Alcohol Epidemiologist

Agency Dept of Health and Human Services Division Public Health Job Classification Title Publ Hlth Epidemiologist (NS) Position Number 65038800 Grade MH15 About Us The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence. Description of Work The Alcohol Epidemiologist serves as a public health specialist responsible for planning, developing, and conducting epidemiologic investigations and statistical analyses related to alcohol use and its associated harms. The position conducts ongoing surveillance using multiple population‑based data systems, interprets findings, and prepares timely reports to guide statewide prevention and intervention efforts. Work includes evaluating and improving surveillance systems, implementing evidence‑based methods, and developing data resources that support program planning. The role provides technical expertise to partners working to reduce excessive alcohol use and engages with state and national collaborators through committee coordination and regular communication. The position operates independently within a public health framework that requires analytical rigor, collaboration, and data‑driven decision‑making. Key Duties Include: - Conduct routine and advanced statistical analyses of alcohol‑related data to identify patterns, burden, and emerging health concerns. - Perform continuous public health surveillance using death certificates, emergency department data, hospital discharge information, EMS encounter data, survey datasets, and retailer licensing records. - Evaluate and enhance surveillance systems and case definitions to strengthen data quality and relevance for public health action. - Prepare and disseminate epidemiologic reports, briefs, and data summaries for agencies, partners, and statewide stakeholders. - Implement evidence‑based epidemiologic methods and interventions to support statewide efforts aimed at reducing alcohol‑related harms. - Coordinate the NC State Excessive Alcohol Advisory Committee by leading meetings, developing newsletters, and maintaining ongoing communication with partners. - Provide technical consultation, training, and data interpretation for partners engaged in alcohol‑related prevention and policy initiatives. - Develop prevention materials and epidemiologic resources using scientific evidence and surveillance findings to support program planning and decision‑making. - Conduct literature reviews and incorporate evidence‑based findings into surveillance improvements and program recommendations. - Serve as a technical expert in alcohol‑related epidemiology and collaborate with internal and external partners across North Carolina. Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences Salary Grade Range: $61,177.00 - $91,767.00 Recruitment Range: $61,177.00 - $62,000.00 Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement.  The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred:  Demonstrates expert proficiency using statistical analysis software such as SAS, R, or Python, along with data visualization tools including Power BI, Tableau, and Excel, to produce advanced epidemiologic analyses. Applies advanced skill in epidemiologic assessment, surveillance, and evaluation of complex datasets, integrating analytic findings into actionable public health insights. Utilizes intermediate proficiency in public speaking, meeting facilitation, and data presentation to effectively communicate epidemiologic findings to varied audiences. Demonstrates expert‑level experience establishing and maintaining collaborative partnerships with state and national organizations to support alcohol‑related prevention and policy initiatives. Applies advanced capability in using scientific evidence and surveillance data to develop prevention resources and guide program planning and decision‑making. The Posting Will Close At 11:59 P.M. The Night Before The End Date This Position Is 100% Federally Funded This Position Is Eligible For A Hybrid Work Option About the NC Division of Public Health (DPH): The NC Division of Public Health works to promote and contribute to the highest possible level of health for the people of North Carolina. Our entire statewide system of public health has dedicated professionals who carry out our mission every day through a wide range of essential and activities touching the lives of everyone in our state. About the Injury and Violence Prevention Branch: The NC Injury and Violence Prevention Branch aims to prevent injuries and violence. We collect and analyze injury data to better understand the problem. The Branch's programs provide funding, training, and/or technical assistance to health professionals working across North Carolina. The Branch works to promote the use of research and data to ensure local communities are working on initiatives that are effective. In addition to technical assistance, funding from the Branch is available to local communities working on primary prevention of sexual assault and gatekeeper trainings to prevent youth suicide. Compensation and Benefits:   The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and