Hourly Project Assistant II (Internship)

Applications to be submitted by August 20, 2026

Compensation Grade: H96

Compensation Details:

Minimum: $20.00 - Maximum: $20.00 Hourly

Positions with a designated work location in New York City, Nassau, Rockland, Suffolk, or Westchester Counties will receive a $4,000 annual downstate adjustment (pro-rated for part-time positions).

Department

(OPH) Office of Public Health

Job Description:

Responsibilities

Health Research, Inc. is seeking an Hourly Project Assistant II to support the Metropolitan Area Region Office (MARO) Regional Epidemiology Program within the Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, New York State Department of Health.

The position will work with a regional epidemiologist on surveillance and control of Legionella cases. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Assisting with the review of laboratory reports and surveillance data from multiple public health data systems to identify, monitor, and assess communicable disease trends, clusters, and emerging public health signals.

• Assisting with conduct of routine data quality assessments, validation activities, and edit checks to improve completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of surveillance data.

• Assisting toward the development of standardized surveillance reports, dashboards, data summaries, and analytic products for internal and external public health partners.

• Assisting with epidemiologic investigations, including outbreak response, case follow-up activities, and coordination of specimen submission with the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Center.

• Assisting with performing descriptive and analytic epidemiologic analyses using tools such as Excel, SAS, R, or other analytic platforms.

• Assisting with the integration and interpretation of data from multiple surveillance sources to enhance regional situational awareness and identify opportunities for proactive public health intervention.

• Assisting with the communication of epidemiologic findings, trends, and operational insights through presentations, written reports, and briefing materials.

• Assisting with surveillance initiatives, quality improvement projects, and the development of scalable analytic approaches that can be applied across communicable disease programs.

This position is part of the Pathways to Public Health Internship Program and the purpose is to help strengthen career pathways to public health by bringing together students of all disciplines and academic levels with public health professionals to create a space of exploration, learning, and development.

Minimum Qualifications

Currently enrolled in, or have completed, a degree, certificate, or training program in a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Data analysis and data management using SAS, R, or Excel.

• Experience with communicable disease investigations.

• Experience with public health data management systems.

• Experience with clinical laboratory testing.

Conditions of Employment

Hourly, grant funded position expected to last through 11/27/2026. Compliance with funding requirements such as time and effort reporting, grant deliverables, and contract deliverables, is required.

Valid and unrestricted authorization to work in the U.S. is required. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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 fully onsite and does not allow telecommuting.

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.