Antimicrobial Resistance Epidemiologist, Bureau of Communicable Diseases

New York City residency is required or must be obtained within 90 days of hire.

About the Role

The Bureau of Communicable Disease (BCD), part of the Division of Disease Control, is responsible for the surveillance, prevention, and control of over 70 infectious diseases including foodborne, enteric, waterborne, respiratory (including COVID-19), zoonotic, and vector-borne diseases. Within BCD, the Antimicrobial Resistance Unit (ARU) comprises four teams: AR Data and Surveillance, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), Antimicrobial Stewardship, and One Health.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) lead for NYC, including:
  • Learn the features, functions, and data available in this CDC-hosted national healthcare-associated infection tracking system to support ARU, BCD, NYS, and CDC initiatives.
  • Conduct routine and ad hoc analyses of NHSN data and prepare reports as requested.
  • Participate in CDC webinars, liaise with NYS DOH and other partners, and support NYC facilities with system use.
• Provide analytical support for various antimicrobial resistance, infection prevention, and control projects, including:
  • Surveillance of carbapenem-resistant organisms (CRO), Candida auris (C. auris), and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
  • Assist with core ARU duties and data needs such as CRO case investigations, data cleaning, and quality assurance activities.
• Participate in ARU initiatives such as whole genome sequencing efforts, identification of community-associated cases, and One Health activities as necessary.
• Support project management based on data analytics.
• Present results of data analyses to internal and external stakeholders.

Requirements

• A master’s degree from an accredited college or university with a specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental science, or public health.
• For Assignment Level II and above, candidates must meet one of the following:
  • A doctorate degree 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
  • A master’s degree 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
  • Education and/or experience equivalent to the above, with at least a master’s degree in an appropriate field and at least two years of experience as described above.
• Two years as a City Research Scientist Level I can substitute for the experience required above.

Preferred Skills

• Public health, NHSN, and/or antimicrobial resistance experience and training.
• Ability to coordinate remotely with teams.
• Proficiency in navigating computer systems; ability to learn new data systems quickly and comply with data integrity and security to safeguard all personally identifiable information.
• Proficiency in Statistical Analysis Software (SAS).
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact professionally with people from diverse cultural, racial, ethnic, gender, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Critical thinking and sound judgment.

Benefits

• A premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually (per a 2024 assessment).
• Additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position’s associated union/benefit fund.
• A public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.
• A tax-deferred savings program.
• A robust Worksite Wellness Program offering resources and opportunities to maintain health while serving New Yorkers.
• Eligibility for federal/state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs (visit U.S. Department of Education’s website for details).
• Job security compared to private sector employment.

Schedule

Depending on the position, you may be able to work up to two days per week from home.