Research Scientist II

Research Scientist II (Health Informatics)

The Research Scientist II (Health Informatics) will work within the Office of Science, Center for Health Informatics to conduct research and coordinate the NICS surveillance efforts using NICS data and other data sources for mental health conditions that may disqualify an individual from possessing or receiving a firearm under federal law. The Research Scientist II will coordinate with the New York State Office of Mental Health and will work closely with facilities that are under authority of Public Health Law Article 28 and Mental Hygiene Law (MHL) Article 31 on involuntary hospitalizations reporting to NICS, and will be responsible for NICS grant deliverables. The Research Scientist II will conduct research to validate and refine NICS monitoring, create and modify SAS or Python programs, generate surveillance reports, and monitor alerts to detect reporting errors that could result in preventable gun violence. The Research Scientist II will help maintain the NICS report module, NICSMAN, research and enhance data quality detection methods, create NICS surveillance reports, update user guides and documents, and train facility staff. The Research Scientist II will prepare peer-reviewed presentations, abstracts, and publications for best practices of public health surveillance using involuntary mental health admission data. Other appropriate related duties.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Computer Science, Public Health, or a related field and three years of research experience; OR a Master's degree in a related field and two years of research experience; OR a Doctorate in a related field.

Preferred Qualifications: At least three years of experience in the areas of public health, medical or healthcare informatics, including clinical or public health data quality assessment, control, management and analysis, and health information technology. At least two years use of clinical data, including coding systems (e.g., ICD-9), data analytic, and HL7 data-interchange standard. At least two years of experience examining and cleansing data for completeness and accuracy, extracting pertinent data from existing systems, and preparing tables and clear narrative descriptions of the data and the analysis using SAS software, R, or Python. Excellent verbal and written communication skills demonstrated by at least two years of experience preparing reports, delivering presentations, and communicating and working with internal and external stakeholders.

Conditions of Employment: Grant funded position. Compliance with funding requirements such as time and effort reporting, grant deliverables, and contract deliverables, is required. Visa sponsorship may be available for this position, in accordance with applicable federal requirements. Travel up to 10% of the time will be required. The selected candidate must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of the official work location specified in the job posting and must also be located in or willing to relocate to one of the following states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Vermont, or Massachusetts, prior to hire. This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule, with a combination of onsite and remote work. HRI participates in the E-Verify Program. Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer/Qualified Individuals with Disabilities/Qualified Protected Veterans.

About Health Research, Inc.: Join us in our mission to make a difference in public health and advance scientific research! At Health Research, Inc. (HRI), your work will contribute to meaningful change and innovation in the communities we serve! At HRI, we are on a mission to transform the health and well-being of the people of New York State through innovative partnerships and cutting-edge public health initiatives. As a dynamic non-profit organization, HRI plays a crucial role in advancing the strategic goals of the New York State Department of Health (DOH), Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (RPCCC), and other health-related entities.

HRI offers a robust, comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including:

• Health, dental and vision insurance - Several comprehensive health insurance plans to choose from;
• Flexible benefit accounts - Medical, dependent care, adoption assistance, parking and transit;
• Generous paid time off - Paid federal and state holidays, paid sick, vacation and personal leave;
• Tuition support - Assistance is available for individuals pursuing educational or training opportunities;
• Retirement Benefits - HRI is a participating employer in the New York State and Local Retirement System and offers optional enrollment in the New York State Deferred Compensation Plan. HRI provides a postretirement Health Benefits Plan for qualified retirees to use towards health insurance premiums and eligible medical expenses;
• Employee Assistance Program - Provides educational and wellness programs, training, and 24/7 confidential services to assist employees, both personally and professionally;
• And so much more!

Work Location Expectations: At HRI, the nature of hybrid and onsite work varies by position. Some roles require full onsite presence, while others allow a hybrid schedule. Managers determine the specific telecommuting expectations for each role based on operational needs and job responsibilities. If designated as hybrid, you will divide your time between working remotely and reporting onsite. Regardless of telecommuting status, all HRI employees must live within a reasonable commuting distance of their official work location and must reside in one of the following states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, or Vermont.