Lead Epidemiologist - 61008837

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation Leave (15 days/year)

Sick Leave (15 days/year)

Paid Holidays (13)

Health, dental, vision insurance

Job summary

The South Carolina Department of Public Health is seeking a senior epidemiologist to lead the Field Epidemiology unit under the CDES Director. You will oversee the cross-cutting epi work for reportable diseases and guide staff in prevention, control, and response activities.

Responsibilities include directing field epidemiology operations, coordinating outbreak response, reviewing surveillance processes, and contributing to emergency preparedness planning.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, or closely related field.
• An M.D. or doctoral degree in epidemiology, or advanced training in applied epidemiology, may substitute for experience.
• At least five years of experience in public health program management.
• Minimum of three years in a supervisory role.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Directs the Field Epidemiology unit and supervises program managers.
• Oversees outbreak response coordination and Epi investigations.
• Reviews surveillance data collection processes and improves core capabilities.
• Assists with training to prepare the Epi workforce.
• Performs other related duties and assists during emergencies.

Skills

Leadership

Supervisory experience

Grant management

Epidemiology expertise

Outbreak investigation

Data analysis

Education

Master's degree in public health or epidemiology

MD or Doctorate in epidemiology (substitute)

Tools

SAS

R

GIS/Surveillance tools

Job description

Careers at DPH:

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Under limited supervision of the Communicable Disease Epidemiology Section (CDES) Director, the position provides leadership and oversight for the Field Epidemiology unit. The position functions as the cross-cutting lead epidemiologist for reportable diseases and ensures the provision of technical guidance and support for communicable disease prevention and control and response activities by CDES staff.

LEADERSHIP

• Directs the work and manages the Field Epidemiology unit, including direct supervision of the Field Epidemiology Program Managers and the Hepatitis Surveillance team lead. Collaborates with PHL to serve as co-Lead for Project A of the Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) Co-Ag; as such, prepares grant workplans and budgets, and oversees the implementation of workplans for the Epi component of Project A. Prepares and submits grant reports for the Epi component. Assumes leadership roles to assist with emergency preparedness & response activities for the Bureau of Communicable Disease Prevention & Control. May serve as backup for the CDES Director.

PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE

• Supports CDES Epi investigations activities. Coordinates outbreak response activities to ensure response coordination. Develops, implements, monitors and reports measures to improve Epi investigations and outbreak response and assures that established targets for quality indicators are met, or corrections are made as needed. Participates in the CDES on call rotation. Participates in emergency preparedness and response to emerging threats and disasters as indicated.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

• Assists the CDES EDSS Management team with review of processes for collection of surveillance data for the evaluation of the surveillance system per CDC Guidelines for Evaluating PH Surveillance Systems. Serves on the EDSS Change Management Governance Committee and makes recommendations for the improvement of the surveillance system. Supports the implementation of periodic assessments of core Epi capabilities. Assists with the design and delivery of training to assure a prepared and competent Epi workforce.

Performs other related duties and special projects as assigned, including required travel if requested, and responds as directed during emergencies which may occur outside normal work hours, and travel if requested.

State Minimum Requirements:

Master's degree in public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, or a closely related field and relevant working experience. An M.D. or doctoral degree in epidemiology, or advanced training in applied epidemiology, such as the Public Health Prevention Specialist Program at the CDC, may substitute for experience.

Agency Additional Requirements:

Must have at least five (5) years of experience in public health program management, including a minimum of three years in a supervisory role.

Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications, subject to approval by the DPH Chief Human Resources Officer, or their delegate.

Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring.

Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

No preferred qualifications for this role.

EEO:

The Department of Public Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:

Applicants needing accommodation for medical reasons or a sincerely held religious belief may submit a request for accommodation. A reasonable accommodation may be granted if it doesn't impose an undue hardship or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others.

STATE DISASTER PLAN:

In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, Department of Public Health employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.

DRIVING RECORD:

If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• 15 days Annual (Vacation) Leave per year
• 15 days Sick Leave per year
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices*
  • State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
  • State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.

HYBRID WORK:

The option to work partially remote or adjusted work hours may be available after 12 months of employment for approved positions.