Research Specialist V

Texas Department of State Health Services; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 61,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas Department of State Health Services in Austin seeks a Research Specialist V to provide expert data analytics for the Immunization Unit. You will coordinate data extracts, build datasets, and generate operational reports and visualizations to support program decisions.

Work under supervision of IIS Data Analytics Manager, collaborating with state and local partners, and applying statistical methods to improve data quality and immunization reporting.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree with major coursework in business, computer sciences, biostatistics, epidemiology, or related field.
• Master’s degree with major coursework in biostatistics, epidemiology, or related field plus required experience.
• Experience developing and executing research projects, data analyses, and functional requirements.

Responsibilities

• Attend work regularly and perform duties as assigned.
• Coordinate data extracts from the immunization registry; construct data sets and generate graphs and statistics.
• Prepare operational reports and data summaries; identify data trends and report findings to stakeholders.

Skills

Public health knowledge

Data analysis

Statistical concepts

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree (related field)

Master's degree (biostatistics/epidemiology or related)

Tools

SAS

R

Python

SQL

Tableau

PowerBI

Job description

Date: Aug 27, 2026
Location:
AUSTIN, TX
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.
Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs.
Functional Title: Research Specialist V Job Title: Research Specialist V Agency: Dept of State Health Services Department: Immunization Unit Posting Number: 20481 Closing Date: 09/10/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Computer and Mathematical Salary Range: $5,425.33 - $7,155.75 Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24 Shift: Day
Additional Shift
Telework: Travel
Regular/Temporary: RegularFull Time/Part Time: Full timeFLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: NonexemptFacility Location: Job Location City: AUSTINJob Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (DHT)Other Locations: MOS Codes: No military equivalent
Brief Job Description
Works under limited supervision of the Immunization Information Systems (IIS) Data Analytics and Business Intelligence Manager within the IIS Unit. Consults and provides expert technical assistance and guidance to program staff within the DSHS central and regional offices, local health departments, other governmental agencies, community organizations, the general public, providers, payers, and other users of ImmTrac2. Assists with coordination and analysis of import data processing activities. Monitors database for data integrity and record data quality issues. Performs data quality assurance and testing activities. Performs records management and data analysis. Provides written and verbal feedback regarding system testing results. Duties are independently performed with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs)
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
Coordinates and monitors the methods and quality of immunization registry data extracts. Construct data sets, analyze data, and generate graphs, charts, and statistics to arrive at conclusions about the data. Prepares operational reports and data summaries. Identifies the significance of data trends and gaps and reports findings to stakeholders and program staff. Contributes to reporting of grant benchmarking and continual metrics. Extract and compile data from the registry and calculate metrics. Reviews metrics with team members to ensure accuracy and resolve any issues. (35%)
Assist program management by monitoring and tracking program and operational data. Develops operating procedures based on results of data analysis. Plan and manage complex analytical projects. Presents findings orally and in writing. Collaborate with others across public health in the development and presentation of local, statewide, and national training and presentations. Prepares operational reports and data summaries. Recommend interventions to improve data quality including functionality changes or enhancements. Assists in defining, developing, and implementing data standards. Develop and implement data collection systems, data analytics, and other strategies that optimize statistical efficiency and quality. (35%)
Provides consultative and technical assistance to Immunization Program partners and internal immunization program staff regarding data extracts, reports, and data processing within the registry. Clarifies technical specifications of data requests with partners. Prepares reports and other documentation as requested by program staff and management. Prepares accurate and detailed requirement/functional specification documents. Prepares preliminary analysis/design plans and user requirements. May facilitate and document user design sessions. Collaborates with DSHS IT, HHSC IT, and third-party vendor contractors on developing, testing, and evaluating functionality and enhancements created for improvement of data quality. (25%)
Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligation for disaster response and/or recovery of Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternative shift patter assignment and/or location. (5%)
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of public health principles
• Knowledge of data quality assessment as it related to public health practice.
• Knowledge of database management.
• Knowledge of scientific research methods, principles, and philosophy.
• Knowledge of statistical concepts and methods and their application to research analysis.
• Knowledge of measurement, testing, and evaluation procedures.
• Knowledge of analysis of large datasets.
• Skill in the use of database management, analytical, and visualization programs (SAS, R, Python, SQL, Tableau, PowerBI) and Microsoft Office suite.
• Skill in the management and manipulation of large datasets (>1 million records)
• Skill in research design and implementation.
• Skill in the development of procedures to monitor and evaluate progress in achieving project objectives.
• Skill in project management to organize major project activities.
• Skill in oral communication skills to facilitate meeting agendas to achieve planned outcomes.
• Skill in technical writing to clearly and succinctly communicate project / research information for correspondence with external stakeholders
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to gather information from a variety of sources and synthesize information into simpler terms.
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely orally and in writing.
• Ability to plan, organize and conduct assigned phases of complex research projects.
• Ability to interpret complex statistical data, charts, and tables.
• Ability to develop and analyze measuring instruments with respect to reliability, relevance, and validity.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements, Or Certifications
N/A
Initial Screening Criteria

• An undergraduate degree with major coursework in business, computer sciences, biostatistics, epidemiology, or related field and at least four additional years of work experience OR
• A master’s degree with major coursework in business, computer sciences, biostatistics, epidemiology, or related field and at least two additional years of work experience
• Experience of at least two years in developing and executing research projects, data analyses, business rules and functional requirements, or programs.
• Preferred knowledge and experience in public health and immunizations.

Additional Information
An in-basket exercise will be required at the time of the interview. The full salary range may not be offered due to budget limitations.
Note: Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your 1-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.
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

Nearest Major Market: Austin