Applied Epidemiologist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of public health significance, the focus on applied epidemiologists has become increasingly important.

As public health challenges evolve, the demand for skilled professionals who can study, analyze, and strategize in response to patterns of diseases within a population escalates.

But let’s dig deeper: What’s truly expected from an applied epidemiologist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of applied epidemiology,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable applied epidemiologist job description template, designed for convenient posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Applied Epidemiologist Duties and Responsibilities

Applied Epidemiologists are responsible for monitoring and investigating public health events, outbreaks, and diseases to reduce the health risk to the community.

They use biostatistics, research methods, and their understanding of diseases to guide public health policy and program decisions.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Investigating patterns and causes of disease and injury in humans
• Designing, implementing, and evaluating studies to answer specific public health questions
• Collecting and analyzing data—through observations, interviews, and surveys, and by using samples of blood or other bodily fluids—to find patterns of disease or injury
• Communicating findings to health practitioners, policy makers, and the public
• Developing and implementing public health programs and policies to improve health outcomes
• Managing public health programs by planning how they should function, assessing their effectiveness, and making improvements as needed
• Supervising professional, technical, and clerical personnel
• Using statistical analysis programs, epidemiological models and software

 

Applied Epidemiologist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are in search of a dedicated Applied Epidemiologist to join our public health team.

The responsibilities of the Applied Epidemiologist include studying the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions, developing and implementing effective preventative measures and strategies, and promoting health care standards.

The ideal candidate should possess outstanding analytical skills, a strong foundation in biostatistics, a deep understanding of public health issues, and the ability to communicate complex information to non-scientific audiences.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and evaluate data collection systems and strategies to enhance epidemiological analysis and reporting
• Analyze and interpret data from various sources to understand disease patterns and trends
• Formulate, implement, and evaluate public health policies and programs
• Design and conduct studies to identify and investigate public health issues
• Communicate findings to health practitioners, policymakers, and the public
• Collaborate with health departments, hospitals, and other health organizations
• Perform field investigations to gather information about specific diseases or conditions
• Develop and present health education programs and materials

 

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Epidemiology or a related field is required
• Proven work experience as an Epidemiologist
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in statistical software packages (e.g., SAS, SPSS)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Professional registration or certification in Epidemiology is an advantage

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Applied Epidemiologist
• Work Environment: Primarily office-based with occasional field investigations. Some travel may be required for conferences and collaborations with other health organizations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Public Health or Epidemiology Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Applied Epidemiologist Do?

Applied Epidemiologists work in the public health sector and focus on identifying, analyzing, and interpreting patterns and trends in disease and health conditions.

They collect and analyze data to investigate health-related events, such as disease outbreaks, foodborne illnesses, and other public health threats.

They use statistical software to analyze the data and draw conclusions about the cause, spread, and potential impact of the disease.

Applied Epidemiologists also design and implement studies to investigate the causes and risk factors of diseases.

These studies are often used to develop and evaluate strategies to prevent and control diseases.

They work closely with other health professionals, including doctors, nurses, and public health officials, to communicate their findings and recommend public health actions.

They may also be involved in the development of policies and guidelines aimed at improving public health.

In addition, they often give public presentations to share their research and educate the public about disease prevention and control.

These professionals often work for government agencies, hospitals, universities, or non-profit organizations.

They may also work in international settings, responding to global health threats.

 

Applied Epidemiologist Qualifications and Skills

An Applied Epidemiologist should possess a unique combination of technical expertise, analytical skills, and health knowledge.

These qualifications and skills are critical for success in this role:

• Master’s degree or higher in public health, epidemiology, or a related field, often supplemented with substantial on-the-job training.
• Strong data analysis skills to collect, interpret, and disseminate health data for surveillance and outbreak investigation.
• Proficiency in statistical software to analyze health data and detect disease outbreaks.
• Strong problem-solving skills to identify public health problems and develop effective strategies to control or prevent them.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to report findings to healthcare providers, policymakers, and the public.
• Collaborative and teamwork skills to work effectively with various health professionals in the public and private sectors.
• Knowledge of infectious diseases and public health principles to design and implement disease control strategies.
• Ability to work under pressure and respond quickly during public health emergencies.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects, monitor disease trends, and carry out health intervention programs.

