BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV - 64061553

State of Florida; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

The Florida Department of Health seeks a Biological Scientist IV to lead cancer surveillance for the Florida Cancer Data System. You will perform advanced epidemiologic analyses, design studies, and communicate findings to internal programs, partners, and the public.

You will collaborate with multiple stakeholders and contribute to program evaluation and policy-relevant reporting. A Master’s degree in public health or epidemiology is preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum – post-secondary degree in public health, epidemiology, statistics, environmental, natural, or physical sciences.
• Preferred – 3–5 years public health and/or applied epidemiology experience; MPH with focus in epidemiology or statistics.

Responsibilities

• Conduct cancer surveillance and epidemiologic analyses using statewide cancer data to assess trends and disparities.
• Design and implement epidemiologic studies; disseminate findings to stakeholders and the public.
• Collaborate with internal programs, contractors, healthcare facilities, and researchers.
• Prepare budgets, contracts, grant applications, and reports supporting the cancer registry program.

Skills

MS Office

Interpersonal communication

Written English

Public speaking

Epidemiology

Public health surveillance

Data management

Statistics

Time management

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in public health or related sciences

Master's degree in public health or epidemiology

Job description

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The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on our E-Verify Website .

Requisition No:886638

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV - 64061553

This is a highly responsible professional position within the Public Health Research, Division of Public Health Statistics and Performance Management at the Florida Department of Health. The position serves as the epidemiologist for the Florida Cancer Data System (FCDS), Florida's statewide population-based cancer registry. The incumbent works under the direction of program leadership and exercises considerable independent judgment in the planning, implementation, analysis, and dissemination of cancer surveillance activities. This position collaborates extensively with internal Department of Health programs and inter-agency stakeholders, the FCDS contract provider, healthcare facilities, researchers, and other cancer stakeholders to support statewide cancer surveillance, cancer control, and public health decision-making.

Responsible for conducting cancer surveillance and epidemiologic activities using statewide cancer incidence, mortality, and related health data. Monitors cancer trends, evaluates data quality and completeness, and identifies public health issues related to cancer burden and outcomes throughout Florida. Performs advanced statistical and epidemiologic analyses using cancer registry data and other secondary data sources to assess patterns of cancer incidence, mortality, survival, disparities, and risk factors. Designs and implements epidemiologic studies and special analyses to support cancer prevention and control efforts.

Serves as a technical resource on cancer surveillance, registry methodology, epidemiologic analysis, and data interpretation for internal and external stakeholders. Responds to inquiries regarding cancer incidence, mortality, trends, and cancer-related public health issues from Department of Health programs, county health departments, healthcare providers, researchers, and the public. Collaborates with cancer prevention and control programs, chronic disease programs, academic partners, healthcare organizations, and federal agencies to support statewide public health objectives. Assists with the preparation of budget documents, contracts, grant applications, progress reports, and other administrative materials supporting the cancer registry program. Completes required reporting and grant renewal activities for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Program of Cancer Registries (CDC/NPCR).

Develops and disseminates epidemiologic reports, data briefs, fact sheets, presentations, and other surveillance products to communicate cancer burden and trends throughout Florida. Presents findings at professional conferences, public meetings, stakeholder workgroups, and scientific forums. Assists in the preparation of manuscripts and reports for publication and contributes to statewide cancer control planning, public health assessments, and program evaluation activities.

Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Skilled in Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Skilled in interpersonal communication, as a member of a team and work well with others in a multi-disciplinary setting.
• Skilled in written and oral English communication.
• Skilled in presentation and public speaking.
• Knowledge of epidemiology, public health surveillance, data management, basic statistics. and similar, related disciplines.
• Skilled in organizational management with a strong capacity to adapt and adjust to changing priorities.
• Skilled in time management; Anticipates, prioritizes and organizes work to meet deadlines while multi- tasking.
• Ability to work autonomously and maintain a positive attitude.
• Ability to explain and teach complex epidemiologic concepts to diverse audiences.
• Skill in the use of computers, including Microsoft Office software, internet resources, or other data analytic computer programs.
• Skill in reviewing and interpreting scientific and technical data.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to think and work independently, and to work well in a group.

Qualifications:

Minimum – Post-secondary degree from an accredited college or university with a major in public health, epidemiology, statistics, environmental, natural, or physical sciences.

Preferred - 3-5 years public health and/or applied epidemiology experience. A master’s degree in public health with focus in epidemiology and/or statistics. Experience analyzing large datasets including writing and reviewing technical reports.

Florida Department of Health Mission, Vision, and Values:

Mission:

To protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts.

Vision:

To be theHealthiestState in the Nation.

Values:

I nnovation: We search for creative solutions and manage resources wisely.

C ollaboration: We use teamwork to achieve common goals & solve problems.

A ccountability: We perform with integrity & respect.

R esponsiveness: We achieve our mission by serving our customers & engaging our partners.

E xcellence: We promote quality outcomes through learning & continuous performance improvement.

Where You Will Work:

Florida Department of Health

Division of Public Health Statistics and Performance Management

4052 Bald Cypress Way, Building 4025

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits;
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year;
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options;
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions

Your responses to qualifying questions for this position must be verifiable by documentation provided through the electronic application process.

This position requires a security background check and/or drug screening and participation in direct deposit. Any misrepresentations or omissions will disqualify you from employment consideration. Note: You will be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) in order to conduct this background check Successful completion of a drug test is a condition of employment for safety-sensitive positions.

Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. For more information, please visit the SSS website: http://www.sss.gov

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.

The successful candidate will be required to complete the Form I-9 and that information will be verified using the E-Verify system. E-Verify is operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration to verify employment eligibility.

Incumbents may be required to perform emergency duty before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days.

All Florida Department of Health positions require the incumbent to be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English. Applicants who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

Florida has the third largest population of veterans in the nation with more than 1.5 million service men and women. The Florida Department of Health (department) is committed to serving members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans and their families by encouraging them to apply for vacancies that fit their area of knowledge and/or expertise. Through the Department's VALOR program, which expedites licensing for military veterans, the Department also waives initial licensing and application fees for military veterans who apply for a health care professional license within 60 months of an honorable discharge. These initiatives help ensure that the transition from military service into the workforce is as smooth as possible and reflects our appreciation for the dedication devoted to protecting our country.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.

Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes,candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here . All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.

For assistance, call the People First Service Center at [phone] Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern time. Pursuant to Florida Law, 110.211 F. S., the State of Florida is an EEO employer.