Senior 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 a Senior Service Fellow to work in the Special Projects Branch (SPB) of its Office of Analysis and Epidemiology (OAE). As the country’s principal health statistics agency, NCHS’ 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 website.

Fellowship overview

As a member of SPB, the Senior Service Fellow will work with the Branch Chief on strategic oversight for 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 Senior Service Fellow will provide technical and methodological leadership in data linkage; lead statistical and methodological studies to evaluate linked data; develop and assess linkage algorithms; conduct subject-specific analysis using linked data; contribute to the development of user analytic guidelines and documentation for linked data files; and conduct high-quality scientific research for dissemination in journals, reports, and presentations.

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 doctoral degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university that includes 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 written and oral communication skills; the ability to work in a team environment; and mastery of statistical software applications, including those for analysis of complex data, (e.g., SAS, SUDAAN, Stata, and R) are required. Working knowledge of Adobe Acrobat Pro and Microsoft Office suite, especially PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and Access is also expected.

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 range of $90,823–$158,700 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 August 12, 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. Questions regarding this fellowship can be directed to Ms. Mirel at LMirel@cdc.gov or 301–458–4087, or to 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.**