Epidemiologist

About the role

This position is embedded within the CDC Foundation to provide surge staffing in direct support of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The primary focus of this role is the Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) Capacity Building Initiative, specifically a new activity centered on building a national wastewater surveillance system to detect and monitor emerging drug threats. You will act as a critical connector and technical lead within the Division of Overdose Prevention to ensure the successful establishment of this system. This role requires a high level of ownership over complex methodologies and cross-functional coordination. You will be responsible for leading in-depth methodological reviews and serving as the central point of contact for key initiatives. Success in this position depends on your ability to work autonomously while effectively integrating into a dynamic team environment. You will help shape the foundational framework for a vital new public health surveillance effort.

Key facts

What you'll do

Lead a comprehensive systematic review of existing methodologies used to measure drug consumption through wastewater samples, synthesizing evidence to identify best practices and gaps.

Act as the primary liaison and focal point for the National Center for Environmental Health team leading the national wastewater surveillance effort, ensuring alignment and clear communication.

Serve as the Division of Overdose Prevention's designated liaison for the Association of Public Health Laboratories community of practice focused on wastewater analysis, facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration.

Attend all relevant meetings for the Association of Public Health Laboratories community of practice and synthesize key discussions for the Office of the Associate Director for Science.

Ensure robust coordination and information flow between state-funded OD2A staff and personnel conducting wastewater analysis activities to maintain project coherence.

Assist the Association of Public Health Laboratories in developing and refining an ethical framework for the analysis of drug consumption data using wastewater.

Participate actively in meetings related to the ethical framework and serve as a direct liaison with the Office of the Associate Director for Science on these matters.

Provide support to the National Center for Environmental Health in the development of technical standards, methods, and potentially drafting sections of official guidance documents.

Manage the comprehensive scope of the wastewater project for the Office of the Associate Director for Science, including defining objectives, deliverables, timelines, and assigning responsibilities.

Share project updates and discussions with staff managing the OD2A cooperative agreement to ensure transparency and alignment with program goals.

Utilize technical proficiency in spreadsheet, document, presentation, collaboration, and video conferencing software to execute project tasks efficiently.

Engage virtually with remote partners and teams, leveraging digital tools to maintain productivity and communication in a distributed work environment.

Demonstrate the ability to work effectively both independently and within a team structure, managing multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.

Apply strong written and oral communication skills to convey complex epidemiological concepts to diverse stakeholders.

Requirements

A Master's degree is required, and the degree must be in public health or a health-related discipline.

Possess exceptional organizational skills, including a high level of attention to detail and the capacity to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Demonstrate strong written and oral communication abilities necessary for engaging with internal and external partners.

Have proven experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders, forming strategic partnerships, and working effectively with people across CDC and external organizations.

Maintain a solid understanding of research design and epidemiologic study implementation principles.

Bring experience with data analysis and literature synthesis to inform project decisions and strategies.

Show a demonstrated capability to work independently with minimal supervision while also thriving in collaborative team settings.

Have experience engaging in virtual environments with remote partners and teams, utilizing various digital communication platforms.

Be technically proficient in standard software, including spreadsheet, document, presentation, collaboration, and video conferencing tools.

Be willing to comply with all compliance and equal opportunity standards as outlined in the job description.

Nice to have

Prior professional experience in drug overdose epidemiology, wastewater analysis, or laboratory surveillance is strongly preferred.

Direct collaboration with local and state health departments is a preferred qualification for this role.

Experience developing technical guidance for health departments is a distinct advantage.

Practical notes

This role operates within a dynamic public health program where responsibilities may expand or update upon approval to align with evolving priorities and needs.

The position is based in Georgia, with remote or onsite engagement supporting the Atlanta, GA-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

All qualified applicants will receive employment consideration and will not face discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, mental or physical disabilities, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

This is a fixed-term position with an end date of 09/29/26.