Epidemiologist Jobs for OPT Students

INTRODUCTION

Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community.

DESCRIPTION

Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health is seeking to recruit one to two Epidemiologists to join an initiative dedicated to independent infectious disease epidemiology and vaccine science at a moment of exceptional importance for public health. This role will support rigorous, policy-relevant research including vaccine effectiveness evaluation, vaccine impact modeling, and surveillance innovation. This work will be conducted in partnership with state and regional health agencies that are actively building new infrastructure outside traditional channels. Candidates eager to apply epidemiologic methods to questions that matter, and who thrive in a fast-moving, mission-driven environment, will find this an uncommon opportunity to do meaningful work at the forefront of public health. This position is supported by the Emory Alliance for Vaccine Epidemiology (EAVE), a cross-campus initiative anchored in the Rollins School of Public Health. The program leverages Emory’s deep infectious disease epidemiology infrastructure—including EAVE, CIDMATH, SISMID, and the Vaccinology Training Program—alongside rich data partnerships with Emory Healthcare, and state, national and international collaborators. The initiative is specifically designed to generate timely, independent vaccine and infectious disease evidence to inform decision-making by state public health agencies, regional coalitions, and other partners. Reporting to the program’s Principal Investigator and potentially other allied faculty, the Epidemiologists will conduct and support a portfolio of studies in vaccine effectiveness evaluations and/or vaccine impact modeling using both traditional and novel infectious disease surveillance data streams. The scientist will work across data sources including electronic health records, medical claims, wastewater analytics, and behavioral surveillance, contributing to both rapid-response analyses and longer-term research products. This role requires intellectual independence, methodological rigor, and the ability to translate findings into policy-relevant outputs under time-sensitive conditions. The epidemiologists will work on vaccine evaluation studies and/or vaccine transmission modeling studies. A candidate with the interests and skills may work on a combination of projects across both areas.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Provides technical and scientific expertise for programs in the areas of communicable disease, chronic disease and environmental epidemiology.
- Designs, conducts and reports on the epidemiological study of diseases, collects and analyzes data and develops health education materials.
- Manages and participates in investigations and surveys that have national and international impact.
- Conducts program research and prepares operational and statistical reports.
- May write publishable articles and papers.
- Serves as a liaison to and works with other groups and organizations participating in related programs.
- May travel internationally to supervise field operations.
- Performs related responsibilities as required.

ADDITIONAL JOB DETAILS:

Research and Analysis:

- Design and conduct observational studies evaluating vaccine effectiveness and safety using real-world data sources, including electronic health records, insurance claims, and novel surveillance streams.
- Develop and apply epidemiologic and statistical methods appropriate for large, complex datasets; contribute to methodological innovation where standard approaches are insufficient.
- Develop mathematical models to examine vaccine policy scenarios and changes in vaccine uptake and coverage patterns.
- Fit models using statistical approaches and conduct model inference.
- Conduct rapid-turnaround analyses in response to emerging infectious disease events or time-sensitive policy questions.
- Support the development and maintenance of surveillance systems and data pipelines integrating multiple data sources.
- Conduct health and economic impact analyses.

Dissemination and Partnership:

- Author and co-author peer-reviewed manuscripts for high-impact journals; contribute to technical reports, white papers, and policy briefs for health agency partners.
- Present findings to scientific and non-scientific audiences, including public health practitioners, policymakers, and public audiences.
- Support the development of science communication products and interactive data visualization tools.
- Participate in and contribute to external partnerships with state health departments, regional public health coalitions, and healthcare systems.

Collaboration and Mentorship:

- Collaborate closely with faculty, trainees, and staff across RSPH, Emory School of Medicine, and Emory Healthcare.
- Contribute to the mentorship of doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows.
- Assist with grant writing and reporting as needed.

WHAT WE OFFER

This position offers a rare combination of scientific independence, infrastructure, and mission alignment. The successful candidate will have access to:
- Novel, proprietary data resources including integrated EHR, claims, wastewater, and behavioral surveillance streams.
- A highly collaborative, cross-disciplinary research environment spanning epidemiology, modeling, vaccinology, and clinical research.
- Close engagement with state and regional public health partners and emerging national coalitions.
- Opportunities for rapid publication, policy translation, and visibility in a high-profile area of public health.
- Mentorship from senior faculty with extensive applied public health and academic experience.
- Competitive salary and full Emory University benefits, including health insurance, retirement, and professional development support.

Work Environment / Travel

This position is based at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. Hybrid work may be considered based on team needs, data security requirements, and Emory policy. Occasional travel may be required for partner engagement, workshops, or scientific meetings.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Applicants should apply through the Emory job portal and submit ALL OF the following materials:
- Cover letter describing relevant experience and fit for the role
- Up to date Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Writing sample (first-authored manuscript or technical report preferred)
- Contact information for three professional references

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A doctoral degree in a field related to area of research or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. International travel required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

- Doctoral degree in Epidemiology or a closely related field.
- Proficiency in statistical programming (R or Python) and experience working with large, complex administrative or clinical datasets.
- Strong record of peer-reviewed publication commensurate with career stage.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to translate and present technical findings to diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated expertise in infectious disease epidemiology, with substantive experience in vaccine effectiveness research OR vaccine modeling.
- Post-doctoral or applied research experience in an academic, public health agency, or healthcare system setting.
- Experience with electronic health record or medical claims data (e.g., Epic, Optum, MarketScan).
- Experience with causal inference methods, test-negative design, or other real-world evidence frameworks for vaccine evaluation.
- Experience with economic/cost evaluation of vaccines or other health interventions.
- Experience with wastewater epidemiology, digital surveillance, or other novel data streams.
- Prior collaboration with state or local public health agencies or participation in CDC surveillance networks (e.g., EIP, IVY Network, NVSN, Insight Net).
- Experience in science communication or working with media and public-facing health information.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and deliver results under time pressure.

NOTE: This role will be granted the opportunity to work from home regularly but must be able to commute to Emory University on a flexible weekly schedule based upon business needs. Schedule is based on agreed upon guidelines of department. This role requires residency in the state of GA. Emory reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at accessibility@emory.edu or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.