Research Scientist 2

The Communicable Disease Service (CDS) is seeking a Research Scientist 2 (Epidemiologist) to serve as a Respiratory Illness and School Subject Matter Expert to work on non-influenza respiratory illness surveillance and response activities and serve as a subject matter expert for disease outbreaks in school/childcare settings. Responsible for planning and implementing epidemiologic investigations related to respiratory illness surveillance.  Monitors epidemiologic and clinical data collected from cases to identify changes in clinical presentation, illness severity and/or populations/groups at risk. This epidemiologist will work closely with various groups within CDS to identify and research metrics, to track the incidence and prevalence of respiratory illnesses and outbreaks in various settings throughout the state, including long-term care facilities and schools. Provides subject matter expertise and training for the prevention and control of communicable disease cases and outbreaks in educational settings including K-12 schools, childcare centers, youth camps and institutions of higher education. Helps develop and revise guidance documents to be current with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state recommendations. Serves as the backup for emerging viral respiratory pathogens. Provides consultation and technical assistance to local health departments, regional epidemiologists, and surveillance partners and help develop, plan, and conduct statewide surveillance activities for non-influenza respiratory illnesses in New Jersey. Activities include developing data collection tools, designing surveys, analyzing, and summarizing data for inclusion in reports, and reviewing data submissions to CDC. In addition to providing after hours coverage to address inquiries, this individual would help prepare technical manuscripts for publication, surveillance reports for public health partners, reports for including in grants, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders. Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with county/local health department personnel, school health partners, and others involved in communicable disease investigation. Develops education and training materials and conducts and/or participates in training and educational programs regarding the prevention and control of communicable diseases.  The ideal candidate will be familiar with infection disease transmission and control measures, have experience using Communicable Disease Reporting and Surveillance System (CDRSS), have experience conducting disease and outbreak investigations in various settings, and is knowledgeable in developing communicable disease investigation guidance documents.