DEPT OF HEALTH SERVICES

Address: 

150 North 18th Avenue, Phoenix Arizona, 85007

Salary: 90,000 

Grade: 26

Closing Date: 

This position serves as a management senior scientist/epidemiologist responsible for leading and advancing the field of applied epidemiology and program evaluation within a public health context. This position is responsible for the overall management and supervision of a team of epidemiologists and associated staff, providing guidance and supervision on technical methodologies, project priorities, and professional development. The position requires managing the planning, assignment, and coordination of epidemiological investigations and data-driven evaluations, ensuring that outputs meet the highest standards of quality, accuracy, and relevance. Reporting to the Bureau Chief of Assessment and Evaluation and actively participates as part of the bureau’s management team and on bureau or division-wide initiatives. The position oversees the design, implementation, and evaluation of advanced epidemiologic studies and surveillance systems, with a focus on maternal and child health, chronic diseases, injuries, and violence including drug overdoses, and other emerging public health priorities. The role integrates evidence-based practices with strategic project management to ensure impactful and measurable improvements in population health outcomes. The role will develop and oversee innovative surveillance systems, complex data analyses, and program evaluation frameworks to guide public health interventions. They will collaborate extensively with internal offices and divisions, state and local agencies, and external partners (including federal agencies) to establish protocols, share findings, and provide actionable recommendations for decision-making and program development. Additionally, the role includes leading cross-functional, high-profile projects that align with the agency’s mission and goals including providing technical advice and assistance to local health departments, healthcare partners, and the public. The position will establish key milestones, manage resources effectively, and address challenges proactively to achieve project objectives. Representing the
agency in public and private forums, the position will communicate epidemiologic findings and program impacts to diverse audiences,
fostering trust, transparency, and accountability. This position requires considerable independent judgment, advanced knowledge of
applied epidemiology and evaluation methods, strong leadership abilities, and a commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive
work environment. Lastly this position may participate in after-hours activities including partner meetings.

This position is available for remote work on a full-time basis within Arizona (including virtual office arrangements).
OR
This position may be available for remote work within Arizona (# days per week in the office/hoteling).
OR
This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Lead, supervise, and mentor a team of epidemiologists and associated staff. Oversee the planning, prioritization, and implementation of epidemiological investigations and data analyses. Provide technical guidance, performance evaluations, and professional development opportunities to ensure the team's effectiveness and growth.

Design, implement, and evaluate surveillance systems and advanced epidemiological studies focused on maternal and child health, chronic diseases, injury prevention, and emerging public health issues. Ensure that methodologies adhere to best practices and findings inform programmatic and agency decisions.

Direct the design and implementation of program evaluations to assess the effectiveness and impact of public health programs. Develop strategic project plans, identify key milestones, allocate resources, and ensure timely completion of deliverables aligned with agency goals.

Facilitate partnerships with internal offices, divisions, state and local agencies, healthcare organizations, and community partners to advance public health priorities. Represent the agency in meetings, forums, and conferences, communicating complex epidemiological data and program outcomes to diverse audiences.

Provide scientific advice to support evidence-based program development. Participate in writing grant proposals and securing funding for epidemiological studies, surveillance systems, and program evaluations. Ensure compliance with funding requirements and alignment with organizational goals. Other duties as assigned are related to the position.

Knowledge of:
- Performance Management (PM), and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and Lean methodologies.
- Advanced knowledge of principles and practices of applied epidemiology and public
health.
-Epidemiological methods, including study design, statistical analysis, and surveillance
system development.
- Public health issues, particularly maternal and child health, chronic diseases, and injury
prevention.
-Program evaluation theories, methodologies, and best practices.
-Effective meeting facilitation techniques.
- Managerial techniques and personnel policies and procedures.
- Contemporary project management techniques and resource allocation strategies.
- Data visualization tools (e.g., PowerBI and statistical software (e.g., SAS).

Skill in:
- Leadership and team management, including supervising and mentoring multidisciplinary staff.
- Advanced data analysis, interpretation, and visualization.
- Oral and written communication, particularly for technical and non-technical audiences.
- Strategic problem-solving and critical thinking.
- Project management, including planning, resource allocation, and risk mitigation.
- Interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with stakeholders and partners.
- Proficiency in advanced statistical analysis software packages and programming languages (e.g., SAS).
- Proficiency in data visualization platforms (e.g., Power BI) for presenting findings.
- Public health surveillance methods, computerized data management techniques, and conducting scientific studies and evaluations.

Ability to:
- Support a diverse multicultural workforce that reflects the community, and promotes equal
opportunity at all levels of public employment, and creates an inclusive work environment that enables all individuals to perform to their fullest potential free from discrimination.
- Conducted and oversaw complex epidemiological analyses and program evaluations.
- Translate epidemiological findings into actionable recommendations.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Engage the community in epidemiological studies and program evaluations to ensure inclusivity and relevance.
- Implement and promote principles of data equity, ensuring that analyses and evaluations address disparities and uphold fairness.
- Balance multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to varied audiences.
- Inspire and guide a team to achieve organizational goals.
- Ensure a high attention to detail and maintain high standards of accuracy and quality.

Master's degree in Public Health with a focus on epidemiology, biostatistics, or a related field and at least 6 years of post-graduate experience in epidemiology or program evaluation, including 2 years in a supervisory role. A PhD or DrPH in epidemiology, biostatistics, or a related field may substitute for up to 3 years of experience. Advanced proficiency in statistical software/data viz tools.

Master's degree in Public Health with a focus on epidemiology, biostatistics, or a related field and at least 6 years of post-graduate experience in epidemiology or program evaluation, including 2 years in a supervisory role. A PhD or DrPH in epidemiology, biostatistics, or a related field may substitute for up to 3 years of experience. Advanced proficiency in statistical software/data viz tools.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:
− Affordable medical and dental insurance plans
− Paid vacation and sick time
− Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
− 10 paid holidays per year
− Wellness program and plans
− Life insurance
− Short/long-term disability insurance
− Defined retirement plan
− Award winning Infant at Work program
− Credit union membership
− Transit subsidy
− ADHS Student Assistance Pilot Program

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

To help you build a financially secure future, the State makes monthly contributions to finance your retirement benefit. The State will contribute to the ASRS in an amount equal to your contribution. In other words, you and the State will each pay 50% of the total cost of the benefit. New State employees have a 27-week wait period for contributions to begin.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 542-1085. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation. DHS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All newly hired employees will be subject to E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification.