See detailed Terms of Reference at www.appliedepi.org/join

Organisation background:

Applied Epi is a global nonprofit organisation which supports frontline epidemiologists and public health practitioners with analytical and applied epidemiological training and support. Applied Epi is registered in Maryland, USA. Originally a grassroots movement of volunteers, Applied Epi now includes 170 consultant instructors, translators, writers, and other technicians located in over 40 countries. Applied Epi works closely with partners including local and national public health agencies, the World Health Organization, Doctors without Borders / Médecins sans frontières (MSF), the R Consortium, Training Programs in Epidemiology and Public Health Interventions (TEPHINET), national Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs) worldwide, the US Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE), and academic partners.

Training pillar: Applied Epi is best known for its free Epidemiologist R Handbook, which has been used over 2 million times by 600,000 people since 2021 and is available in 8 languages. The organisation’s 75 R instructors deliver synchronous introductory and advanced R training courses around-the-clock to local and national public health agencies, international and multinational organisations, and NGOs. Since 2022, Applied Epi has delivered its 40-hour synchronous introductory R course to 1,200 epidemiologists at 350 agencies worldwide, in English, French, Spanish, Ukrainian, Russian, and Khmer. The organisation also oversees a series of asynchronous, interactive R tutorials co-developed with MSF and TEPHINET. Applied Epi hosts an open-access repository of public health case studies, built in collaboration with national FETPs.

Support pillar: Applied Epi operates a 24/7 R Support Desk, leveraging its global network of experienced epidemiologist support technicians. The Desk services R code support requests from course participants and staff at public health agencies worldwide. Notable examples include extended technical support to the Uganda Ministry of Health during the recent Ebola epidemic (sponsored by WHO), and outbreak analytics support to MSF. Applied Epi also operates Applied Epi Community, a forum with 3,000 users designed as a welcoming, beginner-friendly space for support on R code and epidemiologic methods in public health practice.

The Role

Although Applied Epi’s early operational focus has been to expand access in public health to the free, open-source analytical software R, it also holds the objective of expanding access to high-quality training in the practical implementation of epidemiological methods. The Epidemiology Curriculum Lead (”Epidemiology Lead”) spearheads the development and rollout of Applied Epi’s training and support activities around applied epidemiology. This is a unique opportunity to craft a certificate program with global reach that expands access to high-quality training and mentorship among the public health workforce for whom enrollment in traditional FETPs (Field Epidemiology Training Programs) is not feasible.

The Epidemiology Lead will take over management of Applied Epi’s ongoing projects to construct methodological reference materials (free and open-source Applied Epidemiology Manual) and practice resources (open case study repository). They will expand these materials into a series of rigorous, synchronous training courses which will be ultimately linked with Applied Epi’s R analytics curriculum to form a globally-accessible applied epidemiology certificate program with a microcredential framework, expansive partner-project network, and mentorship scheme.

The Epidemiology Lead reports to the Executive Director and will provide progress updates biweekly at minimum. As for all Applied Epi personnel, the Epidemiology Lead must abide by and enforce the Applied Epi Code of Conduct.

Position type

The Epidemiology Curriculum Lead is a deliverable-based, remote, consultant position that is anticipated to be full-time for approximately 1 year. This position can be considered for conversion to employee status after the first year, depending on program needs and funding availability.

Term of appointment

The position is deliverable-based, and the anticipated term for these deliverables is 12 months. The desired start date is 15 January 2024, but later start dates will be considered. There is a 3-month probation period with a performance review. As per Maryland (USA) labour regulations, consultants work at-will and can be removed at-will of the employer. Applied Epi requests 4 weeks notice of early departure as a courtesy, and likewise will offer 4 weeks notice of early termination.

Work hours

The Epidemiology Lead is permitted flexible work hours with only minimal duties related to Applied Epi’s routine operations.

