Service Fellowship in the Division of Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys

Position and organization

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), Division of National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (DHANES), located in Hyattsville, Maryland, is seeking a full-time Associate Service Fellow/Survey Statistician in the DHANES Office of the Director. 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.

DHANES conducts the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), one of the principal sources of data on the health and nutritional status of the civilian, noninstitutionalized U.S. population. NHANES is a nationally representative survey of approximately 5,000 participants per year. The survey is unique in that it combines interviews and medical examinations. Visit the NHANES website for more information.

Fellowship overview

Under the supervision of the Senior Health Scientist and Statistics Team Lead in the DHANES Office of the Director, the Survey Statistician will have the following responsibilities:

• Designing and leading nonresponse-bias analyses to gauge the extent that unit nonresponse is biasing survey estimates
• Exploring and evaluating mechanisms to better adjust for survey nonresponse
• Writing and implementing computer programs for selecting samples
• Performing quality control procedures to ensure the accuracy of sampling procedures implemented
• Contributing to or reviewing the sampling sections of sample design reports, analytic guidelines reports, and other written reports
• Providing technical information on the types of analyses, limitations of the data, and strengths and weaknesses of various sampling strategies
• Calculating weights, nonresponse rates, and standard error estimates as part of documenting sample selection and implementation and carrying out substantive analysis on projects with analytical deliverables

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 the following qualifications:

• Ph.D. in statistics, epidemiology, or quantitative social sciences, with a minimum of 1 year of experience equivalent to a GS-11 in the federal service related to statistics or survey methods OR a
• Master’s degree in statistics, epidemiology, or quantitative social sciences, with a minimum of 1 year of experience equivalent to a GS-9 in the federal service related to statistics or survey methods.
• Strong SAS, STATA, or R programming skills
• Knowledge of the estimation of variances, the calculation of standard errors, and imputation
• Knowledge of weighting of various sampling and data collection designs
• Knowledge of quantitative methods of public health data analysis
• Familiarity with survey research literature, methods, and processes
• Strong organizational skills to document procedures and decisions
• Strong writing skills and communication skills

Desired skills include:

• Working knowledge of survey sampling and statistical theory
• Working knowledge of analyzing survey missing data, including imputation
• Familiarity with nonsampling error in surveys
• Experience with federal survey systems

Terms of appointment

The successful candidate will be offered an initial 36-month, full-time appointment, with potential for an extension. A starting date will be determined by mutual agreement. An initial salary of $68,036–$106,012 will be offered, based on education and experience. Salary range from $68,036–$88,450 can be offered based on the following education and experience: a Master’s degree or successful completion of two full years of graduate education leading to a degree in statistics, epidemiology, or quantitative social sciences, with a minimum of 1 year of experience equivalent to a GS-9 in the federal service related to statistics or survey methods. Salary range from $81,548–$106,012 can be offered, based on the following education and experience: a Ph.D. or successful completion of three full years of graduate education leading to a degree in statistics, epidemiology, or quantitative social sciences, with a minimum of 1 year of experience equivalent to a GS-11 in the federal service related to statistics or survey methods.  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 after a probationary period. 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 November 26, 2018. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, unofficial transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate credits, and copies of two reference letters. Inquiries or questions regarding this fellowship can be directed to Dr. Fakhouri at TFakhouri@cdc.gov. If selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts in sealed and signed envelopes along with two reference letters on official letterhead with original signatures.

Mailing address

Tala Fakhouri, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Senior Health Scientist
Division of Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys
National Center for Health Statistics
3311 Toledo Road, Room 3282
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.**