DESCRIPTION: The purpose of the COVID-19 Modeling and Advanced Analytics Team within the Data, Investigations, Surveillance, Clinical & Outbreaks Section at the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is to generate, translate, and synthesize mathematical and statistical modeling evidence to inform policy and planning related to topics such as healthcare system capacity, emerging variants, statewide mask mandates, COVID-19 metrics, health equity, and vaccine allocation and distribution.

The Modeling Team Intern works under the administrative direction of the Modeling Team Lead and the Chief, Data, Investigations, Surveillance, Clinical & Outbreaks Section, COVID-19 Response as part of the Science Branch. The Modeling Team Intern is responsible for conducting literature reviews, descriptive statistical analysis on relevant datasets, and supporting modeling team projects with programming and report generation. There are opportunities for the Modeling Team Intern to lead smaller scope modeling projects.

This position works 18-20 hours/week and the term of the position is from May 1, 2022 through November 30, 2022. This term may be extended if program needs change and funding is available.

Work hours are flexible and may vary, including some early evening shifts and weekends

If hired for this position, applicant will be required to provide proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 prior to the start date; or have a valid religious or medical reason qualifying the applicant for an exemption (that may or may not require accommodation).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Conduct rapid literature reviews and synthesize available data to inform models as necessary.
• Conduct basic descriptive statistical analysis on relevant datasets.
• Collect and curate datasets including epidemiologic data, county workplans, and public health order data sets.
• Support basic functions of the team including presentations and visualizations.
• Enter and clean data associated with modeling team support requests
• Attend meetings regarding modeling team activities.
• Coordinate and interact with local, state, federal and academic public health partners.
• Assist with modeling team related tasks as needed.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assist with other COVID-19 related projects as time and interest allows.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Must own a personal computer or laptop for this work. Must have functioning internet access. There is no reimbursement for use of personal computer or internet access.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with public health partners and patients
• Ability to perform data entry, cleaning and quality assessment with attention to detail
• Ability to complete assignments in a timely and efficient manner
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks, and work independently
• Demonstrated reliability and integrity

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree in biologic or social sciences, public health or public policy, required.
• Completion of at least one undergraduate or graduate level course in public health, biostatistics, infectious disease, or epidemiology, required.
• Pursuing a graduate degree in biologic or social sciences, public health or public policy, preferred.
  -Current Proficiency in word processing and basic data analysis using Excel, required.
• Current Proficiency in SAS, R, STATA, or other statistical software; preferred.

Certificates/Licenses/Clearances: None

Other Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Experience with Microsoft products including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Visio, and Access; strong knowledge of Word and Excel, preferred
• Experience working with protected health information and maintaining patient confidentiality, preferred
• Knowledge of the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2, preferred
• Fluency in spoken English, required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Stand Frequently
Walk Frequently
Sit Frequently
Handling / Fingering Frequently
Reach Outward Occasionally
Reach Above Shoulder Occasionally
Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend Occasionally
Lift / Carry Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs
Push/Pull Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs
See (Vision) Constantly
Taste/ Smell Not Applicable

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Remote. Must own a personal computer or laptop. Must have functioning internet access.

EEOC STATEMENT
It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Heluna Health is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages minorities, women, veterans, and disabled to apply.