Epidemiologist I- Full time -Public Health Sciences

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. Epidemiologist II

Epidemiologist II

Agency: Dept of State Health Services

Immunization Unit

Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science

Shift: Day

Telework: Hybrid

Travel: Up to 5%

Regular/Temporary: Full Time/Part Time: Full time

Facility Location: Austin

The Epidemiologist II works independently under the direction of the Epidemiology Team lead and the supervision of the Assessment, Compliance, and Epidemiology Unit director within the Immunization Section. Plans, develops, initiates, and conducts advanced epidemiological studies and surveys to determine immunization rates and vaccine coverage levels. Performs specialized epidemiological and other evaluation studies related to immunization program activities and vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD). Conducts Immunization Section program reviews and assesses the effectiveness of Unit activities. Identifies methods for increasing immunization program effectiveness and assists with design, implementation, and evaluation of coverage improvement activities. Serves as subject matter expert on school vaccine recommendations as well as the School Immunization Epidemiologist. Assesses vaccination coverage rates and rates of conscientious and medical exemptions from vaccine requirements for school. Conducts the annual school validation survey, analyzes data, and reports on findings. Presents to internal and external stakeholders on a variety of immunization topics.

Evaluate programs by analyzing program data, operations, and outcomes. Contribute to the design, implementation, and evaluation of program activities. Assist in coordinating needs assessment activities for Immunization Section funded programs. Conduct quality assurance (QA) reviews of immunization program activities. Produce written reports, analyses, and presentations appropriate for the target audience. (Serve as subject matter expert for school vaccine recommendations as the School Immunization Epidemiologist. Assess vaccination coverage rates and rates of conscientious and medical exemptions from vaccine requirements for school. Conduct the annual school validation survey, analyze data, and report on findings. Contribute to immunization policy development, including analyzing and interpreting vaccine coverage and VPD data. Present on vaccines, immunization recommendations, and coverage rates to internal and external stakeholders. Respond by telephone or in writing to requests for data from private and public agencies, health professionals, media organizations and the public. Assist the Infectious Disease Prevention Section during VPD outbreaks. (Perform epidemiological studies, advanced data analyses, and investigative work related to immunization program activities and VPDs. Analyze and provide interpretation of data using standard and complex statistical measures and determine appropriate statistical methods (e.g., calculations of rates, generation of projections and estimates, regression and trends analyses). Provide technical advice and guidance on epidemiological survey design and data analysis methods. (Other duties as assigned, including but not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligation for disaster response and/or recovery of Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternative shift pattern assignment and/or location. (Registration, Licensure Requirements or Certifications
Knowledge of immunizations

Knowledge of database management

Knowledge of data/statistical analyses

Knowledge of health promotion

Knowledge of the natural history of vaccine‑preventable diseases

Skill in the use of software relevant to database management and statistical and epidemiological analyses (SAS, SQL, Tableau, GIS, R, and/or SPSS)

Skill in Microsoft Office products

Ability to evaluate policies and procedures

Ability to assimilate technical concepts and to communicate effectively in an easily understood format both orally and in writing

A master’s degree with a focus in epidemiology, biostatistics, or related field and at least 1 year of work experience in epidemiology or data analysis (work experience at a public health agency is preferred).

An undergraduate degree in public health, biostatistics, biological sciences or a related field with 2 or more years of epidemiology or data analysis (work experience at a public health agency is preferred).

Preference will be given to current DSHS Immunization Section staff.

It is hybrid in‑office and telework after an initial 100% in‑office training period of 6-8 weeks. 100% telework is not available. Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, And Veterans
Military occupations that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may be included. All active‑duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. 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 you need assistance completing the online 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 Texas Department of State Health Services