Epidemiologist 1 (Infectious/Chronic Diseases) (35 Hour)

The State of Connecticut, Department of Public Health (DPH), Immunization program is currently recruiting for two Epidemiologist 1 positions.  These epidemiologist 1 positions report to the Vaccine Preventable Disease Surveillance Coordinator.  They will be responsible for surveillance and follow up of vaccine preventable diseases, such as measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, varicella, and hepatitis B.  Duties include interviewing cases and healthcare providers, data entry and analysis of disease data, providing public health recommendations and guidance to local health departments, and answering questions from the general public about immunizations and the diseases that they prevent.  This position is full-time, first shift, 35 hours per week, typically Monday – Friday.

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Deb Lyons at Deborah.Lyons@ct.gov or (860) 509-7180.

In the Department of Public Health this class is accountable for assisting is the compilation and interpretation of epidemiologic/scientific data and statistics including field investigations and literature review.

Assists program staff in epidemiologic investigations of acute and chronic diseases; assists in interviewing of individuals relative to disease outbreaks; under supervison of an Epidemiologist of higher grade, maintains a surveillance system capable of detecting risk factors and changes in disease patterns; makes appropriate contacts with public health and other agencies, health professionals, hospitals, etc. to facilitate disease follow up and surveillance; answers general informational questions from the public and medical community; regularly reviews scientific literature to maintain a current knowledge of pertinent disease processes; may administer biologics or collect specimens such as blood and urine samples, throat and rectal swabs under supervision of a physician; may compile statistics and do less complex calculations and interpretations; performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of infectious/chronic disease epidemiology; knowledge of relevant disease processes which affect humans and animals; knowledge of epidemiological methods; knowledge of basic biological processes; interpersonal skills; oral and written communications skills; ability to research scientific literature and develop and gather data.

Five (5) years' experience in a responsible technical or professional capacity in epidemiological investigations.

1. College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.

2. A Master's degree in a related discipline including community medicine, public health or a related health science may be substituted for the General Experience.

3. A Doctorate in a related discipline such as medicine, public health or a natural or behavioral science may be substituted for the General Experience.

• Experience working in a medical or public health field, particularly with infectious diseases.  
• Experience communicating with healthcare professionals, local health departments, and/or the general public about infectious diseases.  
• Experience conducting epidemiological investigations involving interviews of cases or healthcare providers using standardized questionnaires.  
• Experience independently using computer software (such as Excel, Access, EpiInfo, SAS) for systematic data collection, data manipulation, and epidemiological analyses.  
• Experience summarizing epidemiological findings in both written and verbal formats.

1. Incumbents in this class must be willing to be immunized for communicable diseases as necessary and appropriate.

2. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to communicable diseases and hazardous substances.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Department of Public Health aims to provide equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and advancement, fostering an environment committed to supporting individuals in all protected classes.  If you require an aid/accommodation to participate fully and fairly, please contact the Human Resources Office at (860) 509-7177.