Job Description
* The GEIS Science Advisor will support the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Division (AFHSD) Global Emerging Infections Surveillance (GEIS) Branch efforts to coordinate infectious disease surveillance via the global DoD laboratory network that provides early detection, prevention and response to infectious disease threats of military relevance.
The GEIS Science Advisor will provide scientific and technical input for GEIS on infectious disease surveillance programs and programs across the GEIS Focus Areas based on their extensive knowledge of infectious diseases and surveillance strategies. The Science Advisor will maintain an understanding of current infectious disease surveillance efforts within and outside of the DoD and will communicate new information to the GEIS team, as relevant.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Includes the following:
* Serve as a subject matter expert on topics that include infectious disease surveillance and epidemiology, laboratory testing, laboratory quality, biological safety, regulatory requirements, and public health practices.
* Support the review and prioritization of programmatic/Focus Area-specific strategies, programs, projects, and proposals to ensure alignment with overarching GEIS strategic direction and provide recommendations on enhanced alignment and opportunities to address critical organizational gaps. Develop an in-depth knowledge of all Focus Area portfolios to enable current and future planning of surveillance activities.
* Maintain awareness of infectious disease surveillance, bio surveillance, and biodefense activities, policies, and literature etc., external to AFHSD; share relevant information with GEIS staff to ensure understanding of the broader picture of these relevant areas, reduce redundancy, and align GEIS initiatives with broader DoD and USG strategy.
* Maintain awareness of advances in infectious disease surveillance technology and DoD and non-DoD laboratory capabilities, including bio surveillance platforms, diagnostic testing and FDA cleared assays for infectious diseases of military relevance and emerging threats of concern. Provide recommendations for incorporating identified technology into the GEIS network.
* In partnership with relevant Focus Area staff, work within DoD and with other federal agencies to establish fruitful collaborations and partnerships relevant to advancing the GEIS mission.
* Provide programmatic support as requested by GEIS Technical Lead, to include reviewing and revising documents and other deliverables.
* Assist in coordinating responses to requests for information (RFIs).
* Create talking points, tables, figures, maps, slides for presentations and publications with minimal oversight.
* Support GEIS partners during the development of surveillance reports, briefings and technical documents for DoD stakeholders and as well as peer-reviewed publications for external journals.
* Provide training, input, tutorials, and resources to AFHSD and GEIS staff to create and maintain an upskilled, data-centric workforce as well as scientifically sound documentation, analyses and products.
Collaborate within AFHSD to harmonize data and surveillance initiatives across GEIS, Integrated Bio surveillance (IB), and Epidemiology and Analysis (E&A) sections.
Required Skills & Experience
* Graduate degree in Public Heath, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or related field required;
* Minimum 8 years of experience in laboratory, research, or public health setting required.
* Expert in infectious disease epidemiology and public health.
* Ability to manage, ensure quality control, and analyze data to support public health decision-making using statistical software (e.g., R or SAS).
* Ability to create graphics, maps, and visuals using Tableau, ArcGIS, and other web-based open-source tools.
* Ability to lead and advise on projects and initiatives to provide data-informed solutions.
* Ability to adapt quickly to changing or evolving needs.
* Ability to collaborate in fast-paced, team environment.
* Strong visual communications skills, including the ability to communicate complex concepts and data through images and/or lay-audience writing.
* Excellent organizational skills and strong oral and written communication skills.
* Must be a US citizen
* Must be able to obtain a Secret Clearance
Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal
Nice to Have Skills & Experience
* Experience with DoD CONUS and OCONUS laboratories preferred.
Background in design, review and/or implementation of One Health surveillance projects preferred
Benefit packages for this role will start on the 1st day of employment and include medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as HSA, FSA, and DCFSA account options, and 401k retirement account access with employer matching. Employees in this role are also entitled to paid sick leave and/or other paid time off as provided by applicable law.