Senior Public Health Data Informatics Specialist

#CA-SS

Under general direction of the Public Health Medical Officer III Supervisor, the Senior Data Public Health Informatics Specialist will lead efforts to enhance the surveillance and informatics activities within the Infectious Diseases Branch (IDB) at the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). This role involves in depth expertise in public health data exchange to oversee the processes and data pipelines that ensure delivery of high quality, accurate surveillance data is critical for infectious disease threat response The data managed in this position supports a wide range of stakeholders, including the state and local health departments, the California Health and Human Services Agency (CHHS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other public health organizations.

The required duties will also focus on advancing public health surveillance systems, developing methods to monitor and interpret infectious disease trends, and ensuring data is effectively utilized to inform epidemiological analysis and public health responses. This role is critical for supporting decision-making and guiding responses to both routine and emerging infectious disease threats.

As senior-level public health data specialist, they will provide expertise in infectious disease surveillance, data interpretation, and system implementation. The position requires the ability to perform at a Subject Matter Expert (SME) level of infectious disease data management to inform statewide infectious disease control efforts and contribute to key public health initiatives.

In addition to technical leadership, this role will facilitate and develop training plans and mentor staff to ensure they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage and utilize surveillance data. Additional responsibilities include creating specialized training on best practices in data collection and analysis for diverse field environments and stakeholders, as well as the appropriate interpretation of infectious disease data results.

The data lead will also play a key role in enhancing efficiency, consistency, and automation of the surveillance processes related to infectious disease case data, laboratory results, hospitalization data, and vital statistics data. The required tasks include leading the development and refinement of data systems to support both current and future pandemic response efforts, as well as designing and implementing surveillance systems that contribute to epidemiological analysis, reporting, and policy development.

Apply By Date May 23, 2025 at 11:59PM

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training
• Five or more years of experience in computer or data pipeline programming, database management, or public health informatics.
• Recent demonstrated experience in epidemiology, public health, or a related field.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent organization and experience in coordinating complex projects.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks independently, while ensuring deadlines and objectives are met.
• Advanced skills in the use of Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Access.
• Strong background in data management and analytics, including the development and implementation of surveillance systems and data pipelines.
• Knowledge of Structured Query Language (SQL), relational databases, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), SaTScan, and Informatics.
• In-depth knowledge of public health surveillance systems and complex concepts, principles, policies, methodologies, best practices, regulations, and standards related to health systems, health analytics, and electronic data management.
• Demonstrated ability to independently solve complex problems, quickly diagnose issues and develop, test, and implement effective technological solutions in a timely manner.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a technical leader and information resource, working collaboratively with senior staff and management across departments to provide advice, counsel, and analysis on policy, functionality, system efficiency, upgrades, business analytics, and industry trends.
• Advanced interpersonal communication skills, capable of conveying highly technical information and instructions to all levels of users, stakeholders and contractors to collaborate in a clear and concise manner, both verbally and in writing; skilled in developing and delivering training materials as needed.
• Knowledge in infectious disease surveillance, statistical analysis, and informatics, with advanced proficiency in statistical software such as R, SAS, or Python.
• Creative problem-solving and strategic thinking to recommend action steps or solutions related to public health surveillance, epidemiology, data challenges and program evaluation, or research.
• Demonstrated knowledge and advanced proficiency in mapping and cluster detection tools, including SaTScan and ArcGIS, with experience in direct application to outbreak response activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in public health or informatics.
• Experience with translating complex technical content to audiences with a range of technical expertise.
• Five years of experience within infectious disease surveillance/public health emergency health response, epidemiologic analysis and outbreak investigations, particularly foodborne or emerging infectious diseases.
• Grant management experience.
• Expertise in the fundamentals and principles of epidemiology, biostatistics, and public health, with fluency in current, state-of-the-art methods.
• Expertise in data engineering and informatics, including knowledge of data flows and workflows in public health contexts.
• Prior knowledge of and experience with public health surveillance systems (e.g., CalREDIE, Snowflake, REDCap) preferred.
• Advanced skills in data visualization, including the use of tools such as Tableau, Power BI, or other similar platforms.
• Ability to balance methodological rigor with practical concerns and the pace of work.
• Proficiency in Spanish or other languages is a plus.

Key Responsibilities

• 50% - Complex Data Analysis
• 25% - Data Surveillance
• 25% - Health Informatics & Analytics

Department Overview

This is a career position based at the California Department of Public Health's laboratory campus in Richmond, CA. It is a hybrid work opportunity with a combination of remote and on-site work. The position is funded by the California Department of Disease Control under the California Department of Public Health through an interagency agreement with University of California, Davis.

This role reports to the UCD Center for Occupational and Environmental Health (COEH) in the Department of Public Health Sciences. The core activities of the COEH are to educate future leaders in occupational and environmental health, develop new knowledge, and bring the resources of the University of California to people affected by health hazards in their workplaces or communities.

The California Department of Public Health's mission is to advance the health and well-being of California's diverse people and communities. http://www.cdph.ca.gov.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $8,283.33 - $16,366.67
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Grade: Grade 25
• UC Job Title: DATA SYS ANL 4
• UC Job Code: 000599
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F, 8 hours
• Location: CDPH - Richmond (OTH010)
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

* High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
* UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
* Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
* Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
* WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
* On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
* Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
* Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
* Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Sitting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks