OPT Epidemiologist Jobs

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.

ABOUT THE JOB

The Task Force for Global Health, based in Atlanta and founded nearly 40 years ago to advance health equity, works with partners in more than 150 countries to eliminate diseases, ensure access to vaccines and essential medicines, and strengthen health systems to protect populations. Expertise includes neglected tropical diseases and other infectious diseases; vaccine safety, distribution and access; and health systems strengthening.

Within TFGH, the Partnership for International Vaccine Initiatives (PIVI)—established in 2013 in collaboration with the U.S. CDC, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and national Ministries of Health—serves as the operational lead for vaccine-preventable disease surveillance, vaccine-preventable disease modelling and implementation research, and life-course immunization program strengthening in low and middle-income countries. PIVI has partnered with more than 71 countries since its inception on a wide variety of vaccines, immunizations platforms and key issues such as vaccine demand, impact modelling and forecasting. PIVI has a particular focus on new vaccine introduction, with experience with influenza, RSV, emergency vaccines (e.g., COVID-19, Ebola, Marburg, cholera), TB and malaria. PIVI’s work is based on close collaboration with Ministries of Health and WHO offices in partner countries and has a foundational goal of building country capacities for vaccination in a variety of technical areas. PIVI staff have substantial experience in engaging and working productively with national and sub-national Ministries of Health.

This position will support Partnership for International Vaccine Initiatives’ activities to plan, implement and evaluate new vaccine introductions in low- and middle-income countries. The Partnership for Influenza Vaccine Introduction (PIVI) supports the development of sustainable life-course vaccination programs in low and middle-income countries through provision of vaccines, funding and technical assistance. PIVI works closely with The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by providing technical support for national immunization programs that wish to introduce or evaluate new vaccines into their portfolio. Activities for which this position will be responsible will include pre-introduction epidemiologic evaluations to understand vaccine demand or acceptance and/or program feasibility which would support communications and advocacy needs; program evaluation using standard tools, such as post introduction evaluations (PIEs); and provision of technical support for countries to conduct microplans and other preparatory activities for vaccine introduction.

The incumbent in this position will be responsible for supporting the development of protocols and data collection relevant to the activities of the position, working with ethical review boards for review of proposals, working closely with in-country partners to plan and conduct the studies, serving as the point of contact between CDC and national partners related to these activities, and analyzing data and writing reports relevant to the activities assigned. The incumbent will work closely with other PIVI staff on these activities, and expected to attend and participate in staff meetings and technical discussions.

This position is based at The Task Force for Global Health's headquarters in Decatur, Georgia, USA, but remote work place is permitted.

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.

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.

ADDITIONAL JOB DETAILS:

• Work with partner government officials, local implementing partners, CDC and other partners to design and conduct activities to plan, implement and evaluate new vaccine introductions for priority vaccines and target groups.
• Serve as the principal point of contact in PIVI for new vaccine program evaluations for key partners including CDC and WHO.
• Support creation of protocol, data collection tools, analytic plans and operational plans for activities in partner countries related to new vaccine introduction.
• Support training of field staff in data collection where relevant.
• Support reports of relevant data, including peer-reviewed reports.
• Work with PIVI programmatic staff to provide technical expertise to subaward creation and reports.
• Build collaborative relationships with key stakeholders, including partner Ministries of Health, to ensure program success and sustainability.
• Promote and maintain effective communication and good relations within the organization, with partner organizations, and with funders.
• Provide subject matter expertise to partner governments, stakeholders and staff concerning program evaluations.
• Participate in ongoing CVE and TFGH meetings and initiatives, including but not limited to annual planning and budgeting and such other duties as assigned by management.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in conducting vaccine program evaluations in low- and middle-income countries.
• Experience in conducting activities to support vaccine program planning and implementation in low- and middle-income countries.
• Experience working with key global partners including CDC and WHO.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent written and verbal English skills.
• MPH or equivalent degree with at least 10 years of public health experience.
• Experience in working with Ministries of Health in Low and Middle-income countries on surveillance, vaccine or other public health programs.
• Proven organizational skills, including experience in planning and conducting site visits in LMICs.
• A record of scientific excellence and achievement as demonstrated (for example) by publications in peer-reviewed journals, presentations of epidemiologic investigations at scientific conferences, and/or successful application for research funding.

TRAVEL: Approximately 20% international travel required.

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.

LOCATION:

This position is based at The Task Force for Global Health's headquarters in Decatur, Georgia, USA, but remote work place is permitted.

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).

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