Job Description
Company description: MPHI (the Michigan Public Health Institute) is a unique public trust – a non-profit institute dedicated to improving community health through collaboration and the use of state-of-the-art community health practices. From our offices near Lansing, Michigan, and in Washington, D.C, we help a broad array of clients to develop community-based solutions for complex health system issues and research needs. Our network of ties within the academic, government, and healthcare provider communities enables us to devise innovative solutions to practically any challenge. Job description: Title: Cancer Genomics Epidemiologist $45,614 - $61,713 Employee Name: TBD Supervisor: Robert Wahl Purpose: This position is in the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Lifecourse Epidemiology and Genomics Division, Chronic Disease Epidemiology Section, and is assigned to the Cancer Genomics Program in the Genomics and Genetic Disorders Section. This position is responsible for the development, coordination, and advanced analysis of data systems used to monitor inherited cancers and for the use of cancer genetic tests of public health importance, particularly for BRCA1/2 and Lynch Syndrome. This position conducts surveillance and epidemiological studies related to a Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) cancer genomics cooperative agreement, serves as a departmental consultant on the epidemiology of inherited cancers, and provides technical consultation to the section, division, bureau, and other organizations including the Michigan Cancer Genetics Alliance (MCGA), Lynch Syndrome Screening Network (LSSN), and Michigan BRCA Clinical Network. Duties and Responsibilities: Coordinates data activities with clinical cancer genetics facilities to monitor the use of genetic counseling and testing for BRCA1/2 and universal Lynch Syndrome screening. * Assists facilities with questions related to human subjects Institutional Review Board (IRB) approvals, data use agreements, and data collection. * Maintains a timely data preparation process for clinical cancer genetics facilities as they enter data in the Hereditary Cancer Network (HCN) database. * Serves as the contact person for clinical cancer genetics facilities and assists these facilities in resolving HCN database issues. Regularly plans and conducts conference calls with clinical cancer genetics facilities and other partners. Conducts public health surveillance and epidemiological analyses utilizing HCN data to evaluate genetic counseling, testing, screening, and follow-up of individuals at risk of inherited cancer syndromes for BRCA1/2 and Lynch Syndrome. * Analyzes HCN data to produce clinic-specific, health plan-specific, and general fact sheets and reports. * Collaborates with MDHHS Vital Records to conduct a survey of hospitals to determine practices for Lynch syndrome screening. * Consult with program staff in evaluation planning, potentially including evaluation of the surveillance system, partnerships, and implementation of interventions. * Measures impact of programmatic interventions using surveillance data. * Assures human subjects protection in all activities and policies. Conducts public health cancer genomics surveillance and epidemiological analysis utilizing multiple data sources (i.e., cancer registry and mortality data, chart reviews, surveys, and health plan claims data), and investigates incorporation of additional data sources. * Analyzes Michigan Cancer Surveillance Program and mortality data to create age-adjusted statewide and county-specific data for cancers at higher risk for BRCA and/or Lynch syndrome (i.e., breast cancer at a young age, ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer, and endometrial cancer). * Reviews ongoing analysis and trends in prevalence and risk factor prevention in Michigan using the Michigan Behavioral Risk Factor Survey (MiBRFS). * Analyzes Michigan Breast & Cervical Cancer Control Navigation Program (BCCCNP) data to examine family history of cancer. * Examines special project Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) survey data to assess family history and use of genetic counseling. * Investigates and incorporates health plan claims data into the cancer genomics surveillance system. * Assesses the use of additional surveillance data sources, possibly including electronic medical records (EMR). Produces, disseminates, and presents cancer genomics surveillance results and key messages. * Develops annual cancer genomics reports for dissemination to CDC and relevant stakeholders that include cancer burden and lessons learned and best practices for other state cancer genomics programs. * Uses data to create and conduct presentations to partners and at local, state, and national meetings and conferences. * Participates in routine conference calls with CDC and other state grantees to discuss and present cancer genomics surveillance strategies and findings. Collaborates and shares information and expertise with division staff, CDC project staff, MCGA, LSSN, BRCA Clinical Network, and others as requested. * Assists the project director/manager with preparation and timely submission of required reports to CDC. * Participates on conference calls with CDC project officer and other grantees. * Attends scheduled section and division meetings. * Participates in Steering Committee, MCGA, BRCA Clinical Network, and LSSN. * Participates in special projects related to cancer genomics as requested. Works in a culturally competent manner: describes populations by race, ethnicity, age, and sex. Designs surveillance systems to include groups subject to health disparities and other potentially underrepresented groups. Recommends public health actions that would be relevant to affected communities. Communicates surveillance and analysis results in a culturally competent manner. Maintains a positive, strong, credible, professional, and interpersonal relationship with all parties relevant to MPHI projects and represents the best interest of MPHI always. Other duties and responsibilities as assigned. Qualifications/Requirements: Education: Possession of a master’s degree in epidemiology or biostatistics with a minimum of 12 combined graduate-level term hours or 8 semester hours in epidemiology and biostatistics courses. Course work in public health genetics is preferred. Course work in informatics is beneficial. Experience: One to two years of work experience as an epidemiologist in a public health, cancer, or genetics setting preferred but not required. Important Skills and Characteristics: Ability to perform and conduct epidemiological studies; knowledge of standard software such as MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and ACCESS. * Knowledge of SAS, or similar statistical software packages relative to the analysis and management of epidemiologic data. * Knowledge of state and local public health and clinical delivery systems and programs. * Ability to develop new contacts and maintain favorable relations with existing partners. * Ability to analyze and interpret complex scientific articles relating to cancer genomics. * Willingness to remain abreast of new discoveries and trends related to cancer genomics, prevention and intervention. * Excellent speaking, organizational, and writing skills. * Ability to maintain records, prepare reports, and correspondence. Work Environment and Physical Requirements: Standard office environment and physical requirements typical of an office position. RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WORK OF OTHERS: No assigned responsibility. REQUIRED COMMUNICATION Contact Person/Group Frequency Purpose 1. MDHHS Chronic Disease Epi Section Manager Weekly Overall Supervision 2. MDHHS Genomics Coord
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