Vector-borne Disease Epidemiologist, Bureau of Communicable Diseases

Job description

The Division of Disease Control’s mission is to safeguard the health of New Yorkers through identification, surveillance, treatment, control, and prevention of infectious diseases, which is achieved through varied and interrelated endeavors of its seven Bureaus. 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. Position Summary: This position is in the Zoonotic and Vector-Borne Disease Unit (ZVDU) within the Bureau of Communicable Disease (BCD). ZVDU is responsible for overseeing the surveillance for reportable, new, high profile, and emerging vector-borne diseases that are reportable in New York City. Vectorborne diseases include, but are not limited to Lyme disease, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, alpha-gal syndrome and certain high-profile diseases such as legionellosis and cyclosporiasis. ZVDU is recruiting an experienced epidemiologist and data analyst to work under the Research Scientist to perform and enhance Lyme disease surveillance as well as contribute to similar efforts for other vectorborne diseases. The person will have experience in epidemiology, data management, and analysis, outreach and education for the public and human and animal health providers, as well as participate in a wide range of activities, with an emphasis on vectorborne diseases, and direct oversight of Lyme disease surveillance. They will be a collaborative partner working closely with the Division of Environmental Health, the Public Health Laboratory, and local, state, and federal partners. Job Duties and Responsibilities: - Assist the Research Scientist II in the development and enhancement of surveillance practices, updating (and developing when needed) disease case investigation protocols and standardized investigation case forms used for tick-borne diseases, - Conduct case investigations and other activities required for routine surveillance of Lyme disease, - Participate in the collection, management and analysis of quality data for research and surveillance purposes, - Conduct quality assurance of data, - Maintain, summarize and report on tick-borne disease data from the BCD surveillance system - Conduct literature reviews of recent and relevant research as it relates to our understanding our diseases of interest, - Work collaboratively with colleagues in Environmental Health and other agencies and organizations, - Participate in ZVDU fieldwork which may include tick dragging as well as other fieldwork opportunities, - Participate in large BCD outbreak investigations as needed, - Supervise seasonal college interns, - Conduct outreach to the medical and veterinary communities, - Participate in agency-wide response activations as needed Preferred Skills: - Experience with disease surveillance, infectious diseases, and database management - Ability to work independently and in teams to collect and analyze data, including leading outbreak and cluster investigations - Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interpret data and convey concepts clearly and concisely - Proficiency with SAS (programming and analysis) or other analytic software, Adobe Acrobat, and MS Office software; ability to learn new data systems quickly, document in the data systems, and comply with data integrity and security to safeguard all personal identifiable information - Flexibility and adaptability are key attributes for this position; candidates should be highly organized with the ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects Why you should work for us: - Loan Forgiveness: As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal/state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs that lessen your payments or even fully forgive your full balance. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website () - Benefits: City employees are entitled to unmatched benefits such as: o a premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment. o additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position’s associated union/benefit fund. o a public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement. o a tax-deferred savings program and o a robust Worksite Wellness Program that offers resources and opportunities to keep you healthy while serving New Yorkers. - Work From Home Policy: Depending on your position, you may be able to work up to two days during the week from home. - Job Security - you could enjoy more job security compared to private sector employment and be able to contribute to making NYC a healthy place to live and work. Established in 1805, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department) is the oldest and largest health department in the U.S., dedicated to protecting and improving the health of NYC. Our mission is to safeguard the health of every resident and cultivate a city where everyone, regardless of age, background, or location, can achieve their optimal health. We provide a wide array of programs and services focused on food and nutrition, anti-tobacco support, chronic disease prevention, HIV/AIDS treatment, family and child health, environmental health, mental health, and social justice initiatives. As the primary population health strategist and policy authority for NYC, with a rich history of public health initiatives and scientific advancements, from addressing the 1822 yellow fever outbreak to the COVID-19 pandemic, we serve as a global leader in public health innovation and expertise. Come join us and help to continue our efforts in making a difference in the lives of all New Yorkers! Commitment to Equity: The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy. The NYC Health Department is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation to all individuals. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Sye-Eun Ahn, Director of the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, at or 347-396-6549. CITY RESEARCH SCIENTIST - 21744 1. For Assignment Level I (only physical, biological and environmental sciences and public health) A master's degree from an accredited college or university with a specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological or environmental science or in public health. To be appointed to Assignment Level II and above, candidates must have: 1. A doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with specialization 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 2. A master's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization 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 3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least a master's degree in an appropriate field of specialization and at least two years of experience described in "2" above. Two years as a City Research Scientist Level I can be substituted for the experience required in "1" and "2" above. NOTE: Probationary Period Appointments to this position are subject to a minimum probationary period of one year. The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.