Epidemiologist

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us. 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. Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs. Functional Title: Epidemiologist Job Title: Epidemiologist II Agency: Dept of State Health Services Department: TB Branch Posting Number: 17846 Closing Date: 06/24/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Salary Range: $4,523.16 - $6,000.00 Pay Frequency: MonthlySalary Group: TEXAS-B-21 Shift: Day Additional Shift: Telework: Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 20% 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: 230X,43EX,43HX,43TX,4E0X1,61G,HM,SEI12 General Job Description Under the supervision of the epidemiology and surveillance branch manager, the epidemiologist II performs advanced research and epidemiological work, requiring specialized knowledge of tuberculosis (TB) epidemiology and surveillance. Ensures completeness, accuracy and timelines of contact data reports in the state’s electronic TB surveillance system. Assists in the planning, developing, coordinating and conducting epidemiological and surveillance projects and investigations. Designs, develops and implements TB data collection elements and reports in the TB reporting database. Conducts data analysis for quality assurance and database integration of comorbid events and processes data requests. Presents results and findings of analyses to diverse audiences, including local and regional stakeholders. Develops reports, manuscripts, and other documents and ensure their statistical accuracy and the accuracy of data interpretation. Ensures the statistical validity and epidemiologic applicability of activities. Performs other duties as assigned. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Essential Job Functions (EJF) EJF 1 (25%) Coordinates with local health departments (LHDs) and public health regions (PHRs) to ensure accurate reporting and management of contact investigation data. Incorporates data from relevant data systems to improve data completeness and quality. Works with staff on data collection issues and provides solutions to enhancing data collection. Provides routine feedback and reports to LHDs and PHRs on data entry of contact investigation in the state’s electronic TB surveillance system, as needed. EJF 2 (20%) Checks data for accuracy prior to transfer of data from the DSHS TB reporting database to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); informs product owners of changes in reporting requirements and ensures continued export functionality; and ensures CDC reporting requirements are met according to established deadlines. EJF 3 (20%) Assists in preparing contact investigation data and training field staff in contact investigation data entry in the state’s electronic TB surveillance system; incorporates data from other data sources; ensures data quality by data cleaning and standardization prior to file creation. Uses appropriate epidemiologic and statistical methods in data analysis such as SAS, SAS VIYA, graphics, mapping, and spreadsheets. EJF 4 (10%) Creates, edits, and tests de-normalized tables to run reports and workflows in the state’s electronic TB surveillance system; creates and edits data dictionaries as needed. Provides support to the Assessment, Compliance and Evaluation team for cohort review analyses and performance indicators. EJF 5 (5%) Designs TB research investigations, surveillance and assessment based on standard scientific methods, programmatic needs or new/innovative approaches. Provides technical assistance to TB program areas regarding epidemiological methods, research/surveillance design, and program evaluation assessment of public health practices. EJF 6 (5%) Conducts migration and analysis of collected data. Applies appropriate advanced statistical and/or analytical procedures for the purpose of analysis. Current projects focus on TB behavioral risk factors, testing, treatment and transmission, medical care and clinical outcomes. EJF 7 (5%) Provides TB data to policy makers, public health practitioners, researchers, internal and external partners and the general public. EJF 8 (5%) Writes and prepares scientific reports and manuscripts from findings of research investigations. Presents results and findings of studies to appropriate audiences. Reviews reports, manuscripts, and other documents for accuracy in content, statistics and interpretation of data. EJF 9 (5%) Other duties as assigned but not limited to: assists with other surveillance projects and epidemiologic and statistical analyses as needed; serves as backup for group epidemiologists as needed; participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Licensure, Certification, or Registration Required Current and valid Texas driver's license Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of major functions of public health Knowledge of infectious disease surveillance Knowledge of the principles and methods of epidemiology Knowledge of statistical concepts, research methods, and their applications to public health surveillance and research Knowledge of sampling, survey methods and weighing Knowledge of the health status, socioeconomic and demographic measures used in public health. Knowledge of population, socioeconomic and health outcomes data sources Knowledge of programming logic Knowledge of security and confidentiality as it relates to surveillance Skill in using Microsoft Office products especially Excel and PowerPoint Skill in using graphics presentation software Skill in using statistical software such as SAS and in writing syntax to perform analyses Skill in data management and analysis Skill in both verbal and written communications Skill in graphical presentation of data including charts, tables, and maps Skill in working with sensitive personal health information Ability to manage and query complex databases Ability to plan, conduct and report on epidemiological investigations Ability to use population data for public health planning and evaluation Ability to conduct research projects Ability to organize and prioritize work and meet deadlines Ability to exercise independent judgment and show initiative Ability to communicate effectively with data users, coworkers and stakeholders Ability to maintain effective working relationships Additional Information Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. Applicants invited to an interview will be administered a skills test as part of the interview process. Must be willing to travel at least 20% of the time. Must be willing to work outside the normal work schedule if needed. Initial Screening Criteria Master's Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in epidemiology, public health or closely related field. A Master's degree in epidemiology is preferred. At least one year's work experience in epidemiologic data analysis and reporting. Must have experience using SAS statistical software. 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 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io or via email at View email address on click.appcast.io. 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