Research Scientist

This position is in the Zoonotic, Influenza and Vector-Borne Disease Unit (ZIVDU) within the Bureau of Communicable Disease (BCD). ZIVDU is responsible for overseeing surveillance for zoonotic, influenza and vectorborne diseases reportable in New York City including but not limited to West Nile virus, dengue, chikungunya, Lyme disease, influenza and babesiosis. Several animal diseases are also reportable to the Unit. The unit is recruiting an experienced epidemiologist and data analyst. The research scientist will have experience in epidemiology and data management and analysis as well as participate in a wide range of activities, with an emphasis on vectorborne diseases.

DUTIES WILL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO:

Develop and enhance surveillance practices, updating (and developing when needed) disease case investigation protocols and standardized investigation case forms.

Oversee and ensure the collection, management and analysis of quality data.

Conduct quality assurance of data.

Maintain, summarize and report on ZIVDU data from the BCD surveillance system.

Manage relevant ZIVDU data within Maven (the main database used in BCD) and work with Maven staff to integrate changes, updates and functionalities as needed.

Work collaboratively with colleagues in Environmental Health.

Conduct case investigations and other activities required for the routine surveillance of zoonotic and vectorborne diseases in humans and animals.

Participate in outbreak investigations of a suspected or confirmed zoonotic or vectorborne disease in humans or animals as well as animal morbidity and mortality events. Participate in large BCD outbreak investigations as needed.

Supervise seasonal college interns; Conduct outreach to the medical and veterinary communities; Development and implementation of community outreach and education.

Minimum Qual Requirements

1. For Assignment Level I (only physical, biological and environmental sciences and public health) A master’s degree from an accredited college or university with a specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological or environmental science or in public health.
To be appointed to Assignment Level II and above, candidates must have:
1. A doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and one year of full-time experience in a responsible supervisory, administrative or research capacity in the appropriate field of specialization; or
2. A master’s degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and three years of responsible full-time research experience in the appropriate field of specialization; or
3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to “1” or “2” above. However, all candidates must have at least a master’s degree in an appropriate field of specialization and at least two years of experience described in “2” above. Two years as a City Research Scientist Level I can be substituted for the experience required in “1” and “2” above.

NOTE:
Probationary Period
Appointments to this position are subject to a minimum probationary period of one year.

Preferred Skills

SAS, Access, Excel, SQL, XML, GIS, ability to work well with others, experience conducting interviews with health care providers and case patients, writing reports and giving presentations.

Additional Information

**IMPORTANT NOTES TO ALL CANDIDATES:

Please note: If you are called for an interview you will be required to bring to your interview copies of original documentation, such as:
A document that establishes identity for employment eligibility, such as: A Valid U.S. Passport, Permanent Resident Card/Green Card, or Driver’s license.

Proof of Education according to the education requirements of the civil service title.

Current Resume

Proof of Address/NYC Residency dated within the last 60 days, such as: Recent Utility Bill (i.e. Telephone, Cable, Mobile Phone)

Additional documentation may be required to evaluate your qualification as outlined in this posting’s “Minimum Qualification Requirements” section. Examples of additional documentation may be, but not limited to: college transcript, experience verification or professional trade licenses.

If after your interview you are the selected candidate you will be contacted to schedule an on-boarding appointment. By the time of this appointment you will be asked to produce the originals of the above documents along with your original Social Security card.

**LOAN FORGIVENESS

The federal government provides student loan forgiveness through its Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) to all qualifying public service employees. Working with the DOHMH qualifies you as a public service employee and you may be able to take advantage of this program while working full-time and meeting the program’s other requirements.

Please visit the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program site to view the eligibility requirements:

https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

“FINAL APPOINTMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT & BUDGET APPROVAL”

To Apply

Apply online with a cover letter to https://a127-jobs.nyc.gov/. In the Job ID search bar, enter: job ID number # 455664.

We appreciate the interest and thank all applicants who apply, but only those candidates under consideration will be contacted.

The NYC Health Department is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and culturally responsive workforce. We strongly encourage people of color, people with disabilities, veterans, women, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender and gender non-conforming persons to apply.

All applicants will be considered without regard to actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, age, prior record of arrest; or any other basis prohibited by law.

NOTE: This position is open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate in your resume that you would like to be considered for the position under the 55-a Program.

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.