Service Fellowship - 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 a Service Fellow to work in its Division of Health Interview Statistics (DHIS). As the nation’s principal health statistics agency, NCHS’s mission is to provide statistical information to guide actions and policies to improve the health of the American people.

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, covering topics such as health insurance coverage, health care utilization, health conditions, health behaviors, and socioeconomics. For more information, visit the NHIS website.

Fellowship overview

In the Office of the Director of the Division of Health Interview Statistics, the Service Fellow will assist with developing complex survey and sampling procedures, creating and evaluating sampling weights, evaluating the impact of sampling and nonsampling errors on data quality, and preparing related statistical analyses. Responsibilities include assessing data quality, analyzing survey data, modeling, statistical inference, 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 and peer-reviewed journals. The work requires knowledge of statistical theory and concepts, experience in applied statistics, and a solid statistical computing and software background. The incumbent will collaborate with other professionals within and outside the Center in the conduct of research and analytical studies.

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, biostatistics, mathematical statistics, mathematics, or a related field (e.g., epidemiology, demography, public policy). Experience and coursework are essential. Coursework should include completion of at least 24 semester hours of mathematics and statistics, of which at least 12 semester hours were in mathematics and 6 semester hours were in statistics. The work requires strong analytical and statistical skills; the ability to work effectively as a team player; attention to detail; solid organizational 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 $77,490–$141,555 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. 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 January 6, 2017 and will be 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 Marcie Cynamon at the mailing address below. Questions regarding this fellowship can be directed to Marcie Cynamon at mlc6@cdc.gov.  

Mailing address

Marcie Cynamon, Director
Division of Health Interview Statistics
National Center for Health Statistics
3311 Toledo Road, Room 5220
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.**