Associate Service Fellowship in the Division of Health Interview Statistics

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 in its Division of Health Interview Statistics (DHIS). As the country’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. For more information about NCHS, visit its website.

DHIS conducts the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), one of the main sources of data on the health of the civilian noninstitutionalized U.S. population. NHIS is a nationally representative survey of approximately 35,000 households that has been fielded annually since 1957. The survey collects health and demographic data, including health insurance coverage, health care utilization, health conditions, health behaviors, and socioeconomic topics. For more information, visit the NHIS website.

Fellowship overview

Under the supervision of the Data Analysis and Quality Assurance Branch (DAQAB) Chief and DAQAB Team Lead for Production, the Service Fellow will assist with coding health insurance coverage data, the generation of quarterly selected estimate early release reports, and other time-sensitive quality-assurance production tasks. Responsibilities will include reviewing data quality, analyzing survey data, providing technical consultation and advice to data users and colleagues, developing tables and graphics for data presentation, and preparing standard and specialized analyses for NCHS reports.

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 graduate program in the social sciences, health sciences, statistics, or a related field (e.g., epidemiology, demography, public policy).  Experience and coursework in statistics is essential. Coursework should include completion of at least 15 semester hours in statistics (or mathematics and statistics, provided at least 6 semester hours were in statistics) and 9 additional semester hours in one or more of the following: physical or biological sciences, medicine, education, or engineering; or in the social sciences, including demography, history, economics, social welfare, geography, international relations, social or cultural anthropology, health sociology, political science, public administration, or psychology. This fellowship requires strong analytical, statistical and programming skills, preferably using SAS; the ability to work as a team player; attention to detail; multitasking skills; and strong speaking, writing, and interpersonal skills.

Terms of appointment

The successful candidate will be offered an initial 24-month appointment, with the potential for an extension. A starting date will be determined by mutual agreement. An initial salary range of $53,435–$84,044 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 supervisor. The Fellow will have the option of free onsite parking or a public-transportation subsidy. The local subway station is within walking distance.

Application process

Applications will be accepted through December 31, 2016 and reviewed on a rolling basis.  Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, their curriculum vitae, official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate credits in sealed and signed envelopes, and two reference letters (on official letterhead with original signature) to Dr. Anjel Vahratian at the mailing address below. Questions regarding this fellowship can be directed to Dr. Vahratian at avahratian@cdc.gov.

Mailing address

Anjel Vahratian, M.P.H., Ph.D.
Chief, Data Analysis and Quality Assurance Branch
Division of Health Interview Statistics
National Center for Health Statistics
3311 Toledo Road, Room 5219
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.**