Associate Service Fellowship in Data Linkage

Position and organization

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), located in Hyattsville, Maryland, is seeking an Associate Service Fellow to work with the Special Projects Branch (SPB) in its Office of Analysis and Epidemiology (OAE). As the nation’s principal health statistics agency, NCHS’s mission is to provide statistical information to guide actions and policies that improve the health of the American people.

OAE conducts developmental and evaluation research and analysis in the fields of epidemiology, health status, health services utilization, health promotion, and health economics. Within OAE, SPB coordinates the center’s data linkage activities and provides support and technical assistance to users of linked data files. For more information about data linkage activities at NCHS, visit the Data Linkage Activities homepage.

Fellowship overview

As a member of SPB, the Associate Service Fellow will contribute to multiple aspects of planning and implementing record linkages of NCHS surveys with vital statistics and administrative records, such as health care utilization, and state and federal program participation records maintained by other agencies. The record linkage program is designed to maximize the scientific value of the center’s population-based surveys. Linked data files enable researchers to examine factors that influence disability, chronic disease, health care utilization, morbidity, and mortality. In collaboration with other members of SPB and NCHS, the Associate Service Fellow will prepare survey data for linkages, prepare linked data files for users, monitor access to the linked data, conduct statistical and methodological studies to evaluate linked data, conduct subject-specific analysis using linked data, and assist with the development of user analytic guidelines and documentation for linked data files.

Qualifications

This fellowship is open to all citizens of the United States or legal permanent residents with a work authorization. (Applicants are responsible for obtaining the necessary work authorization.) Applicants must have successfully completed a Master’s degree or higher in statistics, biostatistics, computer science, epidemiology, or a related field (e.g., medicine, sociology, demography, economics, or health sciences). Experience or applied coursework in computing and applying statistical techniques to data is required. Strong skills in using SAS statistical software are expected.  Experience with STATA, R, SUDAAN, or other statistical software for analysis of complex data is desirable. Strong speaking, writing, and interpersonal skills are also highly desirable.

Terms of appointment

The successful candidate will be offered an initial 24-month appointment, with potential for extension up to 5 years. A starting date will be determined by mutual agreement. An initial salary of $64,650–$100,736 will be offered, based on education and experience. Salary increases will be commensurate with performance. Federal benefits such as annual and sick leave, Thrift Savings 401(k)-equivalent, and health and life insurance apply. A flexible work schedule or telework may be offered at the discretion of the division. Free onsite parking or a public transportation subsidy is available. The local subway station is within walking distance, and a free shuttle is available to and from the station.

Application process

Applications will be accepted through July 27, 2016. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, their curriculum vitae, official transcripts of all graduate and undergraduate credits (in sealed envelopes), and two reference letters (on official letterhead with original signatures) to Lisa Mirel at the address listed below. Inquiries or questions regarding this fellowship can be directed to Ms. Mirel at LMirel@cdc.gov or 301–458–4087, or Cordell Golden at CGolden@cdc.gov or 301–458–4237.

Mailing address

Lisa B. Mirel
Chief, Special Projects Branch
Office of Analysis and Epidemiology
National Center for Health Statistics
3311 Toledo Road, Room 6418
Hyattsville, MD 20782

**CDC/NCHS is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, creed, color, age, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation.**