Epidemiology Research Associate

Salary: $75,678.00 - $114,915.00 Annually
Location : Dauphin County, PA
Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: CSSC-2025-18768-34480
Department: Department of Health
Division: HL Div of Cmy Epdmlgy
Opening Date: 02/19/2025
Closing Date: 3/5/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 34480
Position Number: 50697002
Union: SEIU - Healthcare PA
Bargaining Unit: P4
Pay Group: ST09
Bureau / Division Code: 00077531
Bureau / Division: Division of Community Epidemiology
Worksite Address: 625 Forster Street
City: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 17120
Contact Name: Constance Hocker
Contact Email: chocker@pa.gov

THE POSITION

Are you ready to elevate your career and apply your analytical expertise to public health investigations? The Department of Health's Division of Community Epidemiology is seeking a motivated and skilled Epidemiology Research Associate to join our team. In this role, you will play a key part in advancing our mission to safeguard public health through thorough data analysis and interpretation. If you are passionate about driving positive health outcomes and making a difference in the well-being of others, we encourage you to apply today!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
In this position, you will contribute to the organization's mission of safeguarding public health by coordinating the collection, analysis, and interpretation of high-quality mixed methods data related to maternal and child health. Your work will be crucial in identifying risk factors, supporting the initiation of public health programs, and guiding program improvements to foster positive health outcomes. You will collaborate with other data and health program experts to communicate findings and actively participate in the ongoing enhancement of maternal and child health initiatives. Utilizing Statistical Analysis System or R software, you will link and analyze various data sources to uncover maternal and child health risks and form program development and improvements. You will have the autonomy to work independently or as part of a team, with your work reviewed periodically, upon completion, or if issues arise.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• One year of professional experience performing public health or environmental health epidemiological investigations or studies, or designing and managing a disease surveillance system; and a master's degree that includes or is supplemented by six credits in epidemiology, environmental health, statistics, or research.

Other Requirements:

• This position requires possession of at least one year of SAS or R programming experience which included writing code and performing health related epidemiological analyses.
• is currently waived for this title.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. 7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.

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Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*

Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.
01

Do you possess at least one year of SAS or R programming experience which included writing code and performing health related epidemiological analyses?

• Yes
• No

02

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
03

Do you possess a conferred master's degree or higher level degree?
If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.

For additional information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information. You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.

• Yes
• No

04

If you do not have a conferred masters degree or higher, on what date do you expect to receive your degree? Type N/A in the text box if this does not apply.
05

Have you completed six credits in epidemiology, environmental health, statistics, or research?
If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.

For additional information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information. You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.

• Yes
• No

06

If you answered "yes" to the above question, please list your qualifying coursework in the box below. If you answered "no", please type N/A in the box below.
07

Do you possess one or more years of full-time professional experience performing public health or environmental health epidemiological investigations or studies, or designing and managing a disease surveillance system?

• Yes
• No

08

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
09

You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application, or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.

Read each work behavior carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The "Level of Performance" you choose for each work behavior must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.

If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our

• Yes

10

WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - COLLECT, ANALYZE, AND INTERPRET DATA
Collect, analyze, and interpret surveillance data, including identification of disease burden in the state and in various subpopulations, and evaluation of potential risk factors.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience analyzing and interpreting surveillance data, including identification of disease burden in the state and in various subpopulations AND evaluating potential risk factors.
• B. I have experience collecting surveillance data for others to analyze, interpret, and evaluate potential risk factors.
• C. I have successfully completed graduate-level coursework related to research methods, qualitative analysis, or researching/writing a thesis.
• D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

11

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

The type(s) of data you collected, analyzed, interpreted, or evaluated.

Your level of responsibility.

12

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

College/University

Course Title

Credits/Clock Hours

13

WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - DEVELOP REPORTS AND SUMMARIES
Develop reports and summaries using analytic and statistical software, such as SAS and R, to improve data quality and make more use of available surveillance data, and to identify potential clusters or outbreaks of disease (including use of whole genome sequencing data). Take action when anomalies are identified to improve the accuracy and reliability of surveillance data.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience developing reports and summaries using analytic and statistical software, identifying potential clusters or outbreaks of disease including use of whole genome sequencing data, and taking action when data anomalies were identified.
• B. I have experience developing reports and summaries and identifying data problems. I took action when anomalies were identified.
• C. I have experience developing reports and summaries and identifying data problems for others to take action when anomalies were identified.
• D. I have successfully completed graduate-level coursework related to analytic and statistical programming.
• E. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

14

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

The type(s) of reports you prepared.

The actual duties you performed in preparing these reports.

Your level of responsibility

15

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

College/University

Course Title

Credits/Clock Hours

16

WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - REVIEW SURVEILLANCE DATA MESSAGES
Review the content of incoming surveillance data messages, using knowledge of infectious disease epidemiology and informatics concepts including standard coding schemes (such as LOINC and SNOMED), messaging structure, and database management to ensure that messages are accurate, complete, and capture the data elements needed for epidemiologic and public health action.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience reviewing incoming surveillance data messages, using knowledge of infectious disease epidemiology and informatics concepts including standard coding schemes (such as LOINC and SNOMED), messaging structure, and database management to ensure that messages are accurate, complete, and capture the data elements needed for epidemiologic and public health action.
• B. I have experience using surveillance data containing standard codes (such as LOINC and SNOMED) in a variety of message formats.
• C. I have successfully completed graduate-level coursework related to understanding and using epidemiologic reporting and surveillance systems, including topics related to types of surveillance systems and informatics concepts.
• D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

17

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

The type(s) of systems you have used or evaluated.

The actual duties you performed.

Your level of responsibility.

18

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

College/University

Course Title

Credits/Clock Hours

19

WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - PROVIDE CONSULTATION
Provide consultation to field staff, county and municipal health departments, and others on surveillance and informatics topics, (e.g., providing guidance on querying datasets, applying case definitions, troubleshooting reporting problems, etc.). Respond to inquiries from elected officials, public, schools, reporters, etc., on surveillance and related issues.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience providing consultation related to surveillance and informatics topics AND responding to inquiries from elected officials, the public, schools, or reporters on surveillance and related issues.
• B. I have experience providing consultation related to surveillance and informatics topics to internal partners or colleagues.
• C. I have successfully completed graduate-level coursework related to technical or scientific communications.
• D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

20

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

The type(s) of consultation you provided.

The type(s) of inquiries to which you responded.

Your level of responsibility.

21

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

College/University

Course Title

Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question