Deliverables and corresponding compensation

Applied Epidemiology Manual completion - The Epidemiology Lead will oversee the completion and dissemination of the Applied Epidemiology Manual (AEM) - Applied Epi’s free, open-source manual on the practical application of epidemiological methods in public health. This project is already underway with chapter drafts undergoing revision by expert reviewers. Oversee completion of the manual with a target dissemination date of 1 May 2024: Coordinate and contribute to the content revision activities of 80 authors and reviewers. Work with Applied Epi’s Infrastructure Lead to integrate the manual content into a Quarto infrastructure conducive to multiple language capability. Arrange for field testing of the manual by partner agencies. Oversee implementation of graphic design, finalisation of Zotero referencing, and final formatting. Oversee engagement with partner organisations and dissemination of the finalised manual. This deliverable is at the Senior consultant rate (US $45/hour) with an estimated time of 8 hours per week (20%) for 26 weeks (approximately 6 months). Compensation will be provided as a lump sum of $9,360 upon project completion.

Case studies project management -
The Epidemiology Lead will oversee additions to Applied Epi’s open case study repository, which hosts publicly-accessible case study exercises which explore analytical and methodological scenarios using a variety of software approaches. Invite case study submissions to the repository from Applied Epi team members and partners, using its pre-developed standard template. In coordination with the Operations Manager and Infrastructure Lead, review and ensure technical conformity and quality of submissions. Where applicable, assign other Applied Epi team members to support FETP representatives and other contributors in case study creation and submission. Expand the repository by at least 12 case studies that focus on data analytics, and 6 case studies that focus on epidemiological methods, interpretation, and intervention decision-making. This deliverable is at the Senior consultant rate (US $45/hour) with an estimated average time of 2 hours per week (5%) for 52 weeks. Compensation will be provided as a lump sum of $4,680 upon project completion.

Applied epidemiology curriculum proposal -
The Epidemiology Lead will propose a comprehensive plan for a curriculum of virtual courses in line with the content of the Applied Epidemiology Manual, other FETP curricula, and standard applied epidemiology competencies. The plan should include a detailed and pedagogically-informed outline of materials such as slides, exercises/case studies, projects, simulations, and instructor notes. The curriculum scope will be finalised in consultation with Applied Epi leadership and should address most topics in the Applied Epidemiology Manual. The plan will also, based on consultation with other Applied Epi team members, consider the following:
A licensing and dissemination strategy, and include a framework for accepting content contributions from external partners.
The qualifications and number of instructors needed
The costs associated with delivery of the courses at scale
Innovative design approaches to ensure audience engagement through a primary virtual medium, and any adaptations for in-person delivery.
Compensation and timeline: This deliverable is at the Senior consultant rate (US $45/hour) with an estimated time of 30 hours per week (75%) for 10 weeks. Compensation will be provided as a lump sum of $13,500 upon project completion.

Global applied epidemiology certificate program proposal -
The Epidemiology Lead will propose a plan to combine the course curricula from Deliverable 3 with content from the Applied Epi Manual, case studies, and Applied Epi’s R analytics courses into a globally-accessible applied epidemiology certificate program based around the following characteristics:
Accessibility and applicability to global audiences, with regional or linguistic cohorts and content localisation as feasible
Enrollment on a part-time basis, in partnership with the participant’s employer
Project implementation at local worksite and virtually within a global partner network
Multi-level mentorship and support structure
Robust multi-faceted evaluation of participants through skill assessments, projects, simulations, and presentations
Long-term financial sustainability, with scholarship opportunities
Compensation and timeline: This deliverable is at the Senior consultant rate ($45/hour) with an expected time of 30 hours per week (75%) for 9 weeks. Compensation will be provided as a lump sum of $12,150 upon project completion.

