As a Senior Epidemiologist, your leadership will shape the trajectory of the Health Statistic Section at the Washington State Department of Health. Reporting directly to the CHS Office Director, you'll guide teams focused on vital records epidemiology, data science, data engineering, and surveillance systems. Your strategic direction will ensure the collection, analysis, and dissemination of high-quality data, supporting public health surveillance, program evaluation, and policy-making. You'll lead technology advancement, maintain current systems, and navigate emerging demands, making a significant impact on vital records and health statistics data at both the agency and national levels. Additionally, you'll oversee the CHS Data Release Program, playing a crucial role in contract development, WSIRB review, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements for sensitive information release. Your role extends to proposing impactful public health policies, building relationships across stakeholders, and fostering communication with local, state, and federal agencies, Tribes, Tribal Organizations, and contracted partners. Join us in driving forward the vital mission of timely and accurate public health data.

Work Setting

This full-time, permanent Senior Epidemiologist position is stationed out of the Tumwater, WA duty station. Telework (mobile work) is currently expected. Incumbent should expect to be in-office 1 day per month for leadership team meetings.

Option 1: Bachelor’s degree in public health, epidemiology, health informatics, public or health policy, health services research, health information sciences, health care informatics, data science, computer science, social sciences or social service, or closely related field; AND

eight (8) or more years of experience in epidemiological data management, data science and/or informatic, data integration, management, analysis and decision-making in research, public health, or related setting; and

six (6) or more years of supervisory, leadership and/or program management experience.

OR

Option 2: Master’s degree or higher from an accredited graduate school with a focus in public health, epidemiology, data science, public health informatics, health care informatics, information technology, computer science, information science, public or health policy, statistics, or related field; AND

six (6) or more years of experience in epidemiological data management, data science and/or informatic, data integration, management, analysis and decision-making in research, public health, or related setting; and

four (4) or more years of supervisory, leadership and/or program management experience.

OR

Option 3: A Doctoral degree from an accredited graduate school with a focus in public health, epidemiology, data science, public health informatics, health care informatics, information technology, computer science, information science, public or health policy, statistics, or related field; AND

four (4) or more years of experience in epidemiological data management, data science and/or informatic, data integration, management, analysis and decision-making in research, public health, or related setting; and

two (2) or more years of supervisory, leadership and/or program management experience.

OR

Option 4: An equivalent combination of education, professional experience, and lived experience.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MUST ALSO INCLUDE:

Experience in contract management with external vendors or experience writing or managing grants or grant deliverables. Experience implementing legislative mandates and/or responding to legislative requests. Experience applying knowledge of current trends in the fields of epidemiology, informatics and technology to make informed recommendations that lead or influence an organization’s direction. Experience in research and/or data related project design, development, and implementation.

Join the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and be part of a dynamic team dedicated to safeguarding public health. As a frontline defender of our communities, DOH collaborates with partners around the clock to impact the lives of every Washingtonian and visitor. We’re not just an organization; we’re a catalyst for change, guided by our core values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement. Our Transformational Plan for the future of Washington’s health is in motion, and we invite you to make a meaningful impact on the well-being of the state by joining us in this exciting journey. Your work at DOH truly matters.