 

Applied Epidemiologist Experience Requirements

Entry-level Applied Epidemiologists typically have at least 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through internships or research roles in public health, biology, statistics, or related fields.

They may also have gained valuable experience during their Master’s or Doctoral studies, conducting epidemiological research and analyzing data.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience often have a track record of designing and conducting epidemiological studies, analyzing health data, and developing strategies to control or prevent disease outbreaks.

They may have gained this experience in roles such as Research Associate, Public Health Analyst, or Clinical Research Coordinator.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have taken on leadership roles, such as managing a team of researchers or overseeing a public health program.

They may have experience collaborating with government agencies, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to implement disease control measures and promote public health.

In addition, some Applied Epidemiologist roles may require specific experience in a particular area of epidemiology, such as infectious diseases, chronic diseases, environmental health, or occupational health.

Candidates may need to demonstrate proficiency in relevant research methods and statistical software, as well as the ability to communicate complex epidemiological findings to a variety of audiences.

 

Applied Epidemiologist Education and Training Requirements

Applied Epidemiologists typically require a Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH) with a focus on epidemiology or a related field.

They need to have a strong background in biostatistics, health science, biology, and other related disciplines.

They should also have a thorough understanding of the methods used in the surveillance and investigation of diseases.

In addition to theoretical knowledge, practical training in research design, data analysis, and interpretation of results is crucial for this role.

This can be gained during the degree program or through internships and work experience.

Some roles, particularly those in research or academia, may require a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in epidemiology or a related field.

Certifications such as the Certified in Public Health (CPH) or Board Certified in Public Health (BCH) can also be beneficial in this field.

These credentials signify a comprehensive understanding of public health sciences and a commitment to the standards of the profession.

Continuing education is important in this field due to the constantly evolving nature of diseases and their treatments.

Epidemiologists often attend seminars, workshops, and conferences to stay updated with the latest developments.

 

Applied Epidemiologist Salary Expectations

An Applied Epidemiologist earns an average salary of $70,990 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can greatly vary depending on factors such as years of experience, advanced degrees, location, and the organization one works for.

 

Applied Epidemiologist Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does an Applied Epidemiologist need?

Applied Epidemiologists require a Master’s or Doctorate degree in Epidemiology or a related field like Public Health.

They also need to have a good understanding of biostatistics and health information technology.

Many employers prefer candidates with prior experience in research or health care settings.

Certification from a recognized body like the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) can be an added advantage.

 

What are the typical duties of an Applied Epidemiologist?

Applied Epidemiologists are responsible for conducting thorough research to understand the patterns and causes of diseases and health issues.

They design and implement studies and surveys, gather and analyze data, and report their findings.

They also work on developing health policies and strategies, educating the public about health issues, and collaborating with health departments and organizations for disease control and prevention.

 

What skills are essential for an Applied Epidemiologist?

An Applied Epidemiologist needs to have excellent research and analytical skills, as they regularly work with complex data sets.

They should also have strong communication skills to present their findings clearly to various audiences, including policymakers and the public.

They should be detail-oriented and have problem-solving skills to understand disease patterns and develop effective strategies for disease control and prevention.

 

How demanding is the job of an Applied Epidemiologist?

The job of an Applied Epidemiologist can be quite demanding due to the nature of their work.

They often work on multiple projects simultaneously and under tight deadlines.

They might need to travel for fieldwork or to attend meetings and conferences.

During times of health crises or disease outbreaks, they may need to work long hours.

 

Is it challenging to hire an Applied Epidemiologist?

Finding a qualified Applied Epidemiologist can be challenging because the field requires specialized education and skills.

However, offering competitive salaries, opportunities for career advancement, and a supportive work environment can attract the right candidates.

In addition, maintaining a strong relationship with universities and professional associations can help in finding potential candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the crucial role of an Applied Epidemiologist.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about analyzing data.

It’s about constructing a healthier future, one health investigation at a time.

Armed with our handy Applied Epidemiologist job description template and real-life examples, you’re primed to take the next step.

But why stop now?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ticket to creating finely-crafted job listings or perfecting your resume to a tee.

Remember:

Every health investigation contributes to the larger goal.

Let’s build a healthier future. Together.

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