Lead Chronic Disease Epidemiologist (Epidemiologist II)-61009488

About the Role

This position serves as a premiere epidemiologist in the Bureau of Chronic Disease & Injury Prevention, providing data leadership for internal and external stakeholders related to chronic diseases, associated risk factors, and social determinants of health. The role ensures appropriate surveillance strategies are developed, implemented, and reported on, promotes data-driven decisions, and supports strategic planning for internal program funding opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Develop infographics, dashboards, and data products to promote healthy living among South Carolinians.
• Provide epidemiological leadership to stakeholders addressing chronic diseases and risk factors, including:
  • Responding to data queries and compiling reports from various sources.
  • Analyzing population health data through a health equity lens to identify disparities (e.g., age, gender, race, disability status).
  • Reporting findings to internal and external stakeholders using appropriate methods.
• Guide junior epidemiologists by defining key outcomes and success measures for the bureau and section.
• Oversee the development and dissemination of chronic disease data products, including dashboards, infographics, and posters.
• Assess data collection feasibility, coordinate analyses of selected metrics, and collaborate with agency outreach teams to share products.
• Support the bureau and section in pursuing and reporting on funding opportunities related to chronic diseases, risk factors, and social determinants of health.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for the State Health Assessment and County Health Assessments, providing data expertise on chronic diseases and risk factors.
• Assist in community-level data walks.
• Perform other duties as assigned by agency leadership.

Requirements

State Minimum Requirements:

• Master's degree in Public Health, epidemiology, biostatistics, or a closely related field with relevant work experience.
• A Doctoral degree in epidemiology or advanced training in applied epidemiology (e.g., CDC's Public Health Prevention Specialist Program) may substitute for experience.
• Institutions must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Agency Additional Requirements:

• Applicants may upload an unofficial transcript; an official, certified copy will be required prior to hiring.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience demonstrating required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered, subject to approval by the SCDPH Chief Human Resources Officer.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least three years of epidemiologic research experience in a public health setting.
• Experience with surveillance systems such as the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, US Census, SC Central Cancer Registry, or other chronic disease systems.
• Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., SAS, STATA, Excel).
• Experience developing and presenting chronic disease-related materials to diverse audiences.

Benefits

• 15 days Annual (Vacation) Leave per year.
• 15 days Sick Leave per year.
• 13 Paid Holidays.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouses, and children.
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program.
• Retirement benefit choices:
  • State Retirement Plan (SCRS).
  • State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP).

Enrollment in a retirement plan is required for full-time employees.

Schedule

Hybrid work options (partially remote or adjusted hours) may be available after 12 months of employment for approved positions.