Public Health Epidemiologist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the modern era, the importance of public health epidemiologists is paramount.

As public health concerns evolve, the need for expert individuals who can investigate, analyze, and protect our communal health is more urgent than ever.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a public health epidemiologist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to grasp the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the field of public health epidemiology,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable public health epidemiologist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Public Health Epidemiologist Duties and Responsibilities

Public Health Epidemiologists are dedicated to understanding the causes and effects of diseases within public health.

They use statistical analysis, health education, and policy development to combat and prevent public health issues.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Collect and analyze data to identify public health issues and possible interventions
• Evaluate data to understand disease patterns and trends
• Design and conduct studies to investigate human disease, preventive methods, and treatments
• Plan and implement public health programs and policies
• Communicate findings to health practitioners, policymakers, and the public
• Administer or order serologic tests and interpret results
• Provide expertise in the design, management and evaluation of disease control programs and epidemiological studies
• Prepare and present reports containing findings, analytical interpretations, and conclusions
• Collaborate with other health professionals, including statisticians, clinicians, and health educators
• Monitor and report incidents of infectious diseases to local and state health agencies

 

Public Health Epidemiologist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Public Health Epidemiologist to join our team.

The role requires conducting research, interpreting data, and making recommendations to control or prevent diseases and health issues.

The Public Health Epidemiologist will be responsible for designing and implementing studies, collecting and analyzing health data, and converting these findings into policies and health programs.

 

Responsibilities

• Collect and analyze data to identify community health issues and patterns.
• Design and execute studies to investigate disease outbreaks and public health concerns.
• Develop and implement methods and systems for acquiring, compiling, synthesizing, extracting and reporting information.
• Monitor disease outbreaks and health emergencies, and coordinate responses with public health officials.
• Present findings in written, oral, and visual formats that are understandable to public health professionals and the public.
• Collaborate with health care providers, policy makers, community groups, and the media to share information and implement health promotion programs.
• Participate in the development and implementation of policies and procedures in line with public health regulations and laws.

 

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Epidemiology, Public Health, or related field.
• Experience in public health or medical research preferred.
• Strong statistical analysis skills and proficiency in statistical software such as SAS or R.
• Knowledge of disease prevention and health promotion programs.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with diverse groups.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Public Health Epidemiologist
• Work Environment: Office setting with some travel required for community assessment and fieldwork.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Public Health or Epidemiology Division Head.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $55,000 minimum to $85,000 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 a Public Health Epidemiologist Do?

Public Health Epidemiologists are health professionals who work in the field of disease control and prevention.

They typically work for government health departments, research institutions, universities, and non-profit organizations.

Their primary role is to investigate patterns and causes of diseases and injury in human populations.

They collect and analyze data—using observations, surveys, and samples—to identify and monitor public health issues and outbreaks.

They utilize statistical methods and software to interpret data and draw conclusions about the spread and control of diseases.

Based on their findings, they propose strategies to manage or prevent health problems.

Public Health Epidemiologists also work to educate the public, policymakers, and health care providers about disease risk factors and prevention methods.

This is done through reports, presentations, and health advisories.

Moreover, they are often involved in disaster planning and emergency responses, coordinating with other health professionals and government officials to control and prevent disease spread during pandemics or after natural disasters.

Their work is essential in shaping policies and practices that improve public health, and in contributing to the scientific understanding of diseases and their spread.

 

Public Health Epidemiologist Qualifications and Skills

Public Health Epidemiologists require a combination of technical skills, analytical abilities, and communication skills to investigate and control disease outbreaks and public health issues, such as:

• Strong analytical skills to conduct thorough and accurate disease surveillance and outbreak investigation.
• Research skills to study the distribution and determinants of health and diseases in populations.
• Technical knowledge in biostatistics, informatics, and health economics to analyze data and develop health policies.
• Interpersonal skills to work with multidisciplinary teams including healthcare providers, laboratory scientists, and policy makers.
• Communication skills to clearly convey complex epidemiological data to public health professionals, policymakers and the public.
• Problem-solving skills to identify the cause of disease outbreaks and develop strategies to control and prevent them.
• Understanding of bioethics and privacy laws to ensure the ethical conduct of research and to protect patient confidentiality.
• Time management skills to balance multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Proficiency in data analysis software, such as SAS, SPSS or R, to process and analyze health data.

 

Public Health Epidemiologist Experience Requirements

Public Health Epidemiologists generally require a Master’s Degree in Public Health (MPH) or a related field with a focus on Epidemiology.

