This is a full-time permanent Research Investigator 3 (RI 3) position.

Make a difference.

Join the dynamic team at the Washington Department of Health (DOH) and become a vital part of shaping public health initiatives that impact the well-being of our diverse populations. The Surveillance and Evaluation (S&E) section is on a mission to provide strategic information guiding policies and programs throughout Washington State. Our dedicated team gathers, analyzes, interprets, and reports on data that paints a comprehensive picture of health status, healthcare, behaviors, and other critical aspects related to public health.

As a Research Investigator 3 (RI3) within the S&E section, you will play a pivotal role in conducting and leading research and program evaluations. Under the direction of the Chronic Disease Unit Supervisor, you will contribute to the development of policies and programs focused on the prevention and reduction of diabetes, arthritis, hypertension, high blood sugar, and high blood cholesterol. 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Conduct and lead research to inform policy and program development in chronic disease prevention and management.
• Collaborate with program epidemiologists to support initiatives in the Office of Healthy Communities, with a particular emphasis on Chronic Disease Prevention and management.
• Provide leadership for chronic disease Work Groups, such as the Cardiovascular and Diabetes Network Leadership Team (CDNLT).
• Direct the formulation of policy issues, research activities, and the development of best practices related to chronic disease prevention and mitigation.
• Offer S&E support and guidance to the Washington State Dementia Action Collaborative (DAC) and the DOH CDC BOLD Grant, focusing on the intersection between chronic disease prevention, management, and brain health, especially in relation to Alzheimer's disease and other dementia.

Work Setting

The employee may be located anywhere within the State of Washington. Telework (mobile work) is currently expected. When approved, the incumbent will work with their supervisor to identify an appropriate work schedule and balance including telework and reporting to the Tumwater, WA duty station for work activities as needed.  In-person work would be scheduled in advance. 

Work that matters

Public health promotes and protects the health of all people in the state of Washington, in the communities where they live, learn, work, and play. We understand that our efforts to achieve more equitable health outcomes for the communities we serve begin with our ability to operationalize and institutionalize equity throughout our internal policies, systems, and practices. 

About DOH

Join the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and be part of a dynamic team dedicated to safeguarding public health. As a frontline defender of our communities, DOH collaborates with partners around the clock to impact the lives of every Washingtonian and visitor. We’re not just an organization; we’re a catalyst for change, guided by our core values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement. Our Transformational Plan for the future of Washington’s health is in motion, and we invite you to make a meaningful impact on the well-being of the state by joining us in this exciting journey. Your work at DOH truly matters.

Why DOH

We are dedicated to your work-life harmony and offer one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation, designed to support your lifestyle. To learn more about “Why DOH”, visit Work@Health.  

Our Ideal Candidate

Has a driving passion for the work, brings humility to their job and interactions, and understands how their actions affect others. They see the needs and objectives of others and take them into account while achieving their objectives, and they adapt their approach and expectations accordingly. They demonstrate resilience and outward behaviors even when confronted with others who are not open or collaborative. 

Required Qualifications

Note: Experience defined below may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities. Please ensure any relevant experience defined below is outlined in your cover letter, resume, and/or applicant profile.

Both options must also have two (2) years of the following required experience:

• Planning, conducting, and evaluating research.
• Interpreting and translating both qualitative and quantitative results and providing recommendations to inform public health programs.
• Applying research methods for chronic diseases and conducting data analysis.
• Scientific writing, including manuscripts, reports, and funding proposals.
• Conducting data quality assessments.
• Designing surveys, collecting, and analyzing and interpreting data.

Desired Qualifications 

• Experience in health equity research, policy guidance with an emphasis on health equity, disparity analysis, or the development of health equity resources.
• Experience navigating the with the ethical review process for human subject research, encompassing proposal preparation and submissions to Ethical Review Boards.