Public Health Scientist

As our Public Health Scientist you will be responsible for keeping the Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) at the cutting edge of scientific knowledge. In this role, you will serve as a subject matter expert in epidemiological design and statistical analysis in the Division of Epidemiology and Informatics, primarily focusing on jail health. In addition to consultation, this position works collaboratively with Correctional Health Services (CHS) and its Data Analytics and Reporting Team, leading scientific investigations and disseminating key findings that directly impact local public health activities. Through this work, the Public Health Scientist improves local knowledge and expands the capacity of MCDPH to address jail health priorities in coordination with the CHS and MCDPH's Directors and Medical Directors' Offices.

About Us

Come work for Maricopa County Department of Public Health, the 3rd largest health jurisdiction in the U.S.! MCDPH's mission is to increase the quality of life for our residents by collaborating with the community to develop and implement strategies, programs, and services addressing the emerging and changing needs of public health. We aim to serve Maricopa County residents with a focus on impact and a data-driven approach to our work. We value our staff's unique skills and differences, as well as the varied experiences and disciplines we represent. Together, we are working towards our vision of creating a healthy, thriving Maricopa County for all.

Proud to Offer

• Work with a greater purpose

• Tuition reimbursement

• Exceptional work-life balance, with hybrid and alternative work schedule options

• Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County

• Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents

• Child care benefits including access to our upcoming on-site center Maricopa County Kids Club, dedicated to serving Maricopa County families exclusively

• Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave

• Extensive wellness program, including healthcare premium discounts

• Maricopa County participates in the Arizona State Retirement System. This defined retirement benefit requires a 12.27% monthly contribution rate and includes a 100% employer match on Day 1

• Learn more at Work With Us | Maricopa County, AZ

We Require

• Three years of experience working in epidemiology or biostatistics, performing research or special projects at a public health, healthcare, or academic institution, including one year of supervisory or lead experience managing analytical projects

• Doctorate degree in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, or a closely related degree

• Postgraduate degrees or professional-level-related experience may substitute for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis

We Also Value

• A public health degree from an academically accredited college or university, as recognized by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)

• Experience writing grant proposals, managing public health grants, and writing peer-reviewed manuscripts

• Experience conducting disease surveillance activities and working with electronic health records

• Experience working with correctional health data

• Experience facilitating and navigating relationships between government agencies

Job Contributions

• Provides the Correctional Health Service (CHS) Team with public health subject matter expertise and consultation for epidemiological surveillance, analytical design, program evaluation, survey development, participant sampling, statistical analysis, and scientific writing, which will increase CHS's capacity to lead cross-disciplinary and data-driven initiatives that improve the health of people involved with the justice system

• Supports Correctional Health Services data modernization efforts including the electronic health record system

• Prepares regular, complex reports for CHS and Public Health leadership to inform decision-making by the CHS Director and Medical Director related to intake, treatment or other CHS procedural protocols within the jails

• Develops and implements data visualization tools and techniques to make data more accessible and understandable to various audiences

• Proposes, supports, and leads cross-disciplinary data projects, such as disease trend analyses or CHS program evaluations, by collaborating closely with CHS clinicians, analysts, and leadership. Develops project plans, ensures scientific rigor, and adapts analytical designs based on operational feedback from CHS subject matter experts.

• Synthesizes complex findings from peer-reviewed journals and correctional health reports with key partners to assess feasibility of new projects (e.g., program modifications or policy changes). Coordinates with CHS and Public Health partners to identify practical barriers, such as resource constraints or workflow impacts. Develops and maintains protocols related to scientific projects in accordance with National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) Jail Standards

• Builds and maintains analytical datasets using programming tools, such as SAS or R, drawing from complex sources, such as electronic health records (EHRs) and jail intake logs

• Uses statistical techniques to assess trends, identify disparities, and inform policy recommendations

• Shares results and project updates with both technical and general audiences-translating complex data into clear, actionable messages for CHS leadership, clinical staff, and policy decision-makers

• Understands the unique nature of healthcare delivery in detention settings; recommends and supports implementation of data-driven best practices and policies to promote and protect the health of those incarcerated in Maricopa County jails

• Reviews project proposals, abstracts, and other scientific writing for accuracy and quality and ensures alignment with NCCHC standards, MCDPH protocols, and applicable grant or regulatory requirements

Working Conditions

• Position is typically office or administrative work and is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions

• Ability to exert up to 10 lbs. occasionally or negligible weights frequently; sitting most of the time

• At times, may be required to work inside a jail or travel to a jail clinic or administrative locations within the downtown Phoenix area

• Valid Arizona driver's license is required upon hire

• Experience programming in SAS or R languages is required upon hire

• Must be able to pass a fingerprint background check and maintain Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) jail access

• Within one month of hire, all employees will be required to provide evidence of immunity or receive immunizations for vaccine-preventable illnesses for any position within the Maricopa County Department of Public Health; required immunizations include MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), Tdap (whooping cough and diphtheria), Varicella (chickenpox), and annual Influenza; some positions require a Hepatitis B vaccine and/or a Tuberculosis test