Applied Epidemiology Fellow

Epidemiology Fellow Washtenaw County Health Department envisions a healthy community where every resident has the opportunity to achieve optimal health and well-being. This two-year fellowship, conducted under the general supervision of the Medical Director, trains the Applied Epidemiology Fellow to conduct applied epidemiological surveillance, analysis, investigation, and control activities within a local health department. The fellowship follows CSTE's Applied Epidemiology Core Competencies, and the fellow will work with the supervisor to complete a formal Plan of Action addressing these competencies. By the end of the fellowship, the Applied Epidemiology Fellow will have the skills to serve as an epidemiologist at a local, state, or federal health department. The Epidemiology Fellow position is a 2 year temporary position. Medical benefits available. Sick benefits earned at 1 hour for every 30 hours worked with a maximum accrual of 72 hours. Sick benefits may be used after 120 days of employment. Examples of duties include understanding how to initiate, complete, and provide follow-up for disease surveillance, investigation, and outbreak prevention and control, in accordance with CSTE Applied Epidemiology Core Competencies; implementing a surveillance-based activity; evaluating an existing surveillance program and providing recommendations for improvement; conducting at least one major project per year related to applied epidemiology; conducting yearly presentations to the Board of Health, professional and community groups, and internal staff on population health, disease control, and general epidemiological matters; participating in outbreak and emergency preparedness activities; working with outside partners and community partners with respect to surveillance and other epidemiologic data and evaluation; designing, developing, and administering surveys and other instruments to obtain epidemiologic data; performing statistical analyses related to complex analytical investigations involving highly specialized scientific data; assisting in epidemiology strategic planning for the department; and participating in assuring timely disease reporting to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).Important duties include operating standard office equipment, including a computer terminal, and performing related work as assigned. Employment qualifications include knowledge of public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, data management, and infectious disease epidemiology; strong foundation in the etiology of communicable and chronic diseases; strong skills in applied statistics and quantitative analysis; ability to use specialized computer applications related to the work, including statistical software (R); basic administrative and case management principles; ability to perform detailed and complex research using analytic techniques; ability to organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow up on work with appropriate supervision; uses tact, discretion, initiative, and independent judgment within established guidelines; capacity to prepare clear, concise, and effective correspondence and other written materials; ability to organize and maintain accurate files and records; and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, among partners, and the community. Possession of a valid Michigan vehicle operator's license and availability of a vehicle are required. Education includes a Master of Public Health Degree in Epidemiology. Zero (0) to two (2) years of experience working in epidemiology. Experience in communicable disease and/or population health preferred.