Associate Service Fellow in Division of Health Care Statistics (DHCS)
Position and organization
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), Division of Health Care Statistics (DHCS), Ambulatory and Hospital Care Statistics Branch, located in Hyattsville, Maryland, is seeking a full-time Associate Service Fellow. 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.
The Ambulatory and Hospital Care Statistics Branch conducts nationally representative surveys of hospital inpatient, emergency, and outpatient departments; ambulatory surgery centers; and office-based physicians. Visit the DHCS website for more information.
Fellowship overview
The Associate Fellow will work with staff from the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) to develop and test a survey questionnaire, implement and conduct the survey, analyze survey data, prepare statistical files and related documentation for release, and prepare written reports and publications.
NCHS and NCCIH have partnered to develop and test a short questionnaire focused on physician awareness of national and other guidelines on prescribing opioids for pain management. The purpose of this study is threefold: (1) to evaluate survey questions that ask physicians about their knowledge, awareness, and adherence to these guidelines; (2) to assess the feasibility of a nationally representative panel survey of physicians to gain a better understanding of their practices regarding opioid prescription for pain management; and (3) through a small pilot survey, collect data on physician knowledge, awareness, and adherence to guidelines for opioid prescription for pain management.
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 should have a master’s degree or higher in health services research, statistics, survey methods, epidemiology, or a related social science or health field. Strong methodological, analytical, writing, and interpersonal skills are essential. In addition, applicants should have experience working with national surveys, especially surveys of establishments. Skill in using SAS, SUDAAN, or other statistical software for complex survey data is expected.
Terms of appointment
The successful candidate will be offered an initial 13-month, full-time appointment, with potential for an extension. A starting date will be determined by mutual agreement. An initial salary of $83,398–$108,422 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 may be arranged. 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 29, 2019. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, official transcripts of all graduate and undergraduate credits (in sealed and signed envelopes), and two reference letters (on official letterhead with original signatures) to Dr. Brian Ward at the mailing address below. E-mail submissions will not be accepted. Inquiries or questions regarding this fellowship can be directed to bwward@cdc.gov.
Mailing address
Brian Ward, Ph.D.
Team Lead, Ambulatory Care Team
Division of Health Care Statistics
National Center for Health Statistics
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
3311 Toledo Road, Workstation 3548
Hyattsville, MD 20782
bwward@cdc.gov