MPHI is a Michigan-based and nationally engaged, non-profit public health institute. We are a team of teams, process and content experts, dedicated to building A world where tomorrow is healthier than today!

Title: Harm Reduction Pillar Epidemiologist

$65,395 - $92,622 / Posted Thru: 5-16-24

Location: Remote/Virtual - Must Live and Work in Michigan

Purpose: The Harm Reduction Pillar Epidemiologist will lead epidemiology work related to harm reduction programming and negative health outcomes impacting People Who Use Drugs (PWUDs). This position will utilize data analysis to identify trends in Syringe Service Program utilization and morbidity and mortality outcomes among PWUDs, and read existing literature to understand factors that influence drug user health, including infectious sequalae and hepatitis C. In addition, this role will coordinate with Michigan Inpatient Database (MIDB), MiCelerity, and Michigan Disease Surveillance System (MDSS) data to translate insights into actionable data-driven strategies for improving public health outcomes. This person will be housed in the Viral Hepatitis Unit, Hepatitis and Tuberculosis Section, Division of Emerging Infectious Diseases, MDHHS Bureau of Infectious Disease Prevention.

• Lead epidemiology work related to harm reduction and drug user health for MDHHS. Data sources may include MIDB, MiCelerity, MDSS and state and national level surveys.
• Work closely with other epidemiologists supporting the Michigan State Opioid Strategy and oversight of opioid settlement related decision making.
• Independently conduct in-depth exploratory analyses regarding harm reduction and drug user health, along with other programmatically relevant analyses.
• Lead the onboarding of new data sources and related data linkage validation work.
• Coordinate with other epidemiologists and analysts working on overdose and SUD surveillance within MDHHS, including any surveillance system evaluation and quality assurance work as needed.
• Review and edit work of analysts within the unit.
• Use advanced technical and scientific knowledge to prepare written reports, analyses, and recommendations for use in designing interventions, making policy decisions, and program evaluation.
• Monitor harm reduction related state policy, including changes and newly introduced legislation or administrative rules.
• Complete data requests as needed.
• Always represent the best interests of MDHHS and MPHI.
• Conduct other duties as required.

Education: Possession of a master's degree with a major in epidemiology or public health with a minimum of 8 semester (12 term) graduate-level hours in epidemiology and biostatistics courses. Possession of a PhD preferred.

Experience: Three years of professional experience as an epidemiologist. Experience in statistical analysis is required. Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis. Experience with epidemiology of substance use or mental health is preferred. Prefer candidates with lived experience with overcoming SUD.

Important Skills and Characteristics:

• Excellent organizational, data management, programming, and analytical skills.
• Knowledge of data quality.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Self-motivated, able to complete work in a timely manner and handle multiple tasks at one time with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency in SAS or R preferred.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements: Standard office environment.

IMPACT ON PROJECTS, SERVICES AND OPERATIONS: This position directly impacts the drug overdose surveillance activities in the MDHHS. This involves working with the State Epidemiology Outcomes Workgroup, the Opioid Policy Team, and the Bureau of Environmental Health. The purpose is to develop a coordinated system that provides accurate, timely, and useful data on drug overdose to key stakeholders, policy makers, the MDHHS, researchers, local programs, and other interested parties. Drug user health and overdose data will be provided in a way that helps partners inform state and community level programming and interventions, and evaluate the impact of state, local and organizational policy changes on drug overdoses. This position's work will also assist local health departments with their efforts regarding drug overdose surveillance and prevention.

"For purposes of employment standards, this classification is "Exempt" from overtime provisions of the fair Labor Standards Act."

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