Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) Epidemiologist

Department of State Health Services; Arlington (TX); On-site; USD 63,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance coverage

Job summary

Dept of State Health Services in Arlington, TX seeks an Epidemiologist II focused on Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) and antimicrobial resistance. You will lead epidemiologic surveillance, coordinate infection control assessments, and provide recommendations to facilities and public health partners.

The role demands advanced training in epidemiology (MS/MPH) with experience in outbreak investigations, data analysis, and program leadership.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in public health or related field.
• Professional certification/licensure (RN, PA, MD) or CIC preferred.
• Strong epidemiology and biostatistics knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead surveillance projects and investigations of HAI/AR infections.
• Coordinate IPC assessments and provide recommendations to healthcare facilities.
• Develop guidelines and educational materials for IPC and HAI topics.

Skills

Epidemiology

Infection prevention

Data analysis

Public health surveillance

Outbreak investigation

Project management

Education

MPH/MS/MSN or PhD in relevant field

Professional certification/licensure (RN/PA/MD)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Career Opportunities: Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) Epidemiologist (22831)

Posting ID22831-Posted10/28/2026-Dept of State Health Services-HAI Quality Assurance-Life, Physical, and Social Science-c. $5000 - $6999 per month

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas . If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

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 .

Functional Title: Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) Epidemiologist
Job Title: Epidemiologist II
Agency: Dept of State Health Services
Department: HAI Quality Assurance
Posting Number: 22831
Closing Date: 11/27/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science
Salary Range: $5,666.66 - $6,250.00
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: None
Telework:
Travel: Up to 30%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: ARLINGTON
Job Location Address: 1301 S BOWEN RD STE 200
Other Locations: None
MOS Codes: 230X,43EX,43HX,43TX,4E0X1,61G,HM,SEI12

Brief Job Description:

Under supervision of the Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI)/Antimicrobial Resistant(AR) Epidemiology Manager, serves as subject matter expert and performs senior-level epidemiological work related to the reporting, prevention and control of HAI and antimicrobial resistance (AR) for designated Public Health Region (PHR). Works in collaboration with other epidemiologists of the Healthcare Safety Unit and assigned PHR. Plans, coordinates and conducts epidemiological surveillance and investigations of HAI/AR. Conducts infection control assessments in healthcare facilities to evaluate their infection prevention and control (IPC) programs, and provides recommendations on how to mitigate identified gaps. Designs processes for the collection, management, evaluation, and dissemination of data. Develops educational materials and trainings for healthcare facilities and public health departments regarding infectious diseases, IPC recommendations and healthcare outbreak management. Prepares presentations and technical reports on IPC topics and HAI/AR investigations. Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders at the local, regional and state level on IPC initiatives. Consults with hospital administrators, physicians, state and national organizations and others on the epidemiology of HAI/AR. Responds to public inquiries regarding HAI/AR. Provides recommendations to Manager on budget, grants, contracts, staffing needs, policies and procedures as needed. HAI Epidemiologist will be deployable to PHRs within the state to assist, as needed.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Epidemiologic investigations and facility assessments (50%)

Plans, coordinates and conducts epidemiological surveillance projects, infection control assessments, and investigations of HAI/AR infections in healthcare facilities. Investigations could include infectious disease outbreaks, medical product or device contamination, infection control breaches, transplant or transfusion related infections, bloodborne pathogen exposures, and outbreaks related to healthcare facility environment. Coordinates investigations with healthcare facilities, local and regional health departments, CDC, and other internal and external stakeholders. Reviews medical records and abstracts relevant information. Coordinates provision of epidemiological and laboratory resources to support investigations. Provides epidemiologic consultation to infection preventionists, public health department epidemiologists, medical professionals, and other stakeholders. Communicates investigation findings and recommendations to relevant stakeholders. Develops, reviews and updates HAI and AR investigation guidelines and resources. Provides assistance to other epidemiologists within the state, as needed.

Leadership and education (30%)

Helps achieve the HAI/AR Investigations Group's goals and objectives. Serves as HAI/AR subject matter expert. Mentors and trains local and regional health department epidemiologists, infection preventionists, interns, fellows and other HAI Epidemiologists. Assists with the HAI/AR Investigations Group grants, including writing work plans, making recommendations for budgets, carrying out and tracking activities, and reporting milestones and performance measures. Manages projects and helps prioritize tasks to ensure their timely completion. Hosts and attends meetings with internal and external stakeholders to provide updates about IPC topics and HAI/AR investigations. Develops and provides educational materials and trainings for healthcare facilities, public health departments, general public and other partners. Provides recommendations to Manager on contracts, staffing needs, policies and procedures.

Communication (15%)

Prepares and disseminates information to internal and external stakeholders regarding IPC topics and HAI/AR reporting, prevention, and control, including health advisories. Prepares abstracts for manuscript submission or presentation at professional organization meetings and conferences. As requested by DSHS leadership, responds to legislative requests and inquiries from the DSHS Press Office.

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

Other duties as assigned include but are 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 Plan (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of epidemiology and biostatistics

Knowledge of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and other infectious diseases

Knowledge of infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies

Knowledge of disease surveillance of HAIs and antimicrobial resistance (AR)

Knowledge of outbreak investigation principles and methodologies

Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations related to notifiable conditions and HAI

Skills in using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

Skills in preparing effective written reports and technical documents

Skills in managing large databases

Skills in epidemiologic investigation and outbreak response

Skills in project management and coordination of multi-agency initiatives

Skills in providing technical assistance and consultation to healthcare and public health partners

Ability to independently lead investigations

Ability to coordinate activities across partners

Ability to translate epidemiologic findings into public health recommendations and action

Ability to collect, analyze and interpret data

Ability to make recommendations based on data analysis results and IPC assessment findings

Ability to assess compliance with IPC standards

Ability to present statistical and technical data

Ability to communicate effectively

Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Ability to work with public health and healthcare professionals

Ability to inform and educate stakeholders on IPC strategies

Ability to use computers to organize and maintain records and files

Ability to interpret laboratory findings and medical records

Ability to interpret state laws and rules of the State of Texas

Ability to exercise sound judgment when interpreting incomplete or evolving public health information

Ability to prioritize competing demands and respond effectively during public health emergencies

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Certification in Infection Control (CIC) strongly preferred.

If not CIC-certified, must obtain the associate - Infection and Control (a-IPC) certification within 6 months of hire, and CIC certification within 15 months of hire

Initial Screening Criteria:

Master’s degree (MPH, MS, MSN), Doctorate degree (PhD., DSc., DNP., DrPH., ScD., DMSc.), or professional certification or licensure (RN, PA, MD)

AND

At least 2 years of relevant experience (e.g., infection prevention and control, infectious disease epidemiology, public health epidemiology surveillance, data analysis, or microbiology).

Additional Information:

N/A

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/ .

ADA Accommodations:

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 reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at [e-mail] .

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 form