Epidemiologist III performs highly advanced (senior-level) research and epidemiological work in the area of maternal and child health (MCH). Requires building data systems and expanding the state MCH data capacity to support program and legislatively mandated efforts. Develops and conducts routine data management activities on the processing of datafiles to ensure data quality, integrity, and completeness. Utilizes advanced statistical software and techniques to automate and simplify routine data tasks for the standardization and management of MCH data. Develops, plans, designs, and implements research activities, studies, evaluation, and assessment based on standard scientific methods or new innovative theoretical approaches. Uses specialized software, such as SAS, Tableau, and ArcGIS, to analyze and display data for presentations, reports, publications, and other products. Prepares scientific publications, briefings, technical reports, and presentations. Support data quality and improvement efforts throughout the MCH Section. Work is performed under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Advance Analytics Manager in the Maternal & Child Health Epidemiology Unit.

Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
(30%) Performs highly advanced (senior-level) research and epidemiological work in maternal and child health (MCH). Requires building data systems and expanding the state MCH data capacity to support MCH program and legislatively mandated efforts. Uses advanced information technology (i.e., automation coding), data and statistical analysis, and surveillance plus GIS mapping techniques and dashboard (e.g., Tableau) to assist MCH programs in developing solutions for improving maternal and child health throughout Texas.
(25%) Reviews, organizes, and coordinates the collection and compilation of surveillance information. Develops and implements data-linking strategies. Develops and conducts routine data management activities on the processing of datafiles to ensure data quality, integrity, and completeness. Data management activities include the requesting of, receipt of, and maintenance of all major data files used in the Unit with a regular frequency. Develops, establishes, and implements standardized protocols for the careful examination of received data for obvious errors and discrepancies. Utilizes advanced statistical software and techniques (e.g., SAS Macros or SQL) to automate and simplify routine data tasks for the standardization and management of MCH data.
(25%) Develops, plans, designs, and implements research activities, studies, evaluation, and assessment based on standard scientific methods or new innovative theoretical approaches. Performs scientific literature searches (traditional, internet, and database) and reviews various types of materials including legislation, regulations, scientific protocols, and policies to develop research proposals and to support ongoing investigations/projects. Uses specialized software, such as SAS, Tableau, and ArcGIS, to analyze and display data for presentations, reports, publications, and other products. Prepares scientific publications, briefings, technical reports, and presentations.
(15%) Support data quality and improvement efforts throughout the MCH Section. Consults with research professionals, researchers/epidemiologists, administrators, and statistical staff to define and solve specific problems and to assure quality control across experimental methods, procedures, and statistical analysis. Develops and maintains complex, detailed scientific protocols and operational manuals on all projects. Works in collaboration with epidemiologists, and other research specialist staff across the agency and other state/federal agencies.
(5%) Performs other duties as assigned including but not limited to actively participating and/or serving 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.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
List the knowledge, skills, and abilities critical to performance in this position:
Knowledge of epidemiologic/public health research design, methods, principles, and techniques
Knowledge of measurement, testing, and evaluation procedures
Knowledge of analysis of large datasets
Knowledge of computer software, including SAS, Microsoft products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access), Adobe Professional, Tableau, and ArcGIS software
Skill in the use of statistical measurement techniques, research design and implementation, problem-solving methods and techniques
Strong project management to organize major project activities into a logical sequence with a reasonable and achievable schedule of deadlines
Skills in technical writing skills to clearly and succinctly communicate project/research information for correspondence with state and federal agencies
Skill in creating data dashboards that simplify complex ideas to lay audiences and for internal and external consumption
Skill in critical thinking and problem solving
Ability to work independently and show initiative
Ability to develop and effectively deliver training and technical assistance about research/data methods, procedures or DSHS policies
Ability to interpret complex statistical data, charts, and tables and translate detailed information into simpler terms orally and in writing
Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely orally and in writing
Ability to assess the reliability, validity, and appropriateness of proposed data collection methods and epidemiologic designs
Ability to plan, organize, and conduct assigned phases of complex research projects
Ability to formulate reasonable hypothesis and structure research designs to account for variables
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and to work with others as part of a team.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
Not applicable.

Initial Selection Criteria:
Graduation from an accredited college or university and graduate education resulting in the receipt of a Master’s degree in epidemiology, statistics, or a related field, with each year of applicable full-time work experience substituting for one year of college on a year-per-year basis.
Two years of experience in epidemiology, maternal and child health epidemiology preferred.
Experience in SAS programming language.
Experience in managing large data sets

Additional Information:
IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION PRIOR TO SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION:
Information on the application must clearly state how the applicant meets initial selection criteria in the Summary of Experience section in order to be interviewed. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application.
Applicants must provide information relevant to the required experience for this position. Answer all questions and completely summarize your experience including technical and managerial responsibilities and any special training, skills and qualifications for each position you have held in the employment history section of application.
All fields on the application must be filled-in completely. This includes, but is not limited to, previous salary, previous supervisor, and reason for leaving previous position.
Agency salary policy, budget and candidate’s qualifications will dictate final salary offer.
This position has telework flexibilities as an employee benefit as long as the applicant lives in Texas.
Applicants selected for an interview will be required to provide two samples: 1) a writing sample as first author and 2) a SAS statistical program sample with examples of coding, data cleaning, data manipulation, and data analysis.
Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to: 68S, 60C, HM, 230X, 4E0X1, 43HX, 43MX, 43EX. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.

MOS Code:
68S, 60C, HM, 230X, 4E0X1, 43HX, 43MX, 43EX