EPIDEMIOLOGIST (VETERINARY OR AGRICULTURAL)
Job #: 006993
Posted Date: 07/31/2007
Job Title: Biophysicist (235.0)
Job Term: Flexible Term
Salary Range: Open
Organization: 9850 Applied Physics and Biophysics
Directorate: Physical Sciences
NOTE: This is a Flexible Term appointment, not to exceed six years. Lab employees and external candidates may be considered for this position. If final candidate is an Indefinite Career employee, Indefinite Career status will be maintained should funding allow. Text revised effective 8/23/07.
NATURE AND SCOPE OF JOB
The Applied Physics and Biophysics (AP) Division within the Physical Sciences Directorate has an opening for a quantitative veterinary epidemiologist. The successful candidate will focus on epidemiological modeling using a variety of mathematical constructs to simulate infectious disease propagation and will evaluate the effectiveness of interventional countermeasures. Special emphasis will be given to the analysis of biodetection systems, their effectiveness, and the development of optimal requirements for next generation detection systems. Several projects will be supported in this regard including the DHS multiscale epidemiological simulation modeling and decision support system (MESA), the agro-security domestic demonstration and application program, and systems studies. The candidate also will support the Biodefense Knowledge Center (BKC) in threat assessment activities, including reach-back activities for the Department of Homeland Security. This position will report to the Chief Veterinary Scientist in the AP Division.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
– Provide guidance and direction to a multidisciplinary team of scientist and analysts.
– Provide epidemiological analytic support to multiple ongoing projects within the AP Division, the BKC and NHI.
– Develop, modify and use epidemic simulation models.
– Design and oversee modeling and surveillance research projects.
– Develop new ideas and proposals for development of medical technologies.
– Provide guidance and direction to a multidisciplinary team of scientists and analysts.
– Collaborate with government and university partners on development of new research projects.
– Disseminate research results in peer-reviewed publications and at scientific conferences.
– Manage budget and schedule as required.
– Ensure all assignments are performed in accordance with ES&H, Security, and business practice requirements and policies.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
– MS or MPVM in preventative medicine, epidemiology or a related field or an equivalent level of demonstrated knowledge.
– Advanced analytical and computational skills in data acquisition, data manipulation and statistical analysis.
– Experience with evaluating surveillance strategies for select agents, such as smallpox, anthrax, foot-and-mouth disease or classical swine fever.
– Experience developing epidemic simulation models and interpreting and presenting results.
– Experience leading large interdisciplinary research groups and multiple projects.
– Demonstrated technical leadership and strategic planning skills in a high-technology research and development environment.
– Advanced problem-solving and decision-making skills necessary to independently solve problems and make appropriate decisions.
– Experience working with short deadlines.
– Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills necessary to author and present technical and scientific reports.
DESIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
– PhD in preventative medicine, epidemiology or a related field.
– Doctorate in veterinary medicine (DVM).
– Strong background in infectious disease, foreign animal disease, microbiology, virology, or animal science.
– Publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
– Research background in medical device design and application towards public health surveillance and agro-terrorism surveillance.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Pre-Placement Medical Exam: None Required Anticipated Clearance Level: Q
Clearance: Clearance Level-L or Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. In addition, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.
Pre-Employment Drug Test: External applicants selected for this position will be required to pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test.
