Massachusetts Cancer Registry Epidemiologist

Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 88,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts' Department of Public Health seeks an Epidemiologist II for the Massachusetts Cancer Registry (MACR) in Boston. You will investigate cancer patterns, analyze epidemiological data, design research, and interpret studies on cancer incidence, distribution and control, reporting to the MACR Director.

Responsibilities include coordinating statewide reports, supporting grant‑related data requests, providing SME guidance, and applying advanced statistical methods to

Qualifications

• Five years of epidemiology, biostatistics, or related experience.
• Experience in writing technical reports and data visualization.
• Familiar with cancer epidemiology and surveillance concepts.
• Ability to respond to IRB and data requests with integrity.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate MACR statewide cancer incidence reports and improve processes.
• Perform cancer surveillance analyses using SAS, SEER*Stat, and Joinpoint.
• Respond to external data requests per IRB regulations.
• Serve as MACR SME on data definitions, quality, and analytics.

Skills

Epidemiology

Biostatistics

Data analysis

SAS

SEER*Stat

IRB coordination

Statistics reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in health-related field

Master's degree in Epidemiology or related field

Tools

SAS

SEER*Stat

Joinpoint

Job description

An Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Job Description - Massachusetts Cancer Registry Epidemiologist (2600064B)

Job Description

Massachusetts Cancer Registry Epidemiologist - ( 2600064B )

Description

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) is looking for an applied Epidemiologist II to join its team. Situated within the Massachusetts Cancer Registry (MACR) and reporting to the MACR Director, this individual investigates cancer processes and patterns, along with environmental and social factors that affect them. They do this by analyzing epidemiological data, designing and implementing research, and interpreting studies on cancer incidence, distribution and control in the population.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

Supports, contributes, and executes epidemiologic initiatives.

Oversees epidemiology activities under the direction of the MACR Director.

Coordinates MACR’s statewide and city/town cancer incidence reports and proposes improvements.

Assists in the preparation of documentation requests related to, but not limited to, major grant partners such as Centers for Disease Control (CDC), National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR), and North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR).

Provides technical assistance to MACR staff and other MDPH staff and programs on cancer epidemiology.

Serves as a MACR data subject matter expert (SME) with respect to data definitions, quality, completeness and analytical application.

Performs cancer surveillance analyses utilizing various statistical software including SAS, SEER*Stat and Joinpoint.

Applies advanced statistical methods, including multivariate model construction, toward analysis of cancer‑related health indicators including cancer staging, grade, time to treatment initiation, and survival.

Under the guidance of the MACR Director, responds to external data requests from citizens, media, and researchers regarding cancer incidence and mortality data in accordance with IRB regulations.

Functions as liaison between MDPH IRB, MDPH staff, and research consultants. Reviews research proposals (24A applications) as part of the MDPH IRB Committee. Provides data to researchers whose applications have been approved.

Functions as a lead collaborator between MDPH staff and research consultants.

Supports and promotes effective utilization of MACR data by research consultants.

Research and evaluates MDPH cancer‑related data and information regarding availability and utility. Identifies data reporting gaps and develops summary measures and models.

Required Qualifications

Knowledge of the principles and practices of epidemiology including biostatistics.

Familiarity of the principles of biology and disease (cancer) processes, specifically having a rudimentary understanding of cancer etiology (causes), pathogenesis (development), and pathology (disease characteristics).

Understanding of the methods of statistical and scientific report writing and ability to write technical reports.

Ability to prepare and use charts and diagrams.

Capacity to maintain accurate records and documentation.

Means to establish rapport and deal tactfully with others.

Capability to work in a team setting, establishing and maintaining harmonious working relationships.

Skilled to exercise sound judgment.

Talent to design analysis plans, collect and manage epidemiological data, conduct statistical analyses using appropriate software, and interpret findings, and make appropriate recommendations

Ability to give written and oral instructions in a precise, understandable manner.

Potential to effectively communicate in writing and oral presentations. Ability to make effective oral presentations.

Preferred Qualifications

Awareness of the policies, procedures, specifications, standards, and guidelines governing assigned unit activities.

Knowledge of the types and uses of agency forms and equipment.

Knowledge of the Bureau's operating network.

Detailed knowledge of current key public health issues.

Keen knowledge of issues in collection of population‑based surveillance data.

Demonstrated knowledge of special issues in analysis of population‑based surveillance data.

Knowledge of the form, content, application, and limitations of existing agency databases and means of enhancing them and guaranteeing their integrity.

About the Department of Public Health:

The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to prevent illness, injury, and premature death, to assure access to high‑quality public health and health care services, and to promote wellness and health equity for all people in the Commonwealth.

We envision a Commonwealth in which all people enjoy optimal health. Massachusetts ranks among the healthiest states according to comparative analyses, but we face numerous challenges, including chronic and infectious disease, substance abuse, violence, preventable hospitalizations, and health disparities.

DPH coordinates programs and policies to address specific diseases and conditions and offer services to address the needs of vulnerable populations. We also develop, implement, promote, and enforce regulations and policies to ensure that the conditions under which people live are most conducive to health and enable people to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. We license health professionals, healthcare facilities and a variety of businesses that impact public health. We operate the state laboratory and four public health hospitals. We monitor health status and manage vital records including births, marriages and deaths. We educate people about public health issues and work closely with local boards of health and community partners to identify and solve public health problems.

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 Ext. #4

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Applicants must have at least (A) five (5) years of full‑time or equivalent part‑time professional or technical experience in epidemiology, biology, biostatistics, toxicology, environmental science, environmental health, ecology, public health, chemistry, virology, immunology, bacteriology, microbiology, or statistics and (B) of which at least two (2) years must have been in a professional capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions listed below.

Substitutions:

I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in epidemiology, biology, biostatistics, toxicology, environmental science, environmental health, ecology, public health, chemistry, virology, immunology, bacteriology, microbiology, statistics, or other health‑related field may be substituted for a maximum of two (2) years of the required (A) experience.*

II. A Master's degree or higher with a major in epidemiology, biology, biostatistics, toxicology, environmental science, environmental health, ecology, public health, chemistry, virology, immunology, bacteriology, microbiology, statistics, or other health‑related field may be substituted for a maximum of three (3) years of the required (A) experience and one (1) year of the required (B) experience.*

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

NOTE: Educational substitution will only be permitted for a maximum of one (1) year of the (B) experience.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non‑management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

An Equal Opportunity / Affiliative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC)may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Primary Location

United States-Massachusetts-Boston-250 Washington Street

Job

Science

Agency

Department of Public Health

Schedule

Full‑time

Shift

Day

Job Posting

Oct 20, 2026, 7:03:02 PM

Number of Openings

1

Salary

88,163.66 - 129,779.78 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affrimative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator : Sandra Semedo / [e-mail] - 6173524250

Bargaining Unit : 09-MOSES - Engineers/Scientists

Confidential : No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule : Yes