How to Apply
Interested individuals should submit as one PDF document: 1) a cover letter outlining their interest and experience in relation to this position, and 2) a resume.
Job Summary
The Michigan Public Health Integrated Center for Outbreak Analytics and Modeling (MICOM) housed in the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health is seeking an independent and motivated Research Computer Specialist to join our team. The Centers for Disease Control are funding MICOM as part of an outbreak response network, with the goal of using data to support decision makers during public health emergencies. Co-Directors Drs. Marisa Eisenberg and Emily Martin and their colleagues have an active research program to integrate mathematical modeling with community-based surveillance to understand various facets of public health. The ideal candidate for this position will be an individual with ample coding, analysis/modeling, and data visualization experience, as well as experience in managing the many details of a complex project. This is a full-time position and provides the opportunity to contribute to the Center's work in building relationships with local public health departments and developing analyses or other tools with the new MI-SUPPORT program.
Within MI-SUPPORT, a successful applicant will be part of a small, agile team responsible for responding to partner projects with local health departments. These projects will be related to data analysis, modeling, forecasting, and visualization, including building data pipelines and new tools. They will take on projects that are larger in scope and complexity, and may be asked to travel for extended periods of time in order to complete those projects. This role will include working across analysis teams, designing and implementing projects, and conducting training sessions and workshops for health department personnel. They will support the ongoing training of team members, as well as offer day-to-day support and guidance as the team navigates their projects.
Responsibilities*
MICOM Leadership Activities:
- With general supervision from faculty members, provide high-level consultation for and expertise with computer applications to scientific research problems. Consult with the MICOM/MI-SUPPORT teams and local health department partners to determine the analysis needs of their projects.
- Mentor entry-level staff and students and provide guidance on workload priorities and troubleshooting coding issues. Provide regular review of analytical problems. Work closely with MICOM/MI-SUPPORT team leadership and project coordinator(s) to ensure that teams are on schedule.
Analysis Activities:
- Write programs in R and/or Python for data preparation, standard analysis file creation, statistical analysis, and reporting, including programs requiring complex combination of data from multiple sources. Devise and carry out detailed testing plans to verify the proper operation of the systems and to validate the resulting datasets.
- Participate in debugging and documentation of code and datasets
- Participate in the reporting of results by developing reports and contributing to manuscripts, as well as presenting data findings and recommendations to clients and stakeholders
- Participate in submission of CDC reporting, as necessary.
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's degree in data science, computer science, or related field, such as Biostatistics, Statistics, Public Policy, Epidemiology, or Computational Sciences
- 2-3 years of relevant experience (research, modeling, etc.)
- Experience using R or Python for analysis, dashboard development, and/or other analytical tools or visualization
- Excellent communication skills.
Desired Qualifications*
- Master's or PhD in data science, computer science, public health, statistics and/or epidemiology.
- Knowledge and demonstrated experience with research study management, management of programs conducted under public health surveillance guidance, and requirements regarding the conduct of human subject research.
- Experience in the field of infectious diseases epidemiology and public health rapid response activities.
- Experience leading projects and/or analyses
- Experience with public health preparedness and outbreak activities.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes. This position allows for a hybrid schedule, with 3-4 days of on-site work, with 3 days of on-site work possible after the initial training period.
Additional Information
This is a term-limited position for one year with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding.
Michigan Public Health is seeking a dynamic staff member with a commitment to contributing to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment for all members of our community.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.