Job Description
Job Details Working Title: Unexplained Death and Critical Illness Epidemiologist Job Class: Epidemiologist Agency: Health Department - Job ID : 78816
- Location : St. Paul
- Telework Eligible : Yes
- Full/Part Time : Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary : Limited
- Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted : 08/02/2024
- Closing Date : 08/15/2024
- Hiring Agency : Health Department
- Division/Unit : Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention & Control Division / Zoonotic Diseases Unit
- Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift / 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Days of Work : Monday - Friday
- Travel Required : Yes - Up to 25% of the time
- Salary Range: $26.95 - $39.34 / hourly; $56,271 - $82,141 / annually
- Classified Status : Unclassified
- Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees/MAPE
- End Date : 07/31/2026
- FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional
- Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : No
The work you'll do is more than just a job. At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
Job Summary The Minnesota Department of Health is seeking an Unexplained Death and Critical Illness Epidemiologist to work within the Zoonotic Disease Unit of the Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention & Control (IDEPC) Division as a key part of the statewide public health system, dedicated to MDH's mission: protecting, maintaining and improving the health of all Minnesotans. This epidemiologist will conduct surveillance activities for unexplained critical illnesses and deaths as part of MDH's Unexplained Critical Illnesses and Deaths (UNEX) surveillance program and assist in epidemiological investigations of outbreaks or clusters of zoonotic disease. This position will also support the general functions of the Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division and the Foodborne, Vectorborne, Waterborne, and Zoonotic Disease Section.
Primary Responsibilities: - Receive reports and conduct follow-up regarding cases of unexplained critical illnesses and deaths from medical examiners, healthcare providers, or clinical laboratories.
- Coordinate the obtainment of autopsy specimens or other clinical specimens for investigation and case classification.
- Enter data, maintain and manage databases established for UNEX surveillance programs and prepare and disseminate reports of this data.
- Respond to emerging outbreaks and conduct zoonotic disease outbreak investigations.
- Assist the State Public Health Veterinarian, the Zoonotic Diseases Unit supervisor and other Zoonotic Diseases epidemiologists with surveillance activities.
- Advise health professionals, veterinarians, animal health officials, law enforcement, other agencies, and the public on zoonotic disease prevention and control measures including animal bites and the potential need for rabies post exposure prophylaxis.
This position is hybrid in nature, which will require work to be completed in the St. Paul office, with opportunities to telework. This position will also require travel. Reimbursement for authorized business travel expenses is provided according to bargaining unit guidelines. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications The following minimum qualifications must be clearly demonstrated on the applicant's resume/application to be considered for these positions: - Eighteen (18) months of related experience designing and conducting epidemiologic investigations and/or surveillance
AND Successful completion of a minimum of four (4) graduate quarter credits of three (3) graduate semester credits in each of the following two (2) areas:
- Epidemiology
- Biostatistics
Verification of these educational requirements will occur at the time of interview.
Degree Equivalencies: Associate's Degree in Microbiology, Public Health, Epidemiology or closely related field will substitute for six (6) months of experience.
Bachelor's Degree in Public Health, Microbiology, Epidemiology or closely related field will substitute for one (1) year of experience.
Master's Degree in Public Health, Microbiology, Epidemiology or closely related field will substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience.
Minimum Qualifications to be assessed at time of interview: - Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
- Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time and adapt to change.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective interpersonal relations with co-workers, supervisors, healthcare providers, medical examiners/coroners, other professionals, and local, state and federal partners.
- Knowledge of personal computers including experience with standard statistical and database management software such as MEDSS, REDCap and SAS.
- Ability to be self-directed in conducting disease surveillance, studies, investigations.
Preferred Qualifications - Master of Public Health degree in Epidemiology or Environmental Health with infectious disease focus.
- Extensive knowledge of medical examiner and coroner death investigations including autopsy protocols and sample collection, death scene investigations, legal requirements and limitations of death investigations and death certificate requirements and protocols.
- Knowledge of infectious causes of deaths that occur outside traditional healthcare systems and the limitations of death investigations.
- Extensive knowledge and experience consulting with medical examiners and coroners on infectious disease testing on specimens collected at autopsy.
- Knowledge of the epidemiology of zoonotic infectious diseases, including modes of transmission, factors affecting disease occurrence, and strategies for intervention, prevention, and treatment.
- Knowledge and experience consulting with healthcare providers on rabies risk and evaluating individuals with animal bites or bat exposures on the need for post exposure rabies prophylaxis.
- Knowledge of biostatistics and demonstrated ability to maintain surveillance systems, create databases, and analyze and interpret data.
- Knowledge of One Health Concept and experience with One Health approach to disease issues.
- Ability to provide guidance and direction to personnel, including student workers, assisting with routine surveillance and epidemiological studies and investigations.
Additional Requirements - The selected candidate will be required to successfully pass a background check and employment reference check.
- This position does not require a valid driver's license, however, there is travel required, which the candidate will be required to fulfill.
Application Details How to Apply Select "Apply for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . For additional information about the application process, go to .
Contact If you have questions about this position, contact Katelyn Rigdon at katelyn.rigdon@state.mn.us or 651-539-3036 .
About Health Department Come work for one of the best public health systems in the nation and you will contribute to our mission to protect, maintain and improve the health of all Minnesotans. We are working hard to achieve our vision for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving and all people have what they need to be healthy.
Working together to improve the state we love. What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
- Connection with their coworkers and communities
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth
Benefits As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Your benefits may include: - Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
- Diabetes care
- Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
- Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
- Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
- Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
Support to help you reach your career goals: - Training, classes, and professional development
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov )
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support: - A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
- Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
- Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Holiday work, Full time, Temporary work, Part time, Local area, Remote job, Shift work, Day shift, Monday to Friday,