Position and organization

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), Office of Analysis and Epidemiology (OAE), located in Hyattsville, Maryland, is seeking an Associate Director for Science to serve as OAE’s clearance official and senior advisor on crosscutting research and dissemination activities. As the nation’s principal health statistics agency, NCHS’ mission is to provide statistical information to guide actions and policies to improve the health of the American people.

OAE conducts research and dissemination activities and provides in-house research capacity to assist NCHS in improving its surveys and making data and research findings accessible to a broad audience. OAE also provides statistical and methodological expertise to national and international endeavors, and supports and collaborates with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and other executive branch agencies, intergovernmental agencies, the research community, and others on data and measures development and analysis.

OAE’s major programmatic activities include measures development and evaluation, data linkage methodology and evaluation, population health monitoring, and health promotion statistics. Some of OAE’s major statistical products include Health, United States, the HHS Secretary’s annual report to Congress and the President; data products from the NCHS Data Linkage Program which enhance NCHS survey data with administrative data to examine factors that influence health, health care utilization, and health outcomes (https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data-linkage/access.htm); the Healthy People 2020 database, which tracks the nation’s science-based 10-year objectives to improve the health of Americans and associated statistical and methodological reports; and analytic and methodological reports on topics such as disability, injury, morbidity, and mortality statistics.

Fellowship overview

The Associate Director for Science will serve as principal science advisor to the OAE Director and senior management on statistical and methodological research matters to accomplish the mission of OAE. Responsibilities include technical and professional advisement on the development and conduct of research projects; scientific review and clearance of scientific publications and research dissemination activities; and leadership in science policy development and planning on behalf of OAE and in consultation with the NCHS Associate Director for Science, including tracking of OAE’s written analytic products. The incumbent also will lead analytic research projects; mentor or collaborate with other NCHS staff on statistical and methodological research to improve NCHS data systems, programs, and products; and represent OAE to the broader governmental, scientific, and research communities.

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 in health services research, statistics, survey methods, epidemiology, economics, or a related social science or health field. Strong analytical, writing, and interpersonal skills are required. Direct experience in design or analysis of complex surveys, especially NCHS surveys, is highly desirable. Experience using SAS, STATA, SUDAAN, or other statistical software for complex survey data is expected.

Terms of appointment

As a Senior Service Fellow, the Associate Director of Science will be offered an initial 3-year, full-time appointment, which may be extended by mutual agreement. An initial salary range of $134,789–164,700 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 June 22, 2018. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, their curriculum vitae, official transcripts of all graduate and undergraduate credits in sealed and signed envelopes, and two reference letters (on official letterhead with original signature) to Dr. Irma Arispe at the mailing address below. Inquiries or questions regarding this fellowship can be directed to Dr. Arispe at iarispe@cdc.gov or 301–458–4652.

Mailing address

Irma Arispe, Ph.D.
Director, Office of Analysis and Epidemiology
National Center for Health Statistics
3311 Toledo Road, Room 4270
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.**