This education often includes practical internships or research projects, providing initial experience in the field.

Entry-level positions often require at least 1-2 years of experience in public health or a related field, which could be obtained through internships, research projects, or previous employment.

Candidates may have worked in roles such as Public Health Analyst, Research Assistant, or Health Educator.

Those with 3-5 years of experience in public health or epidemiology often have a more advanced understanding of statistical software, data collection methods, and disease prevention strategies.

They may have worked in senior roles such as Research Scientist, Epidemiology Research Associate, or Health Data Analyst.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience usually possess leadership skills and may have managed projects or teams.

They are often prepared for roles such as Lead Epidemiologist, Epidemiology Program Manager, or Director of Epidemiology.

Some specialized roles might require specific experience in areas like infectious diseases, chronic diseases, or behavioral health.

Also, positions in certain sectors like government or academia might require a Doctorate in Public Health (DrPH) or a related field.

 

Public Health Epidemiologist Education and Training Requirements

Public Health Epidemiologists typically need a master’s degree in public health (MPH) with an emphasis on epidemiology.

This program focuses on the study of disease patterns, causes and effects within populations.

In addition to the master’s degree, some epidemiologists may also have a medical degree or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in a related field.

The focus of the medical degree or PhD may be on a specific area such as chronic disease, infectious disease, or injury prevention.

Coursework for epidemiologists generally includes classes in public health, biology, statistics, and mathematics.

They also need a strong foundation in the natural sciences and must understand the biological and physical aspects of disease.

Advanced skills in statistical software and data analysis are key requirements.

They also need to be proficient in research methods and report writing since these tasks are a significant part of the job role.

State licensure or certification may be required, with the criteria varying by state.

In some cases, a public health epidemiologist may need to have a certain amount of work experience in order to obtain licensure.

Continuous education through seminars, workshops, and courses is recommended to keep up with the latest advancements in public health and epidemiology.

 

Public Health Epidemiologist Salary Expectations

A Public Health Epidemiologist earns an average salary of $70,990 (USD) per year.

The salary may vary depending on the level of experience, education, and the geographic location of the job.

Other factors that may influence the salary include the complexity of the work involved and the type of organization that employs the epidemiologist.

 

Public Health Epidemiologist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Public Health Epidemiologist need?

Public Health Epidemiologists should have strong analytical and critical thinking skills to interpret complex data and draw accurate conclusions.

They also need good communication skills to present their findings to different audiences.

Knowledge of statistical software and databases, as well as a deep understanding of epidemiological methodologies, are important.

They should also possess problem-solving skills to design and conduct studies that address public health issues.

 

Do Public Health Epidemiologists need a degree?

Yes, Public Health Epidemiologists require a degree.

They typically hold a Master’s degree or higher in epidemiology, public health, or a related field.

Some jobs may require a PhD, particularly for roles in academic or research institutions.

Public Health Epidemiologists may also have a background in medicine or nursing.

 

What should you look for in a Public Health Epidemiologist resume?

Look for a solid educational background in public health or epidemiology and relevant work experience.

Experience in designing and implementing epidemiological studies and surveys, and proficiency in statistical software such as SAS or SPSS, are significant.

Check for knowledge of public health laws and regulations.

Also, consider their experience in report writing and presenting findings to diverse audiences.

 

What qualities make a good Public Health Epidemiologist?

A good Public Health Epidemiologist is a critical thinker, with the ability to analyse and interpret complex data sets and patterns.

They should have a keen attention to detail and excellent problem-solving skills.

They should be compassionate and dedicated to improving public health.

Good communication skills are important for presenting complex information in a way that is accessible to a variety of audiences.

 

Is it difficult to hire Public Health Epidemiologists?

Hiring Public Health Epidemiologists can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the job and the specific qualifications required.

However, the demand for Public Health Epidemiologists is high due to the increasing focus on disease prevention and public health improvements.

Therefore, creating a competitive compensation package and offering opportunities for professional growth can attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve taken a deeper look into the intricate role of a public health epidemiologist.

And here’s the surprise:

It’s not just about analyzing statistics.

It’s about safeguarding the health of communities, one study at a time.

With our tailored public health epidemiologist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the plunge.

But why halt your journey here?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your stepping-stone to perfecting precision-crafted job listings or fine-tuning your resume to clinch that dream job.

Remember:

Every study you conduct contributes to the bigger picture.

Let’s safeguard the future of public health. Together.

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