This position is available for a hybrid work schedule for up to three days per week as an added employee benefit.

Posting Number: 532056

Job Description:

The Epidemiologist III performs highly advanced research and epidemiological work in the area of maternal mortality and morbidity. Work involves the probabilistic data linking of large data sets (e.g., birth records, death records, and Medicaid data) related to ongoing surveillance projects for the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee (MMMRC). Identifies and verifies through record review processes pregnancy-associated deaths for MMMRC case review. Utilizes advanced statistical software and techniques to automate and simplify routine data tasks for the MMMRC and to conduct highly advanced and descriptive analyses on maternal mortality and morbidity, including dissemination of results. Develops and maintains complex, detailed scientific protocols and operational manuals for MMMRC processes. Designs and implements data collection and data management tools for maternal health surveillance including the management of an Access database. Develops new methods and products to enhance MMMRC case review. Attends quarterly MMMRC meetings to provide consultation, as needed, on cases. Work is performed under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. Reports to the Surveillance and Data Analytics Manager in the Maternal & Child Health Epidemiology Unit.  

Essential Job Functions:

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

35% Work includes the probabilistic data linking of large data sets (e.g., birth records, death records, and Medicaid data) related to ongoing surveillance projects for the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee (MMMRC). Identifies and verifies through record review processes pregnancy-associated deaths for MMMRC case review. Utilizes advanced statistical software and techniques (e.g., SAS Macros or SQL) to automate and simplify routine data tasks for the MMMRC.

20% Analyzes large data sets (e.g., birth records, death records, and Medicaid data) and linked data sets. Conducts highly advanced and descriptive analyses on maternal mortality and morbidity, including dissemination of results. Uses specialized software, such as SAS, Python, SQL, Tableau, ArcGIS, and Microsoft Access, to analyze and display data for presentations, reports, publications, and other products. Contributes to written manuscripts and research reports based on these data for publication and/or dissemination.

15% Designs and implements data collection and data management tools for maternal health surveillance including the management of an Access database. Initiates and plans for annual data updates and version updates to the socio-spatial context dashboard and Medicaid coversheet. Develops new methods and products to enhance MMMRC case review. Attends quarterly MMMRC meetings to provide consultation, as needed, on cases.

15% Develops and maintains complex, detailed scientific protocols and operational manuals for the MMMRC case identification process, socio-spatial context dashboard update process, Medicaid coversheet process, and all other related processes assigned. Communicates all planned updates and changes to processes with DSHS management and leadership for approval.

10% Serves as a subject matter expert on maternal mortality and morbidity including the enhanced method process for case finding. Provide research consultation and technical assistance to programmatic, medical, and public health professionals on epidemiological methods, research/surveillance design and program evaluation/assessment of public health practices on maternal mortality and morbidity. Works in collaboration with epidemiologists and other research specialist staff across the agency and other state/federal agencies.

5% Performs other duties as assigned including but not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.  

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

List the knowledge, skills, and abilities critical to performance in this position:

Knowledge of principles and methods of epidemiology and related biostatistics

Knowledge of statistical concepts, research methods and planning, and their applications to public health surveillance, epidemiology, and research

Knowledge of current social, economic, and public health issues related to maternal mortality

Knowledge of computer software package applications, including statistical packages and programs such as SAS, SAS Macros, Python, SAS Viya, and SQL; Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access), and Tableau.

Skills in Access and developing databases in Access

Skills in the development of technical standard operating procedures and data management plans

Skills in project management to organize major project activities into a logical sequence with a reasonable and achievable schedule of deadlines

Skills in advanced SAS programming logic and scripting for statistical analysis of large data sets (100,000 records or more)

Skills in linking large datasets (100,000 records or more) that includes data cleaning, data processing, and automated report generation

Skill in the use of statistical measurement techniques, research design and implementation, problem-solving methods and techniques

Skill in critical thinking and problem solving

Ability to work independently and show initiative

Ability to manage and query complex databases

Ability to assimilate complex epidemiological concepts and to communicate these effectively in an easily understood format both orally and in writing

Ability to develop and effectively deliver training and technical assistance about research/data methods, procedures or DSHS policies

Ability to assess the reliability, validity, and appropriateness of proposed data collection methods and epidemiologic designs

Ability to plan, organize, and conduct assigned phases of complex research projects

Ability to interpret complex statistical analysis, charts, and tables

Ability to develop and analyze measuring instruments with respect to reliability, relevance, and validity

Ability to develop visualizations utilizing specialized software, such as SAS, Python, SQL, Tableau, and ArcGIS for presentations and reports

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and to work with others as part of a team.  

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

SAS certification in SAS Programming preferred, but not required  

Initial Selection Criteria:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university and graduate education resulting in the receipt of a Master’s degree in epidemiology, human development, social science, or a related field. Experience and education may be substituted for one another.
• Experience with linking large datasets; experience with Match*Pro or Link Plus preferred
• Experience using advanced statistical packages and programs (e.g., SQL, Python, SAS); 2 years of SAS experience is required as detailed in your job history
• Experience in MCH epidemiology is preferred  

Additional Information:

IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION PRIOR TO SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION:

Information on the application must clearly state how the applicant meets initial selection criteria in the Summary of Experience section in order to be interviewed. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application.

Applicants must provide information relevant to the required experience for this position. Answer all questions and completely summarize your experience including technical and managerial responsibilities and any special training, skills and qualifications for each position you have held in the employment history section of application.

All fields on the application must be filled-in completely. This includes, but is not limited to, previous salary, previous supervisor, and reason for leaving previous position.

Agency salary policy, budget and candidate’s qualifications will dictate the final salary offer.

This position is available for a hybrid work schedule for up to three days per week as an added employee benefit.

Applicants selected for an interview will be required to provide the following: a SAS code sample and a writing sample.

MOS Code:

68S, 60C, HM, 230X, 4E0X1, 43HX, 43MX, 43EX