Epidemiologist II

The Population Health and Research Office (PHAR) serves several important roles at the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC). Broadly these include conducting research, public health surveillance, analysis and interpretation of public health data, and program evaluation support that focuses on understanding health equity and the determinants of health.  With expertise in analyzing, interpreting, and disseminating Boston resident health-related data, PHAR provides core population health functions including evaluation, informatics and epidemiological support to BPHC public health programs and initiatives, policymakers, other city agencies, community organizations and residents.

DUTIES:

• Works to help BPHC advance as an antiracist organization by meeting or exceeding the standards set by the BPHC Anti-Racism Policy.
• Works with the Health of Boston program director to design and conduct population health surveillance efforts, specifically as related to health equity and the social determinants of health
• Identifies needs, opportunities and sources of data for further investigation in areas related to population-level health including heath equity, population groups that are typically difficult to assess, small-area estimation, and the role of the social determinants
• Develops expertise working with various types of surveillance data, including complex survey data, birth and death data, infectious disease data, hospital billing data, and census data
• Analyzes quantitative and qualitative surveillance data; summarizes results of the analysis and draws insightful interpretations
• Prepares data briefs, targeted reports, online dashboards, and social media content in partnership with other program staff and community partners
• Collects and syntheses public health literature, including peer-reviewed journal articles, for analysis of health problems and for development of proposals and reports
• Produces data visualization content, including tables, charts, maps, infographics, online content and other descriptive formats
• Works with BPHC programs to identify, analyze and interpret data relevant to program priorities
• Works with other Research and Evaluation staff on data analysis for reports, presentations and data requests
• Communicates epidemiologic information through oral presentations to both professional and non-professional audiences
• Applies principles of informatics towards data collection, processing, and analysis in support of epidemiologic practice
• Follows ethical guidelines and principles when conducting research and collecting, disseminating and using data
• Uses leadership and systems thinking in epidemiologic planning and development
• Performs epidemiological and statistical analyses, and prepares results for review.
• Designs Reports and Disseminates results of investigations, special studies, routine surveillance, and analyses of health outcome data
• Supports data generation, analysis and epidemiological profiles for grant reports and applications
• Prepares manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications
• Attend internal and external meetings as required
• Conceptualizes and develops research and analysis initiatives that support studies and expands surveillance capacity in those areas
• Provides direct analytic mentoring to bureau/program staff
• Reviews surveillance data on an on-going basis to establish baselines and identify trends
• Performs other duties as required.

• Knowledge of or willingness to learn about the role of public health in addressing racism, the social determinants of health, and inequities in health outcomes as well as strategies to advance racial justice and health equity.
• Commitment to health equity and racial/social justice issues.
• Master’s degree in public health or related field, required or bachelor’s degree plus 2 years of relevant experience, required.
• Prior experience in designing, planning and managing of health analyses  required.
• Knowledge of public health issues including the role of social determinants of health and disparities in health outcomes
• Knowledge of population health surveillance methods and analytics strongly preferred
• Understanding of Epidemiology concepts and quantitative methodologies required
• Proficiency in use of SAS, SPSS, Stata, R, and/or Epi Info required
• Experience using R/Shiny or other data visualization software a plus;
• Experience using ARC-GIS or other mapping software a plus;
• Experience managing data using excel, Access, Epi Info or other database software a plus
• Experience analyzing BRFSS, YRBS,( or other complex survey design), vital records, case-mix, infectious disease and All Payers Claim Database a plus
• Excellent oral and writing skills required.
• Excellent organizational skills required.
• Experience in health communication preferred
• Experience in chronic disease and health policy surveillance preferred
• Experience working with community groups preferred.
• Ability to work as part of a diverse team, to manage competing priorities, & to consistently meet deadlines required.