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Form of workThe Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) seeks a Public Health Professional to conduct broad and complex range of investigative and analytical epidemiologic activities related to the surveillance, detection, health outcomes, and prevention of diseases and injuries in the Metro Boston region. Specifically, this position will provide epidemiological services for the cities of Chelsea and Revere and the town of Winthrop through the North Suffolk Public Collaborative (NSPHC), which is staffed by MAPC. The ideal candidate should have epidemiological or communicable disease experience. A Regional Epidemiologist must have strong communication and organizational skills and the ability to collaborate with partners in governmental, non-governmental, and community members and organizations. This epidemiologist must be able to assist Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop's Public Health Directors and staff as well as chief municipal officials in research and development, implementation, and communication of epidemiological aspects of ongoing and emergency Public Health efforts. This position will be based out of MAPC's office at 60 Temple Place in Boston and will require occasional travel to Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop.
About MAPC:
MAPC is the Regional Planning Agency (RPA) serving the people who live and work in metropolitan Boston. Our strategic priorities involve sustainable development, advancing equity, regional collaboration, and creating a climate-friendly region. We are guided by our regional plan, MetroCommon2050: Shaping the Region Together. MAPC's staff includes approximately 100 full-time employees located in downtown Boston in a transit-accessible and bike-friendly office.
MAPC has a hybrid schedule, combining time in the office with remote work. Employees must reside within a commutable distance from MAPC's Boston office.
MAPC strongly supports the professional development of each staff person, believing their growth to be consistent with the best interests of MAPC and the region. We encourage all our staff to develop new ideas to make MAPC's planning and policy work more relevant and impactful, and to adapt to changing times.
This is an opportunity to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and innovative environment with professionals who are committed to building a more sustainable and equitable future for everyone who lives and works in Greater Boston. For more information about MAPC or MetroCommon2050, please visit www.mapc.org
About the Department:
The Regional Epidemiologist role will be part of MAPC's Public Health Department and, while the direction of work will be provided by the health directors in the NSPHC, the position will be under the supervision of MAPC's Director of Public Health. The department's goals are to ensure that residents throughout our region have access to open space and healthy food, healthy transportation options, violence-free communities, safe and affordable housing, economic opportunity and mobility, and neighborhoods free of environmental contaminants and pollution. The department is a team of urban planners and Public Health staff who are committed to equity and justice through changes that promote healthier conditions and outcomes in the Metro Boston region.
This position will have specific emphasis on working with a set of municipalities (Chelsea, Revere and Winthrop) as part of shared Public Health services of the North Suffolk Public Health Collaborative while having opportunity to contribute to the MAPC Public Health Department and its projects.
Work in collaboration with local Public Health departments in the North Suffolk Public Health Collaborative to provide data support and guidance for municipal communicable disease identification, prevention and response.
Work with and analyze various types of surveillance data, including complex survey data, birth and death, occupation, race/ethnicity, and geography/neighborhood, to inform prevention and intervention activities.
Develop and apply epidemiological approaches to understand and describe the distribution, trends and determinants of communicable and chronic disease in the North Suffolk Public Collaborative shared service area and for Metro Boston
Use analysis epidemiological approaches to inform and guide decision-making for health interventions among municipal and regional stakeholders in the North Suffolk Public Collaborative shared service area and, when appropriate, other cities and towns in the Metro Boston region
Support the development and updating of regional Community Health Assessments
Identify needs, opportunities, and sources of data for further investigation in areas related to population-level health including heath equity, population groups that are typically difficult to assess, small-area estimation, and the role of the social determinants.
Investigate disparities in how communicable and chronic disease has impacted different segments of the communities in the North Suffolk Public Collaborative shared service area.
Support the development of public education materials including visual and graphics, talking points and presentations about municipal and regional Public Health efforts that promote healthy behaviors and decisions among community members.
Evening events, occasional weekend events, and local travel are a responsibility for this position. MAPC does not require that you have a vehicle; however, you must have a valid driver's license and/or the ability to arrange transportation to meetings in different parts of the region. MAPC provides support for travel, including MBTA passes, a Zipcar account and BlueBikes membership.
Candidates must have either a Master's degree or higher from an accredited college or university with specialization in epidemiology, biostatistics, or a closely related Public Health field, OR a Bachelor's Degree in a Public Health related field and three (3) years of experience in designing and conducting epidemiological studies and interpreting epidemiological or demographic data.
Successful candidates for this position will demonstrate all or most of the following:
Knowledge of epidemiologic Public Health data trends and patterns to determine origin, spread and control of hazards to the community
Knowledge of statistical theory and techniques of epidemiological, demographic, biostatistical and community health research; experience with R statistics software, preferred
Comprehension of review and evaluation on disease outbreak interventions
Knowledge of automated systems for collecting, compiling, and analyzing large datasets applicable to current epidemiological standards and practices
Ability to identify potential communicable or acute health conditions and recommend appropriate action
Ability to design and implement epidemiological surveillance and investigative programs
Ability to communicate effectively orally, in visual design, and in writing with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures
Ability to maintain accurate and organized records
Ability to work effectively with minimum supervision
Preferred:
Experience with electronic recordkeeping using electronic medical records systems
Experience with large dataset analysis and presentation/communication of key findings
Knowledge of and experience with Massachusetts Virtual Epidemiologic Network (MAVEN), the Commonwealth's statewide infectious disease surveillance system and the Massachusetts Immunization Information System (MIIS), the Commonwealth's web-based immunization registry
Collaborative work experience in the Public Health field
Experience with graphic design and use of design software (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite)
Per MAPC COVID-19 Vaccine Policy, all employees must be fully vaccinated. This position will require the selected candidate to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19, including up to date boosters. MAPC will consider reasonable extensions or accommodations as required by law.
Compensation and Benefits:
Starting salary will range from $70,000-$80,000 depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time, exempt position. MAPC offers excellent Massachusetts state employee benefits, a flexible, supportive, and family-friendly work environment, and a commitment to professional development.
This is a two-year grant-funded position, and based on the state funding allocation may be extended an additional year.
How to Apply:
Apply online at www.mapc.org/jobs. The position is open until filled, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume. Candidates selected to interview will be asked to submit three (3) references plus a sample of relevant writing or work product. Candidates must have legal authorization to work in the USA and a valid driver's license and/or the ability to arrange transportation to meetings in different parts of the region. MAPC participates in E-Verify, which is a federal program that helps us to determine work eligibility in the United States.
MAPC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a staff with a range of perspectives, experiences, and skillsets strengthens our work. We are committed to building a more equitable workplace that allows staff with diverse backgrounds and identities to thrive, grow, and lead. For more information on MAPC's culture of equity, see our Equity at MAPC page.
