Epidemiologist

Under administrative direction, provides expertise in the systematic collection, management, and statistical analysis of data for public health purposes, including program planning, population health assessment, surveillance systems, and outbreak investigations. Performs interviews and supervises field investigators. Determines disease patterns and epidemiology during infectious disease outbreaks. Assists staff in the interpretation and application of data. Makes presentations regarding local health trends. Assists in program evaluation grant proposal preparation. Analyzes disease patterns and outbreaks. Calculates attack rates, epidemic curves, and other relevant statistics. Attends meetings with county and regional public health and infectious disease experts regarding bio-terror preparedness and disease surveillance. Prepares appropriate reports. Performs other job-related duties as required.

A High School Diploma or GED is required. A Master's Degree in Public Health from the Council on Education in Public Health (CEPH), or Epidemiology, Statistics, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university is required. Six months of experience in epidemiology/statistical analysis or related field (e.g.: statistics) is required. A valid State of Ohio Driver's License is required. Must own or have access to a properly registered and insured motor vehicle for business use. Must be computer proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Example of Duties

• Serves as an epidemiological content specialist in the areas of Alcohol, Tobacco, & Other Drugs (ATOD), Violence/Injury, and Mental Health/Suicide.
• Plans and conducts epidemiological surveillance activities including managing, analyzing, and interpreting health data.
• Performs statistical analyses and creates data visualizations using tools such as R, SAS, ArcGIS, and Power BI.
• Creates reports, data briefs, and infographics to communicate data to a variety of audiences.
• Responds to data requests and provide technical assistance on data interpretation and application for decision-making.
• Supports program and policy planning activities with reports and information. 
• Engages in public health emergency preparedness activities, including training, plan development, and bio-terror preparedness.
• Attends meetings with local, regional, state, and national partners.
• Participates in infectious disease case and outbreak investigations.
• Performs other job-related duties as required.

Additional Qualifications

A Master's Degree in Public Health with a concentration in Epidemiology, Statistics, or a closely related field from a CEPH-accredited college or university is required. Six months of experience in epidemiology/statistical analysis or related field is required. A valid State of Ohio Driver's License is required. Must own or have access to a properly registered and insured motor vehicle for business use. Must be computer proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Requirements: Advanced degree or training in epidemiology (MPH, MS, DrPH, PhD). Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience working in a local or state health department, research setting or other relevant organization.

Context for position: Epidemiology is the scientific underpinning of public health and is an essential function of the Department of Public Health. Epidemiologists play a critical role in safeguarding the health of Clevelanders. They work across the department to guide evidence-based intervention and provide timely, granular, and actionable data to public health programs to support their success. 

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED/ADDITIONAL DUTIES

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of epidemiological principals and methods, basic biostatistics, analytical software, social determinants of health, health equity, and health data privacy rules.
• Skilled in data management, analysis, visualization and interpretation, problem solving, systems thinking, basic competency with SAS or R, ArcGIS or other mapping software, written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to be self-directed, manage multiple projects, collaborate with others, engage in continuous learning, adapt to new challenges, and explore innovative approaches to address emerging public health issues or unfamiliar topics. Ability to maintain a detail-oriented approach while also considering the larger context and overall objectives.

The City's guiding principles are as follows: Placing Clevelanders at the Center, Empowering Employees to Do Purposeful Work, Defining Clear and Pragmatic Objectives, Leading with Trust and Transparency, Striving for Equity in All We Do, and Embracing Change. All City employees are responsible for embracing and carrying out these principles in all that they do.