Lead Epidemiologist - 61008837

Salary: $78,948.00 - $110,568.00 Annually
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 192739
Agency: Department of Public Health
Division: Health Promotion and Services
Opening Date: 09/11/2026
Closing Date: 9/25/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Class Code:: EB44
Position Number:: 61008837
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: CLN11
Hiring Range - Min.: $78,948.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $110,568.00
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: If you meet the requirements of the position and would like to be considered, you must submit a state application online. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume may be uploaded for review but will NOT be used to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position or substitute for completing any section of the application. Supplemental questions are considered part of the application and must be completed. The quality of the application presented (completeness and accuracy as well as grammar and spelling) will be considered prior to the offer of an interview. A criminal records check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on the stated closing date.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

Job Responsibilities
Careers at DPH: Work that makes a difference!

Embracing Service, Inspiring Innovation, Promoting Teamwork, Pursuing Excellence, and Advancing Equity
Under limited supervision of the Communicable Disease Epidemiology Section (CDES) Director, the position provides leadership and oversight for the Field Epidemiology unit. The position functions as the cross-cutting lead epidemiologist for reportable diseases and ensures the provision of technical guidance and support for communicable disease prevention and control and response activities by CDES staff.
LEADERSHIP - Directs the work and manages the Field Epidemiology unit, including direct supervision of the Field Epidemiology Program Managers and the Hepatitis Surveillance team lead. Collaborates with PHL to serve as co-Lead for Project A of the Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) Co-Ag; as such, prepares grant workplans and budgets, and oversees the implementation of workplans for the Epi component of Project A. Prepares and submits grant reports for the Epi component. Assumes leadership roles to assist with emergency preparedness & response activities for the Bureau of Communicable Disease Prevention & Control. May serve as backup for the CDES Director.

PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE - Supports CDES Epi investigations activities. Coordinates outbreak response activities to ensure response coordination. Develops, implements, monitors and reports measures to improve Epi investigations and outbreak response and assures that established targets for quality indicators are met, or corrections are made as needed. Participates in the CDES on call rotation. Participates in emergency preparedness and response to emerging threats and disasters as indicated.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE - Assists the CDES EDSS Management team with review of processes for collection of surveillance data for the evaluation of the surveillance system per CDC Guidelines for Evaluating PH Surveillance Systems. Serves on the EDSS Change Management Governance Committee and makes recommendations for the improvement of the surveillance system. Supports the implementation of periodic assessments of core Epi capabilities. Assists with the design and delivery of training to assure a prepared and competent Epi workforce.

Performs other related duties and special projects as assigned, including required travel if requested, and responds as directed during emergencies which may occur outside normal work hours, and travel if requested.

Minimum and Additional Requirements
State Minimum Requirements: Master's degree in public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, or a closely related field and relevant working experience. An M.D. or doctoral degree in epidemiology, or advanced training in applied epidemiology, such as the Public Health Prevention Specialist Program at the CDC, may substitute for experience.
Agency Additional Requirements: Must have at least five (5) years of experience in public health program management, including a minimum of three years in a supervisory role.
Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications, subject to approval by the DPH Chief Human Resources Officer, or their delegate.
Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring. Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Preferred Qualifications
No preferred qualifications for this role.

Additional Comments
EEO: The Department of Public Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: Applicants needing accommodation for medical reasons or a sincerely held religious belief may submit a request for accommodation. A reasonable accommodation may be granted if it doesn't impose an undue hardship or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others.

STATE DISASTER PLAN: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, Department of Public Health employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.

DRIVING RECORD : If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• 15 days Annual (Vacation) Leave per year
• 15 days Sick Leave per year
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click for additional information.
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available
• Retirement benefit choices *
  • State Retirement Plan
  • State Optional Retirement Program

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.

HYBRID WORK: The option to work partially remote or adjusted work hours may be available after 12 months of employment for approved positions.
Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
01

Employment Authorization and Visa Sponsorship Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and must maintain valid work authorization throughout the duration of their employment. This agency does not sponsor employment-based visas, including but not limited to H-1B visas, nor does it provide sponsorship for permanent residency or other employment-based immigration benefits now or in the future. Individuals who are authorized to work in the United States under Optional Practical Training (OPT) through a valid F-1 student visa may apply, provided they possess current employment authorization and do not require employer sponsorship to continue working in the United States at any point during employment. All offers of employment are contingent upon verification of identity and eligibility to work in the United States in accordance with federal law. This agency complies with all applicable federal employment eligibility verification requirements. By submitting this application, I certify that I am legally authorized to work in the United States and will not require employer sponsorship for a work visa now or at any time during employment.

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a master's degree in public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, or a closely related field and relevant working experience?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have at least five (5) years of experience in public health program management, including a minimum of three (3) years in a supervisory role?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have a M.D. or doctoral degree in epidemiology, or advanced training in applied epidemiology, such as the Public Health Prevention Specialist Program at the CDC, may substitute for experience?

• Yes
• No

05

Which of the following best describes your relevant work experience?

• No relevant experience
• 1 - 2 Years
• 3 - 5 Years
• 5+ Years
• Equivalent combination of education and experience

06

Would you be willing to accept a salary within the hiring range of $78,948 - $110,568?

• Yes
• No

07

Are you currently working for or have ever worked for South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) or South Carolina Department of Public Health (SCDPH)?

• Yes
• No

08

Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. The application and not an attached resume will be reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. I have read and understand this statement.

• Yes
• No

09

Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring. I have read and understand this statement.

• Yes
• No

10

If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record. I have read and understand this statement.

• Yes
• No

11

How did you hear about this position?

• State NEOGOV Website ()
• LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook
• Employee Referral/Agency Recruiter
• College Job Board
• Job Fair
• External Job Board (SC Works, Indeed, Association)
• Other

Required Question