Epidemiologist (HAI/AR) - Hybrid (Biotech)

SUMMARY                                                                                                             

The Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) Program in the Center for Health Care Quality, California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is responsible for the prevention, containment, surveillance, and reporting of HAIs and healthcare-associated antimicrobial resistance (AR) in California healthcare facilities. With support from federal funding, the HAI Program employs infection preventionists, public health educators, epidemiologists, and other staff to develop strategies and perform activities for the prevention of and response to HAIs and AR.

Under the general supervision of the HAI/AR Supervisor on the Prevention and Epidemiologic Response Team, the Epidemiologist (HAI/AR) will be responsible for providing epidemiologic consultation and technical assistance in response to healthcare-associated conditions reportable under Title 17. The Epidemiologist (HAI/AR) will provide guidance on the public health investigation and response to healthcare-associated invasive Group A Streptococcal (iGAS) infection, particularly in skilled nursing facilities. In addition, this position will support epidemiologic investigation and response for other reportable HAIs, including AR conditions and outbreaks. The Epidemiologist (HAI/AR) will be responsible for outbreak data collection and management and conduct analyses using public health surveillance data to identify prevention and response opportunities. The Epidemiologist (HAI/AR) will coordinate laboratory and epidemiology aspects of HAI/AR outbreak investigations, and will work directly with local public health, healthcare facilities, and public health and clinical laboratories as indicated to support investigations.

This is a grant-funded, full-time, benefited position. This position is expected to last through July 2027.

Salary range: $80,484 to $113,064 annually depending on experience/qualifications.

Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume with the application.

If hired for this position, applicant will be required to provide proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 prior to the start date; or have a valid religious or medical reason qualifying the applicant for an exemption (that may or may not require accommodation).  The applicant will need to have the qualifying exemption.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

• Investigates and responds to reports of healthcare-associated iGAS cases and outbreaks, or other Title 17 reportable condition cases and outbreaks, in coordination with the HAI/AR Supervisor or medical epidemiologist. Responds to local health departments and healthcare facilities regarding prevention and response recommendations. Collects and documents case history and all necessary follow-up information during investigations. Coordinates support from HAI Program medical epidemiologists and infection preventionists during investigations, including organizing calls and onsite infection prevention and control assessments. Participates in HAI Program Epidemiology Prevention and Response Team or Outbreak Investigations meetings by providing updates about new and ongoing investigations.

• Coordinates laboratory and epidemiology aspects of HAI/AR case and outbreak investigations, including working with Surveillance and Analytics Team epidemiologists to identify cases. Develops and provides HAI/AR education as indicated. Facilitates processes for sharing HAI/AR case, outbreak, and lab data among laboratory and epidemiology personnel.
• Contributes to development and updating of HAI/AR investigation guidance documents and health advisories for local health department, healthcare facility, and other external partners.
• Performs epidemiologic analyses of HAI/AR case and outbreak data in collaboration with other HAI Program epidemiologists. Interprets data, writes summary reports, presents findings, and prepares information for scientific publication and presentation at professional meetings and conferences.
• Develops progress reports. Tracks, summarizes, and reports HAI/AR case and outbreak performance metrics. Participates in the development and writing of applications and supporting documents for external funding. 

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

• Performs other duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS 

• Ability to document and keep track of extensive detail from case investigations and provide written accounts and progress summaries.
• Demonstrated ability to apply epidemiologic methods to evaluate, use, and communicate HAI surveillance data.
• Competent with computer and application skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with SAS or R preferred.
• Ability to create presentations using PowerPoint required, and experience presenting information to public health practitioners, healthcare workers, and consumers preferred. 

EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE 

• Master- or Doctorate-level degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Preventive Medicine, or related field.
• At least 1-2 years of prior public health experience as an epidemiologist or in a related position.
• Experience collecting, analyzing, and presenting data.
• Knowledge of healthcare-associated infections, infectious diseases, or microbiology required.

OTHER SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES 

• Exceptional interpersonal skills and abilities
• Excellent writing skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of the team comprised of individuals across different agencies, disciplines, and locations
• Ability to work with diverse professionals and to train and educate healthcare providers
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing
• Able to organize and manage multiple priorities and projects
• Task-oriented, takes initiative, and follows through to complete assignments 

PHYSICAL DEMAND

• Stand: Occasionally
• Walk: Occasionally
• Sit: Frequently
• Handling / Fingering: Frequently
• Reach Outward: Occasionally
• Reach Above Shoulder: Occasionally
• Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend: Occasionally
• Lift / Carry: Occasionally - Up to 30 lbs.
• Push/Pull: Occasionally - Up to 30 lbs.
• See: Constantly
• Taste/ Smell: Not Applicable

KEY

• Not Applicable = Not required for essential functions
• Occasionally = (0 - 2 hrs./day)
• Frequently = (2+ - 5 hrs./day)
• Constantly = (5+ hrs./day)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position will be based in Richmond or Sacramento (Richmond preferred). Our organization follows the state's current policy of a hybrid working environment, with anticipation of in-person work four days a week and telework one day a week starting in July 2025. Supervisor/leadership will determine work schedule.

If teleworking, must have functioning internet access at remote location.

EEOC STATEMENT

It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, without regard to age (40 and over), national origin or ancestry, race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, reproductive health decision making, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or a record or history of cancer), AIDS or HIV, genetic information or characteristics, veteran status or military service.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

See job description

Salary Minimum: 80484Salary Maximum: 80484