Syndromic Surveillance Epidemiologist

Health & Human Services; North Carolina; Hybrid; USD 61,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance options

Standard retirement plans

NCFlex program benefits

Paid vacation, sick leave

Job summary

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services seeks a Syndromic Surveillance Epidemiologist (NS) to monitor and interpret near real‑time data for emerging public health concerns. The role is based in RTP/Durham with hybrid telework options.

Responsibilities include training users, managing data requests, assisting with contract management and budgets, and documenting analytic processes to improve surveillance workflows.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Epidemiology or closely related field with two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience analyzing near real-time surveillance data and translating findings for public health partners.

Responsibilities

• Monitor near real-time syndromic surveillance data using NC DETECT and NSSP.
• Analyze data to identify trends and emerging public health concerns.
• Translate analyses into actionable guidance for public health professionals.
• Oversee access to surveillance systems, credentialing, training, and data-use compliance.

Skills

Surveillance data analysis

Epidemiology methods

Data access training

Data-driven communication

Contract management support

Education

Master's in Epidemiology

Tools

NC DETECT

NSSP

Job description

Agency Dept of Health and Human Services Division Public Health Job Classification Title Publ Hlth Epidemiologist (NS) Position Number 60039781 Grade MH15

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.

Description of Work

The Syndromic Surveillance Epidemiologist supports the Communicable Disease Branch by conducting monitoring, analysis, and interpretation of near real‑time data to detect emerging public health concerns. The role provides expert assistance to public health professionals by evaluating data from established Early Event Detection Systems and identifying meaningful trends. Work includes overseeing system access, training, and data request processes to maintain effective syndromic surveillance operations. The position also contributes to internal business processes by assisting with contract management, including budget review and reconciliation. This role is based at the RTP Durham location, with hybrid teleworking options available.

Key Duties

• Monitor near real‑time syndromic surveillance data daily using Early Event Detection Systems such as NC DETECT and NSSP.


• Analyze and interpret surveillance data to identify trends, anomalies, or emerging public health issues.


• Provide expert assistance to public health professionals by translating analytical findings into actionable guidance.


• Oversee access to syndromic surveillance systems, ensuring proper credentialing, training, and compliance with data use procedures.


• Conduct and update training for users of surveillance systems to support accurate data interpretation and reporting.


• Manage and fulfill data requests by reviewing needs, preparing datasets, and ensuring secure and appropriate data transfer.


• Assist the branch business administrator in contract management activities, including budget review, tracking, and reconciliation.


• Review and evaluate system performance and data quality to maintain reliability across surveillance platforms.


• Support program operations by documenting analytical processes and contributing to ongoing improvement of surveillance workflows.


• Coordinate with branch staff to ensure timely communication of surveillance insights and operational needs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Expert proficiency monitoring and interpreting near real‑time surveillance data, demonstrated through daily use of systems such as NC DETECT or NSSP to identify anomalies and emerging trends.


• Advanced skill analyzing syndromic surveillance datasets using established epidemiologic methods, supported by experience generating actionable insights for public health professionals.


• Intermediate proficiency overseeing user access, training, and data request workflows within surveillance platforms, including verifying permissions and ensuring accurate system utilization.


• Demonstrated experience producing clear, data‑driven guidance through written and verbal communication with internal and external public health partners.


• Strong capability supporting contract management processes, including reviewing budgets, reconciling expenditures, and coordinating with administrative staff to maintain accurate financial documentation.

Salary

Salary Grade Range: $61,177.00 - $91,767.00 Recruitment Range: $61,177.00 - $66,233.00

The Posting Will Close At 11:59 P.M. The Night Before The End Date

This Position Is 100% Federally Funded

This Position Is Eligible For A Hybrid Work Option

Physical Requirements

Ability to work independently in non-handicapped accessible areas.

About the NC Division of Public Health (DPH)

The NC Division of Public Health works to promote and contribute to the highest possible level of health for the people of North Carolina. Our entire statewide system of public health has dedicated professionals who carry out our mission every day through a wide range of essential and activities touching the lives of everyone in our state.

About the Communicable Disease Branch

The Communicable Disease Branch strives to protect and improve the health of people in North Carolina through disease detection, tracking, investigation, control, education, prevention and care activities to reduce morbidity and mortality resulting from communicable diseases that are a significant threat to the public. The branch works with the public, local health departments and other public health agencies, healthcare professionals, educators, businesses, communities and healthcare facilities to ensure that North Carolina is prepared to respond to any communicable disease situation that affects the people who live, work and visit here.

Minimum Education and Experience

Master's degree in Epidemiology or closely related health field from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of related experience OR An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Compensation and Benefits

• Health insurance options


• Standard and supplemental retirement plans


• NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis)


• Paid vacation, sick, and community service leave


• Paid parental leave available to eligible employees


• Visit the website for State Benefits

Supplemental Contact Information

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that embraces an Employment First philosophy, which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws, and Executive Orders. We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job. For more information about DHHS: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Background Check Requirement

Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check. All candidates selected for positions considered \"Positions of Trust\" will be subject to a criminal background check.