Chronic Disease Surveillance Epidemiologist

Overview

This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by collecting statewide data about cancer and cancer risk factors, conducting surveillance and research into causes, cures and controls of cancer, and communicating the results to the public. The incumbent works under the supervision of the Research Scientist Supervisor I (RSS I), Unit Supervisor of the Surveillance and Data Use Unit, Surveillance and Research Section, Chronic Disease Surveillance and Research Branch (CDSRB). The Research Scientist (RS) organizes and carries out surveillance and epidemiologic research studies of limited scientific scope and complexity and supports the implementation of the cancer surveillance plan for California’s statewide population based surveillance systems and the evaluation of their effectiveness. The RS produces routine annual incidence and mortality reports and other special topic surveillance reports of limited scientific scope and complexity, performs linkages, assists in the coordination of statewide responses to cancer concerns, and responds to requests for data. In addition, the RS collaborates with Center for Healthy Communities (CHC) and CDPH programs on projects related to health equity framework.

Key Responsibilities
30% Carries out the production of surveillance reports, factsheets, and web content describing incidence, mortality, survival, trends, disparities, and other statistics for the public. Conducts data analyses, interprets results, prepares graphs, tables, and figures, and writes summaries of findings. Conducts analyses for special topic reports of limited scientific scope and complexity including analyses of geographic variations in cancer outcomes by census-based geographical units such as Medical Study Service Area and Rural-Urban Commuting Area Codes. Conducts data analyses using statistical software, including SEER*Stat, SAS (Statistical Analysis System), R and GIS software such as ESRI ArcGIS and others. Participates in writing abstracts and manuscripts based on analyses from surveillance reports and factsheets.
30% Implements appropriate methodology for conducting probabilistic linkage studies using the California Cancer Registry (CCR) database, other disease registry databases, or administrative databases. Utilizes SAS, Match*Pro, and other appropriate software to apply matching protocols to identify matches. Participates in writing reports of linkage results, abstracts, and manuscripts based on linked datasets.
15% Implements evaluation plans for CDSRB. Monitors, analyzes, and develops reports on program evaluation progress towards goals, priorities, objectives, and activities including the National Program of Cancer Registries and the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) Behavioral Risk Surveillance System. Assists with the development of specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely objectives and utilizes the CDC’s Program Evaluation Framework to develop evaluation plans. Identifies and utilizes internal and external data sources for performance tracking and develops recommendations for evaluation strategies, analysis, and creates tracking tools to monitor data for data quality, timeliness, and completeness.
10% Responds to requests for data, information on programs, and cancer concerns from the public, state and local programs, and researchers. Analyzes and prepares requested data for the public, State of California Health and Human Services Agency, CDPH programs, and researchers. Uses SEER*Stat, SAS to calculate observed and expected cancer case counts, standardized incidence ratios, and confidence intervals for specific cancer sites in small geographic areas for evaluating community cancer concerns. Answers emails or written inquiries from the public, health officials, or researchers requesting information on CDSRB programs or data.
10% Maintains and updates the annual inventory of peer-reviewed and other relevant publications that use CCR data, consistent with CCR reporting and documentation standards. This includes identifying newly published studies through literature searches and registry-related sources, verifying whether CCR data were used or cited, abstracting key citation fields, maintaining the publication tracking spreadsheet, resolving duplicates or incomplete records, and preparing annual summary counts for internal reporting, performance monitoring, presentations, and other CCR surveillance and data use documentation. Develops summary report highlighting CCR data use in research and publications.
5% Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
All employees shall possess the general qualifications, as described in California Code of Regulations Title 2, Section 172, which include, but are not limited to integrity, honesty, dependability, thoroughness, accuracy, good judgment, initiative, resourcefulness, and the ability to work cooperatively with others. This position requires the incumbent to maintain consistent and regular attendance; communicate effectively (orally and in writing) in dealing with the public and/or other employees; develop and maintain knowledge and skill related to specific tasks, methodologies, materials, tools, and equipment; complete assignments in a timely and efficient manner; and, adhere to departmental policies and procedures. All California Department of Public Health (CDPH) employees perform work that is of the utmost importance, where each employee is important in supporting and promoting an environment of equity, diversity, and inclusivity, essential to the delivery of the department’s mission. All employees are valued and should understand that their contributions and the contributions of their team members derive from different cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences, supporting innovations in public health services and programs for California.