Epidemiology Research Associate

Salary: $75,678.00 - $114,915.00 Annually
Location : Dauphin County, PA
Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: CS-2025-20071-34480
Department: Department of Health
Division: HL Div Inf Dse Invstgns
Opening Date: 03/07/2025
Closing Date: 3/21/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 34480
Position Number: 00298021
Union: SEIU - Healthcare PA
Bargaining Unit: P4
Pay Group: ST09
Bureau / Division Code: 00077511
Bureau / Division: Bureau of Epidemiology/Division of Infectious Disease Investigations
Worksite Address: South Central District Office
Worksite Address: 30 Kline Village
City: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 17104
Contact Name: Constance Hocker
Contact Email: chocker@pa.gov

THE POSITION

If you have a passion for using data analysis to make a positive impact on public health, then this may be the perfect opportunity for you. The Department of Health, Bureau of Epidemiology is seeking a skilled and proficient Epidemiology Research Associate to join our team in the Division of Infectious Disease Investigations. In this role, you will collect and analyze data in order to identify and prevent the spread of disease and other health threats. By joining our team, you will have an opportunity to use your expertise to help protect the well-being of our community. Apply today and make a difference in the world of public health!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK

As an Epidemiology Research Associate, your responsibilities will include collecting, managing, and analyzing epidemiologic data using various software programs such as Microsoft Excel, Statistical Analysis System (SAS), Epi Info, and ArcGIS. You will also be responsible for auditing case reports, preparing reports, and utilizing surveillance methods and data to plan and conduct investigations. Your work will play a crucial role in identifying and controlling the spread of diseases and protecting public health.

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 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
• This position requires travel to perform investigations.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) full-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 Requirement:

• 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:

• PA residency requirement 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 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 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

02

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 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

03

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.
04

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

05

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.
06

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

07

WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - CONDUCTS EPIDEMIOLOGIC INVESTIGATIONS, RESEARCH STUDIES AND PUBLIC HEALTH ASSESSMENTSConducts epidemiologic investigations, research studies and public health assessments by collecting, reviewing and analyzing data, including case reports, results of laboratory tests, interview findings or other sources of data.Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have professional experience leading epidemiologic investigations, research studies and public health assessments by collecting, reviewing and analyzing data, including case reports, results of laboratory tests, interview findings or other sources of data.
• B. I have experience assisting others in conducting epidemiologic investigations, research studies and public health assessments by collecting, reviewing and analyzing data, including case reports, results of laboratory tests, interview findings, or other sources of data.
• C. I have experience collecting epidemiologic data, including case reports, results of laboratory tests, interview findings or other sources of data, but I have not participated in reviewing or analyzing data.
• D. I have successfully completed graduate level courses related to research methods, qualitative analysis, or researching/writing a thesis, but have had little opportunity to perform professional level work of this type outside the academic environment.
• E. I have no experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

08

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 investigations, research studies or public health assessments you conducted

The type(s) of data you collected or analyzed

The actual duties you performed in conducting these investigations, research studies or public health assessments

Your level of responsibility

09

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

10

WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - PREPARES EPIDEMIOLOGIC RESEARCH AND INVESTIGATION REPORTSPrepares technical reports, scientific papers, and epidemiological research and investigation reports that include background, methods, results, discussion, limitations and recommendations; prepares manuals on various laboratory procedures and practices; and develops presentations on disease outbreaks or public health hazards.Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have professional experience as the primary author of the following technical written material: epidemiological research and investigation reports that included conclusions and recommendations; scientific papers for publication in professional journals; or manuals on various laboratory procedures and practices. I was accountable for the underlying concepts and technical accuracy of the final product.
• B. I have professional experience assisting the primary author with documenting epidemiologic information for inclusion in epidemiological research and investigation reports or scientific papers; OR I was responsible for writing and preparing a segment of an epidemiological research and investigation report, scientific paper, or laboratory manual.
• C. I was responsible for authoring technical reports on any subject matter.
• D. I have successfully completed graduate level courses related to preparing technical written material such as English composition, effective writing, or statistical analysis, but have had little opportunity to perform professional level work of this type outside of the academic environment.
• E. 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 reports you prepared

The actual duties you performed in preparing these reports

Your level of responsiblity

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 3 - MANAGES EPIDEMIOLOGIC SURVEILLANCE AND REPORTING SYSTEMSUses, evaluates, and revises epidemiologic reporting and surveillance systems, such as those used for infectious disease, environmental hazards, and chronic disease.Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have professional experience using, evaluating, and revising epidemiologic reporting and surveillance systems, such as for infectious disease, environmental hazards, and chronic diseases.
• B. I have professional experience using but not evaluating or revising epidemiologic reporting and surveillance systems, such as for infectious disease, environmental hazards, and chronic diseases.
• C. I have successfully completed graduate coursework related to understanding and using epidemiologic reporting and surveillance systems, including topics related to types of surveillance systems, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, generalizability, or timeliness.
• D. 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 systems you have used or evaluated

The actual duties you performed

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

Required Question