Epidemiologist

Has general knowledge of theories, practices, and procedures within a discipline. Develops competence by performing structured work assignments. Uses existing prescribed guidelines or policies to analyze and resolve problems. This position serves as an entry-level professional epidemiologist responsible for carrying out a range of investigative and analytical epidemiologic activities related to the surveillance, detection, and prevention of diseases and injuries. Has an understanding of quantitative and qualitative research and evaluation methods. Works as a team or project member, under the direction of higher-level staff.
This level of epidemiologic work includes:
- Conducting routine epidemiologic functions comprising surveillance, data collection, data analysis using epidemiologic methods, and assistance with epidemiologic investigations;
- Conducting epidemiologic investigations used in preventing and controlling specific communicable and chronic diseases, injuries, and other health conditions and applying findings to direct public health programs and recommend interventions and/or control measures;
- Conducting literature reviews;
- Assisting with preparing reports from analyses of surveillance data, literature reviews, and other information using behavioral science, demographic and epidemiologic analytic techniques, and program evaluation;
- Providing scientific and clinical guidance and technical assistance to various public, private, and nonprofit health and health-related state and local agencies and organizations;

- Serving as a scientific consultant for a public health program or project;
- Participating in internal and external committees and workgroups related to areas of expertise;
- Participating in after-hours activities including partner meetings, investigations, outbreak and emergency responses, as needed; and
- Participating in writing grants and other funding proposals.
May provide administrative leadership and technical guidance to lower-level professional, technical, and administrative support staff, as assigned. The employee will be expected to make independent decisions and judgments based on their educational and professional experience and training; this position maintains and shares information and data of a very confidential nature.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State's Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

- Performs surveillance activities to support data collection in conjunction with local agencies and other health entities. This includes but is not limited to weekly Interstate Communications Control (ICCR) Partner notifications, transnational border health notifications, county requests, weekly Ryan White and AIDS Drug Assistance Program eligibility requests, daily out-of-state incoming data requests, and weekly Disease Intervention Specialist requests.
- Performs routine epidemiologic functions comprising of surveillance, data collection, and data analysis. This includes but is not limited to daily Medical Electronic Disease Surveillance Intelligence System (MEDSIS) MEDSIS testing, daily MEDSIS Electronic Lab Reporting List, daily MEDSIS Coordination, and daily Quality Assurance in the Enhanced HIV/AIDS Reporting System (eHARS).
- Conducts investigative and analytical epidemiologic tasks in relation to surveillance, detection, and prevention of disease and injuries.
- Assists in maintaining the operation of surveillance systems in relation to disease and health outcomes.
- Conducts literature reviews and report preparation assistance.
- Participates in onsite review of facilities and procedures, interviewing patients and health care providers for outbreak and epidemiologic investigations.
- Provides scientific and clinical guidance to public, private, and nonprofit health and health-related agencies and organizations.
- Participates in after-hours activities including partner meetings, investigation, outbreak, and emergency response as needed. Participates in writing grants and other funding proposals.

Knowledge of:
- Advanced communication skills; oral and written.
- Contemporary principles and practices of epidemiology.
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), state and local privacy laws.
- Computerized database management, data analysis, and program evaluation.

- Database analysis in SAS.
- Performance Management (PM), Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), and Lean methodologies.
Skill in:
- Research methods, procedures, and techniques used in identifying and evaluating the health of populations, their characteristics, contemporary medical methods and practices, proper principles and procedures when conducting health or determinants surveillance and epidemiologic investigations.

- Skill in SAS.
Ability to:
- Use critical thinking to determine whether a public health problem exists, articulate the need for further investigation or other public health action on statutes, rules, policy, and potential health impact
- Collaborate with others
- Investigate acute and chronic conditions
- Analyze and interpret data from surveillance and investigations and recommend evidence-based interventions and control measures in response to findings.
- Support a diverse multi-cultural workforce that reflects the community, promotes equal opportunity at all levels of public employment, and creates an inclusive work environment that enables all individuals to perform to their fullest potential free from discrimination.

Bachelors in public health or a science-related field with up to 2 years of relevant data analysis experience or an MPH/MSPH or masters in public health or a science-related field. Preference given to degrees from an accredited University and/or School of Public Health.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver's License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:
Affordable medical and dental insurance plans
Paid vacation and sick time
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
10 paid holidays per year
Wellness program and plans
Life insurance
Short/long-term disability insurance
Defined retirement plan
Award winning Infant at Work program
Credit union membership
Transit subsidy
ADHS Student Assistance Pilot Program

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

To help you build a financially secure future, the State makes monthly contributions to finance your retirement benefit. The State will contribute to the ASRS in an amount equal to your contribution. In other words, you and the State will each pay 50% of the total cost of the benefit. New State employees have a 27-week wait period for contributions to begin.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 542-1085. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation. DHS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All newly hired employees will be subject to E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification.