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), Division of Health Interview Statistics, Data Analysis and Quality Assurance 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.

NCHS conducts the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), one of the principal sources of data on the health of the civilian, noninstitutionalized U.S. population. The 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 about the NHIS, see https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis.htm.

Fellowship overview

As a member of the Data Analysis and Quality Assurance Branch in the Division of Health Interview Statistics, the Fellow will contribute to multiple aspects of preparing, analyzing, and disseminating the annual NHIS microdata. Responsibilities include reviewing data quality, developing data edit and programming specifications, planning and conducting statistical analyses, providing technical consultation and advice to data users and colleagues, developing tables and graphics for data presentation, and preparing standard and specialized studies for NCHS reports and journal publications.

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 an academic field related to the health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of the position. 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. The work requires strong analytical, statistical, and programming skills; experience using SAS statistical software for complex survey data; the ability to work effectively as a team player; orientation to detail; solid organizational skills; ability to juggle multiple priorities simultaneously; and strong speaking, writing, and interpersonal skills.

Terms of appointment

The successful candidate will be offered an initial 24-month, full-time appointment, which may be extended by mutual agreement. An initial salary of $56,233–$88,450 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 April 30, 2018.  Interested applicants should submit a complete packet including a cover letter, curriculum vitae, copy of  unofficial transcripts of all graduate and undergraduate credits (if selected will need to provide official transcripts in sealed and signed envelopes), two reference letters (on official letterhead with original signature). Only packets that contain all of the above materials will be considered. Packets submitted by email will not be considered. Inquiries or questions regarding this fellowship can be directed to AVahratian@cdc.gov.

Mailing address

Anjel Vahratian, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Chief, Data Analysis and Quality Assurance Branch
Division of Health Interview Statistics
National Center for Health Statistics
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
3311 Toledo Road, Cubicle Number 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.**

Page last reviewed: March 27, 2018