Evaluation and credentialing proposal -
The Epidemiology Lead will propose a plan for assessment and credentialing of course participants and certificate program enrollees.
The plan should address, at minimum:
A coherent strategy across the curricula to use appropriate methods of skill assessment and competency evaluation, such as exams, projects, semi-automated grading techniques, observed scenario play, scientific reports, project reports, analytical products, recorded videos or reflections, peer and supervisor feedback, etc.
A framework for Applied Epi to issue skill set-based microcredentials, which coherently aligns with competency-based certification options in the broader certificate program.
Consideration of accreditation of Applied Epi courses
Compensation and timeline: This deliverable is at the Senior rate ($45/hour) with an estimated time of 30 hours per week (75%) for 7 weeks. Compensation will be provided as a lump sum of $9,450 upon project completion.
Implementation of course curriculum and global certificate program -
Implementation of the plans agreed upon for the two previous proposal-based deliverables. Exact tasks and duration depend on the final proposals, but can reasonably be assumed to last for six (6) months and to include:
Creation of all course and program materials (e.g. slides, exercises, scenarios, instructor guides, assessment materials and rubrics) for the courses which the Epidemiology Lead is qualified to design, and supervision of other consultants to create the materials the Epidemiology Lead is not qualified to design.
Recruitment and onboarding of a pool of qualified instructors, mentors, and project supervisors to deliver the courses as per demand, in coordination with the Operations Manager and Operations Assistant.
Develop clear informational materials on the curricula, credentialing framework, and certificate program, and conduct outreach to international, national, and subnational public health agencies to enrol clients and project partners.
Compensation and timeline: For this deliverable, the timeline is estimated to last 6 months. Compensation will depend on the nature of the tasks agreed upon, with payment according to Applied Epi’s compensation framework, e.g. $45 for pillar/project leadership tasks or design of courses at descriptive complexity; and $60 for design of epidemiology courses at Specialist-level complexity. See table below for a compensation estimate. More frequent payment for deliverable subcomponents can be discussed.

Integration of epidemiology into routine Support Pillar operations -
The Epidemiology Lead will work with the Operations Manager to integrate applied epidemiology capacity into the Support Pillar
Support the Community Coordinator to boost public and expert engagement with the epidemiology methods section of the community forum
Support the Operations Manager to prepare and integrate applied epidemiology instructors to respond to epidemiological methods-focused tickets in the Support Desk. Compensation and timeline: This deliverable is at the Senior consultant rate (US $45/hour) with an expected time of 4 hours per week (10%) for 26 weeks, beginning after the completion of the course curriculum. Compensation will be provided as a lump sum of $4,680 upon project completion.

Candidate profile
Candidates for the role of Epidemiology Lead must be able to prove:

Essential
Masters-level degree in public health or epidemiology or a related discipline
5 years minimum experience with ground-level public health and epidemiological practice, and an understanding of those as practised globally
Completed or has been affiliated with an advanced field epidemiology training programme (FETP) or equivalent
Excellence in instructional design for beginner, intermediate, and advanced audiences with a variety of technical and cultural backgrounds
Experience developing and/or leading fellowship or extended training programs, or mentoring epidemiologists
Strong understanding of statistics as used in applied epidemiology
Management skills including attention to detail, leadership best practices in multicultural teams, sensitivity to issues relating to diversity and gender equity, and ability to serve as a role model of ethical standards and integrity
Fluency in English (written and spoken)

Desirable
Demonstrated competency in R used for public health practice
In-depth knowledge of Applied Epi’s values and mission
Knowledge of other languages used in Applied Epi trainings and services
Interest in longer-term employment with Applied Epi (beyond 1 year)

Compensation
Detailed payment and timeline estimated for deliverables are outlined in the table at www.appliedepi.org/join. For the estimated duration of 52 weeks, the compensation is estimated to be USD $93,600. Taxes are the responsibility of the consultant. More frequent payment for deliverable subcomponents can be discussed.

Benefits: There are no other benefits provided.
Location: The candidate must have the right to work in their location. Applied Epi cannot at this time provide visa sponsorship.
Opportunities: The Epidemiology Lead can enrol in Applied Epi courses for free and may be offered opportunities to work on emergency responses and deliver in-person training courses, as they arise.

How to apply

Submit the following to staffing@appliedepi.org by 1 January 2024. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
CV
Cover letter
Contact details of three references

Questions can be addressed to the hiring manager: staffing@appliedepi.org

Applied Epi is committed to recruiting a team that reflects the experiential, geographic, linguistic, and cultural breadth of the global public health workforce. All candidates will be emailed with their application outcome, with short-listed candidates invited to interview.