BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV - 64026661

Requisition No: 847656 

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV - 64026661

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 64026661 

Salary:  $49,584.67 

Posting Closing Date: 03/18/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FLORID DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH - OPEN COMPETITIVE OPPORTUNITY

Division of Disease Control

Viral Hepatitis and Outbreak Response Section

Biological Scientist IV

Salary: $49,584.67

 

 

 

 

Your Specific Responsibilities:

 

This is a highly technical position supervised by the Outbreak Response Unit Supervisor within the Viral Hepatitis and Outbreak Response Section (VHORS) in the Bureau of Communicable Diseases. The incumbent is one of two epidemiologists and data analysts responsible for the day-to-day activities related to viral hepatitis (B and C only) surveillance and case investigation, and cluster detection and response activities for outbreaks or clusters of viral hepatitis, HIV, and other communicable diseases of interest. Main responsibilities include statistical analyses of epidemiological and surveillance data, prepares reports to disseminate data to internal and external stakeholders, monitors cases for increases and potential outbreaks, ensures data security and confidentiality, and works collabdratively with multiple groups, including providing technical assistance to county health department field staff. 

 

Reviews hepatitis (B and C) case reports timely in the notifiable disease system, Merlin, and provides technical assistance to county health department staff on hepatitis case definitions, reporting requirements, laboratory results, and case reporting rules and protocols. Conducts data quality checks and annual data cleaning activities. Assists with the development of disease situation reports, protocols, and changes to reporting. Assists with data system updates, providing data and information for grant applications, and annual progress reports. 

Collects and statistically analyses molecular HIV surveillance data and time-space cluster data, and assists with completing monthly runs of Secure HIV TRACE. Creates social/transmission network diagrams, conducts statistical analyses, writing, disseminating reports, and communication materials. Participates in and organizes meetings related to outbreak detection and response activities, and assists with providing data and information for grant applications and annual progress reports. 

 

Required to keep up with and respond timely to data requests and statistically analyze outcomes from outbreak and cluster network investigations. Required to notify, based on protocol, any clusters of concern for hepatitis, HIV, or other communicable disease of interest. 

 

Works collaboratively with the prevention and education unit within the VHORS, and other sections within the Bureau of Communicable Diseases, to provide data and develop dissemination tools for program evaluation and outreach and education efforts (e.g. factsheet, annual power-points, reports, peer reviewed journal articles). 

 

Responsible for developing required investigation protocols and guidance, provide training and technical assistance to field staff, and maintain and update outbreak response protocols and any intemal/standard operating procedures as required. 

 

Performs other duties as assigned. 

 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

 

•    Knowledge of epidemiological principles, methods, and advance statistical models
•    Ability to collect, evaluate, and analyze statistical data, and present oral and written reports is necessary
•    Experience with SAS and other statistical software is required
•    Ability to communicate effectively
•    Ability to work independently and as part of a team
•    Ability to think critically

Qualifications:
Minimum - High School Diploma

Preferred - 1-3 years of experience; Master's degree

Florida Department of Health Mission, Vision, and Values: 

Mission:
To protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts.
Vision:
To be the He