Substance Use Epidemiologist II

Job DetailsJob Location: Main HQ Center City 650 - Philadelphia, PA 19109Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: Graduate DegreeSalary Range: $70,000.00 - $75,000.00Travel Percentage: NoneJob Shift: DayJob Category: Health Care

Equal Opportunity Employer – The Health Federation of Philadelphia is committed to equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion, disability, sex or gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status. This commitment applies to all aspects of our employment practices, including recruiting, hiring, training, and promotion.

Job Summary

This position provides epidemiological and analytical data support to the Division of Substance Use Prevention and Harm Reduction (SUPHR) at the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH). SUPHR’s mission is to prevent drug‑related deaths and associated harms by promoting the dignity, autonomy, and health of people who use drugs.

The person filling this position is responsible for collecting, managing, visualizing, and analyzing substance‑use‑related datasets (e.g., overdose mortality data, Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) data, surveillance drug‑checking data, Emergency Medical Services data, etc.). This position will report directly to the Epidemiology Manager and will work closely with other data staff, harm reduction specialists, and Emergency Medical Services staff.

Responsibilities / Duties

• Abstract, clean, and analyze substance‑use related datasets.
• Perform routine data matches between substance‑use‑related datasets.
• Lead the development and refinement of data visualization activities, including data dashboards and reports, both internal and public‑facing.
• Develop and maintain data collection systems (e.g., REDCap databases).
• Lead the fulfillment of internal and external requests for data.
• Obtain and manage Institutional Review Board (IRB) approvals when required.
• Identify barriers in overdose surveillance efforts and provide suggestions to improve surveillance, including recommendations for improving data collection processes.
• Oversee collection and timely reporting of grant‑required data submissions.
• Serve as a representative for grantee teleconferences/meetings.
• Conduct novel analyses using substance‑use‑related datasets.
• Assist data staff in analysis and surveillance projects within the unit.
• Assist in the coordination and management of routine surveillance epidemiology meetings.
• Provide support to 1-2 student interns and/or entry‑level data staff, when applicable.
• Summarize analytic findings for presentation at scientific conferences and publication in technical and scientific journals.
• Contribute to reports and presentations for funders, local stakeholders, and city officials.
• Generate data summaries for public reports, grant applications, and public data requests.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education / Experience

Completion of a Master of Public Health Degree program at an accredited college or university in Epidemiology or a related field that includes a minimum of two graduate‑level courses in Epidemiology or two comparable graduate‑level classes in advanced research methodology and two graduate‑level courses in statistics or biostatistics.

Skills / Experience

• A minimum of 2-5 years of experience as an epidemiologist (or related work) in an academic, public, or private setting.
• Knowledge of substance use and drug‑related terminology.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Experience with database development (REDCap preferred).
• Experience with mapping software (ArcGIS preferred).
• Strong data visualization skills, including dashboard and report creation (R, or Tableau preferred).
• Strong data management and analytical abilities using statistical analysis software (SAS preferred).
• Knowledge of the principles and procedures of epidemiological research, including study design or epidemiological surveys, theory and application of epidemiological methodologies, principles and methods of biostatistics, and preparation of scientific research reports.
• Ability to work as part of a team, prioritize and handle multiple tasks, and manage project timelines with a high degree of organizational skill, and to work independently in a high‑pressure environment.
• Ability to analyze and think critically to apply reasonable judgment and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to analyze data and write project proposals and technical reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with people contacted in the course of work.
• Sensitivity to and experience working with ethnically, culturally, and sexually diverse individuals, communities, agencies, and organizations.

Work Environment

Standard office setting with extended periods at workstation and periodic use of office equipment.

Position Type and Work Schedule

Full‑time position, typical hours are Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Flex office schedule options available with supervisor’s approval.

Travel

Local travel to multiple sites and community meetings a few times a month.

Physical Demands

None.

Salary and Benefits

Salary: $70,000 – $75,000 per year. We offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, which can include:

• Medical with vision benefits
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life, AD&D and long‑term care insurance
• Short‑ and long‑term disability insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan, with a company contribution
• Paid time off including vacation, sick, personal and holiday.
• Employee Assistance Program

Eligibility and Participation

Eligibility and participation are handled consistent with the plan documents and HFP policy.

Employment Relationship: This position is “at will.” The aforementioned job requirements are subject to change to reasonably accommodate qualified disabled individuals.