Syndromic Surveillance Epidemiologist

Agency Dept of Health and Human ServicesDivision Public HealthJob Classification Title: Publ Hlth Epidemiologist (NS)Position Number: Grade: MH15

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well‑being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.

Description of Work

The Syndromic Surveillance Epidemiologist supports the Communicable Disease Branch by conducting monitoring, analysis, and interpretation of near real‑time data to detect emerging public health concerns. The role provides expert assistance to public health professionals by evaluating data from established Early Event Detection Systems and identifying meaningful trends.

Work includes overseeing system access, training, and data request processes to maintain effective syndromic surveillance operations. The position also contributes to internal business processes by assisting with contract management, including budget review and reconciliation.

This role is based at the RTP Durham location, with hybrid teleworking options available.

Key Duties Include:

• Monitor near real‑time syndromic surveillance data daily using Early Event Detection Systems such as NC DETECT and NSSP.
• Analyze and interpret surveillance data to identify trends, anomalies, or emerging public health issues.
• Provide expert assistance to public health professionals by translating analytical findings into actionable guidance.
• Oversee access to syndromic surveillance systems, ensuring proper credentialing, training, and compliance with data use procedures.
• Conduct and update training for users of surveillance systems to support accurate data interpretation and reporting.
• Manage and fulfill data requests by reviewing needs, preparing datasets and ensuring secure and appropriate data transfer.
• Assist the branch business administrator in contract management activities, including budget review, tracking, and reconciliation.
• Review and evaluate system performance and data quality to maintain reliability across surveillance platforms.
• Support program operations by documenting analytical processes and contributing to ongoing improvement of surveillance workflows.
• Coordinate with branch staff to ensure timely communication of surveillance insights and operational needs.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Salary Grade Range: $61,177.00 - $91,767.00

Recruitment Range: $61,177.00 - $66,233.00

Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement.

The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred:

• Expert proficiency monitoring and interpreting near real‑time surveillance data, demonstrated through daily use of systems such as NC DETECT or NSSP to identify anomalies and emerging trends.
• Advanced skill analyzing syndromic surveillance datasets using established epidemiologic methods, supported by experience generating actionable insights for public health professionals.
• Intermediate proficiency overseeing user access, training, and data request workflows within surveillance platforms, including verifying permissions and ensuring accurate system utilization.
• Demonstrated experience producing clear, data‑driven guidance through written and verbal communication with internal and external public health partners.
• Strong capability supporting contract management processes, including reviewing budgets, reconciling expenditures, and coordinating with administrative staff to maintain accurate financial documentation.

The Posting Will Close At 11:59 P.M. The Night Before The End Date

This Position Is 100% Federally Funded

This Position Is Eligible For A Hybrid Work Option

Physical Requirements:

Ability to work independently in non-handicapped accessible areas.

About the NC Division of Public Health (DPH):

The NC Division of Public Health works to promote and contribute to the highest possible level of health for the people of North Carolina. Our entire statewide system of public health has dedicated professionals who carry out our mission every day through a wide range of essential and activities touching the lives of everyone in our state.

About the Communicable Disease Branch:

The Communicable Disease Branch strives to protect and improve the health of people in North Carolina through disease detection, tracking, investigation, control, education, prevention and care activities to reduce morbidity and mortality resulting from communicable diseases that are a significant threat to the pu