Mortality Epidemiologist

State of Utah; Taylorsville (UT); Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

Hybrid work model

Job summary

The State of Utah Office of the Medical Examiner seeks a senior epidemiologist to lead mortality surveillance and injury research. You will independently design and evaluate analytic studies, using reproducible tools to inform statewide prevention strategies.

Incumbents bring advanced epidemiologic expertise, and will provide expert consultation while collaborating with other professionals. The role emphasizes informatics-based surveillance and potential grant work.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in public health, statistics, social work, public policy, or related field.
• Knowledge of informatics and reproducible analysis methods.
• Experience with mortality surveillance or injury-related public health work.
• Ability to design, conduct, and interpret epidemiologic studies.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and summarize complex mortality data and report results using reproducible software.
• Lead surveillance and research initiatives and manage projects.
• Provide epidemiologic consultation to agencies and healthcare professionals.
• Develop educational materials and present findings to state groups.
• Writes or drafts technical reports and grant-related material.

Skills

Epidemiology expertise

Data analysis

Statistical software

Education

Master's degree in public health, statistics, or related field

Tools

R

Stata

Python

NVivo

Job description

• A Driver’s License Comment end

FT / PT Status – Full-Time

Benefits Eligibility – This position is eligible for a full benefits package.

Salary – $29.66 - $47.06 Hourly Wage

Remote Work / In-Office – Hybrid

Application Deadline – 9/3/2026*

The Utah DHHS Office of the Medical Examiner seeks a knowledgeable, driven, senior level epidemiologist to assist and lead mortality surveillance and injury research. The incumbent will independently design, conduct, and evaluate analytical studies, including hypothesis testing and observational research to identify trends, sources, and underlying causes of sudden and unexpected death. This role provides expert epidemiologic consultation to Department of Health and Human Services programs, other agencies, health care professionals, and the public, with a focus on utilizing advanced, informatics-based technology to build modern surveillance tools that inform statewide injury prevention strategies.

Incumbents at this level have an advanced knowledge of specific injury-related events epidemiological techniques, and expertise in statistical computing using reproducible software tools (e.g., R, Stata, Python). Incumbents function independently with limited supervision, but also work collaboratively with other epidemiological and public health professionals. The incumbent may prepare grant applications and represent the DHHS OME on local, state and national committees.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyzes, summarizes, and reviews complex mortality data; reports findings, interprets results and makes recommendations using a reproducible statistical software package (e.g., R, or Stata) and qualitative data analysis tools (e.g., NVIVO).


• Organizes and conducts surveillance and research.


• Collects data, manages databases, and reviews research materials, to determine accuracy and validity of sources.


• Facilitates the use of research data to improve existing programs and utilization of resources.


• Plans and manages projects and/or programs. Effectively communicates project/program plan(s), recommendation(s) and/or finding(s).


• Provides consultation, makes recommendations, gives appropriate advice, and/or facilitates decisions related to public information.


• Identifies developing patterns, emerging public health problems or anomalous trends that suggest g a need for further epidemiological investigation.


• Writes or drafts technical reports, articles or related material based on research, investigation or analysis.


• Develops educational materials and speaks to state or community groups.


• Answers technical questions regarding data, methodology, trends or results from studies.


• Conducts field investigations and/or research. Specifically, is able to conduct interviews of recently bereaved persons to better understand the circumstances that preceded the death.


• Lead or functionally supervise staff; delegate work assignments, monitor/review quality of work, schedule staff, provide technical assistance or training, and/or provide input on performance appraisal, hiring and discipline.


• Writes, reviews, and/or negotiates grants, contracts and/or agreements.


• Serves on various boards, councils, committees, or task forces to coordinate agency activities and facilitate agency goals and initiatives.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in public health, statistics, social work, public policy, or a related field.


• Knowledge of basic informatics.


• Proficiency in analyzing public health or epidemiological data using reproducible statistical software packages (e.g., R, Stata, or Python) and qualitative software (e.g., NVIVO).


• Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.


• The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.


• The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.


• The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).


• Knowledge of drug overdose prevention.


• Knowledge of suicide prevention.


• The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.


• The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.


• Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.


• Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.


• The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.


• Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Preference May Be Given To Candidates Who Have

• Experience creating data dashboards and data visualization tools


• Experience in medicolegal death investigation or mortality related public health work


• Prior or current employment with the Utah Department of Health and Human Services


• Ability to travel in-state

Other Necessary Requirements

• The ability to work in a medicolegal death investigation and forensic pathology environment.

About The Role

Location – 4451 South 2700 West Taylorsville, Utah, 84129 United States

Background Check Required – Yes

Drug Test Required – No

Schedule Code – B - Competitive Career Service

Why You Should Join Our Team

Benefits

In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.


• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.


• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.


• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

EEO Statement

The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact [phone].