Research Scientist 3/4 (Epidemiology) - Job Opportunity at New York State Department of Health

Albany, United States
Full-time
Senior
Posted: April 14, 2025
On-site
USD 96,336 - 131,665 per year

Benefits

Comprehensive healthcare package with full family dental and vision coverage at no additional cost - exceeding industry standards
State pension plan through New York State Employees' Retirement System - increasingly rare benefit in modern workforce
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility - significant financial advantage for advanced degree holders
Generous paid time off and holiday package - supporting work-life balance
Geographic pay differentials - recognizing cost of living variations
Access to NYS-specific savings programs including 529 college savings and deferred compensation
Total benefits package valued at 65% of base salary - significantly above private sector average

Key Responsibilities

Lead and direct the Birth Defects Research Section within the Bureau of Environmental & Occupational Epidemiology, driving strategic public health initiatives
Design and execute complex epidemiologic investigations focusing on environmental and occupational exposure impacts on birth defects and stillbirth outcomes
Manage comprehensive surveillance programs and research projects from conception through implementation and analysis
Provide senior-level technical guidance and mentorship to research teams including scientists and students
Develop and oversee research protocols including IRB submissions and federal grant applications
Direct quality control processes for birth defects surveillance data and maintain critical classification systems
Generate and present high-impact research findings to influence public health policy and intervention strategies

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree minimum with doctoral degree preferred in biology, public health, epidemiology, or related field

Experience

RS3: 1-4 years post-degree depending on education level; RS4: 2-5 years post-degree depending on education level

Required Skills

Advanced proficiency in statistical analysis software (SAS and R) Birth defects research and surveillance methodology expertise Experience with ICD-10 and BPA coding systems IRB protocol development and management Federal grant writing and management Team supervision and project leadership Data quality management and evaluation Research publication and presentation capabilities
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Increasing focus on environmental health impacts on reproductive outcomes due to climate change and industrial exposures Growing emphasis on data-driven public health surveillance systems requiring advanced analytical capabilities Rising demand for epidemiologists with expertise in birth defects research due to emerging environmental concerns Shift toward integrated health data systems requiring sophisticated statistical and programming skills

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range is competitive for public sector epidemiology positions, though slightly below private sector equivalents. Compensation is balanced by comprehensive benefits and job security.

Role Significance

Typically leads a team of 5-8 including research scientists, data analysts, and student researchers
Senior-level position with significant autonomy and strategic influence on public health policy and research direction

Key Projects

Large-scale environmental exposure studies linking environmental factors to birth outcomes State-wide surveillance system development and enhancement initiatives Federal grant-funded research programs examining emerging public health concerns Policy-informing epidemiological investigations with direct public health impact

Success Factors

Strong leadership capabilities combined with hands-on research expertise Ability to secure and manage federal funding for large-scale research initiatives Excellence in both technical epidemiology skills and project management Effective communication across scientific and public policy stakeholders

Market Demand

High demand with growing trajectory due to increased focus on environmental health impacts and public health surveillance needs

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Advanced statistical analysis capabilities essential for complex environmental health research Research design expertise crucial for securing federal funding and publishing findings Leadership skills necessary for directing research teams and managing stakeholder relationships

Beneficial Skills

Grant writing experience valuable for securing research funding Programming skills in modern data analysis tools Experience with health data privacy regulations and compliance

Unique Aspects

Rare opportunity to influence public health policy at state level while conducting cutting-edge research
Combination of research leadership and practical public health impact
Access to comprehensive state-wide health data systems and resources

Career Growth

Typical progression to higher administrative or research leadership roles within 3-5 years

Potential Next Roles

Bureau Director of Epidemiology Chief Epidemiologist Research Director at Federal Health Agency Academic Research Center Director

Company Overview

New York State Department of Health

The New York State Department of Health is a leading public health agency overseeing one of the largest state health systems in the US

Premier state-level public health organization with significant research funding and policy influence
Central role in northeastern US public health initiatives with strong federal partnerships
Structured government environment emphasizing scientific rigor and public service commitment
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