Technical writing to clearly and succinctly communicate project / research information for correspondence with state and federal agencies.

Ability to:

Work independently.

Gather information from variety of sources and synthesize information into simpler terms.

Express ideas clearly and concisely orally and in writing.

Develop and effectively deliver training and technical assistance about research / data methods, procedures or DSHS policies.

Plan, organize and conduct assigned phases of complex research projects.

Interpret complex statistical data, charts, and tables.

Develop and analyze measuring instruments with respect to reliability, relevance, and validity.

Formulate reasonable hypothesis and structure research designs to account for variables.

Communicate effectively.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships and work with others as part of a team.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

1. Four-year degree is preferred.

2. Experience in medical and epidemiologic research design, methods, principles, and techniques required.

3. Experience in public health services is preferred.

4. Experience in budget management for health service delivery programs is preferred.

5. Experience with computer applications such as SQL, SAS, Excel (including VBA), PowerPoint, and Tableau/Power BI is required. 

6. Experience with statistical concepts and methods and their application to research analysis preferred.

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