The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) seeks an experienced Research Analyst to assist in conducting surveillance related to infectious diseases. This role triages and verifies accuracy of data received by the Division of Surveillance, Analytics and Informatics within the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences. The Research Analyst oversees laboratory and case report data triage and entry into the state’s surveillance and case management system, MAVEN, according to established protocols, and assists in the tabulation of data for surveillance related projects. The Research Analyst ensures that confidentiality procedures are adhered to and followed appropriately.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Assist epidemiologists in conducting surveillance related to infectious diseases.
• Triage and verify accuracy of data received by the Division of Surveillance, Analytics and Informatics within the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences.
• Oversee laboratory and case report data triage and entry into surveillance and case management system, MAVEN, according to established protocols.
• Work with epidemiologists to improve data quality, timeliness and completeness; support epidemiologists to ensure program operations are successful.
• Provide data quality assurance check functions; follow up with epidemiologists, laboratories and other reporting sources on any discrepancies relating to information.
• Compile data from source documents and convert to acceptable format via data entry, optical scanner and data software programs.
• Assist in the tabulation of data for surveillance related projects.
• Pilot test new protocols and systems and provide feedback to surveillance epidemiologists.
• Train others in protocols and procedures.
• Ensure that confidentiality procedures are adhered to and followed appropriately.

Required Qualifications:

• Understanding of the methods and techniques used in the collection of research data.
• Understanding of statistical research methods and procedures.
• Knowledge of the methods used in the preparation of charts, graphs, and tables.
• Capability to gather information by examining records and documents.
• Capacity to work accurately with names, numbers, codes, and symbols.
• Able to determine the proper format and procedures for assembling items of information.
• Capable to prepare basic numerical reports.
• Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of data, to draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Understanding of infectious disease surveillance protocols.

About the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences (BIDLS):

The DPH Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences (BIDLS), predominantly located in Jamaica Plain, provides public health response to infectious disease. These services include programmatic and epidemiologic response, as well as laboratory testing through the State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL).

Infectious disease response services address concerns of the general public as well as those disproportionately affected by infectious disease through a variety of risk factors. BIDLS administers ongoing disease reporting for over 90 reportable diseases in the state. Disease reporting review and follow-up with clinical providers and local boards of health is a central function of the bureau. Surveillance activity is complemented by an extensive contracted service system. These services are funded through state and federal resources and include prevention education, community outreach screening for infectious disease, immunization services, health service navigation, medical case management, insurance enrollment, housing assistance, and referral and linkage to infectious disease treatment.

The SPHL provides scientific expertise and capacity to identify infectious agents, chemical agents, and other toxins that cause human disease. The SPHL is an active partner in joint activities with other bureaus/agencies such as environmental health, food and drug, agriculture, disease prevention and health promotion programs, and public safety. The SPHL is a reference laboratory of the national Laboratory Response Network (LRN) and is a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Select Agent laboratory. SPHL staff work closely with laboratory and disease prevention programs at the CDC, and partners with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

About the Department of Public Health:

The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to prevent illness, injury, and premature death, to assure access to high quality public health and health care services, and to promote wellness and health equity for all people in the Commonwealth. We envision a Commonwealth in which all people enjoy optimal health. Massachusetts ranks among the healthiest of states according to comparative analyses, but we face numerous challenges, including chronic and infectious disease, substance abuse, violence, preventable hospitalizations, and health disparities.

DPH coordinates programs and policies to address specific diseases and conditions and offer services to address the needs of vulnerable populations. We also develop, implement, promote, and enforce regulations and policies to assure that the conditions under which people live are most conducive to health and enable people to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. We license health professionals, healthcare facilities and a variety of businesses that impact public health. We operate the state laboratory and four public health hospitals. We monitor health status and manage vital records including births, marriages and deaths. We educate people about public health issues and work closely with local boards of health and community partners to identify and solve public health problems.

More information can be found at: MA Department of Public Health

Pre-Hire Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #2

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