Epidemiologist / Data Analyst (Remote or Richmond, CA)

SUMMARY 

This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by performing a critical role in enhanced Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) surveillance studies to inform policies and public health action.

The COVID Control Branch (CCB) coordinates and provides guidance on statewide COVID-19 case-reporting, surveillance, epidemiologic investigations, laboratory testing, and on clinical and infection control issues. The Branch works closely with other Teams to help produce reports for CDPH leadership and other stakeholders; these are often fast moving and changing as surveillance for COVID-19 evolves. The CCB works closely with local health departments, other state teams and agencies, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on COVID-19 surveillance and reporting.

The COVID Control Branch, Epidemiology Section is seeking an Epidemiologist to join the team leading the management and employment of innovative data solutions within the CDPH COVID-19 data environment. The incumbent will act as the liaison between the CDPH Data Processing and Informatics (DPI) Team and CCB, responsible for data processing, management, and troubleshooting allowing for the integration of these solutions to improve COVID-19 surveillance capabilities and achieve organizational goals. The Epidemiologist works under the general direction of the Research Scientist Supervisor I (RSSI), Epidemiology Section.

The salary for this position is $80,200/year to $90,000/year depending on experience/ qualifications. Limited term position.

If hired for this position, applicant will be required to provide proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 prior to the start date; or have a valid religious or medical reason qualifying the applicant for an exemption (that may or may not require accommodation).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Specializes in knowledge and management of large, complex data sources used by the COVID Control Branch and stakeholders, includes data collected for COVID-19 surveillance, electronic laboratory reporting data (ELR), electronic case reporting data (eCR), and data from COVID-19 testing and logistics vendors contracted by CDPH.
• Establish and maintain reliable, efficient, and effective automated data pipelines.
• Analyze and resolve problems and demonstrate expert subject matter knowledge.
• Implement and revise protocols as needed to ensure timely and accurate COVID-19 data reporting to all partners.
• Provide technical assistance and expertise on data management, cleaning, de-duplication, record matching, and analysis of data by using SQL, R, Python, and other programming languages.
• Provide technical support and subject matter expertise to epidemiologists, Data Analysts, and CDPH leadership responding to requests for data visualizations, summaries, and data extracts to support COVID-19 surveillance; assist with completing ad hoc data requests as needed.
• Contribute to special projects related to COVID-19 as identified by the CCB leadership team.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to develop and maintain data pipelines, data cleaning, and data quality assessment with strong attention to detail.
• Expert knowledge of SQL and R programming.
• Experience developing static reports and dynamic dashboards using data and visualizations for communicating status and situational awareness.
• Strong knowledge of public health surveillance data management.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with web-based reporting systems; electronic laboratory reporting and electronic case reporting.
• Knowledge and application of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements and protection of health information.
• Ability to make time-sensitive decisions in complex situations.
• Ability to prioritize, delegate and manage multiple tasks.
• Demonstrate reliability and integrity.
• Fluency in spoken English is required.

Education/Experience

• Master’s degree in public health, biostatistics, informatics or related field, required.
• Experience developing and maintaining automated data pipelines, preferred.
• Strong knowledge of epidemiological/biostatistical methods, preferred.
• Ability to make time sensitive decisions in complex situations, required.
• Strong organizational skills, required.
• Experience in managing or overseeing complex datasets, required.
• Strong knowledge of SQL, Python or R, preferred.
• Strong ability in development of web-based reports and visualizations.

Certificates/Licenses/Clearances 

• None required 

Other Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Prior knowledge and experience in use of electronic laboratory reporting data, preferred.
• Prior knowledge and experience in use of electronic case reporting data, preferred.
• Knowledge of and skilled in the use of Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, and Power Point.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stand: Frequently
• Walk: Frequently
• Sit: Frequently
• Handling / Fingering: Occasionally
• Reach Outward: Occasionally
• Reach Above Shoulder: Occasionally
• Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend: Occasionally
• Lift / Carry: Occasionally - Up to 25 lbs
• Push/Pull: Occasionally - Up to 25 lbs
• See (Vision): Constantly
• Taste/ Smell: Not Applicable

KEY

• Not Applicable = Not required for essential functions
• Occasionally = (0 - 2 hrs/day)
• Frequently = (2+ - 5 hrs/day)
• Constantly =  (5+ hrs/day) 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

Remote. Must have functioning internet access at remote location. There is no reimbursement for internet access.

EEOC STATEMENT 

It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Heluna Health is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages minorities, women, veterans, and disabled to apply.