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State Health Scientist
The State Health Scientist serves as the senior scientific expert in the Arkansas Department of Health, providing leadership in policy development, and surveillance. This position is critical to shaping the direction of public health initiatives across the state and ensuring that health policies are based on sound scientific evidence. The State Health Scientist will guide efforts, oversee data collection and analysis, and collaborate with state and federal agencies to address public health challenges affecting Arkansans.
Class Code:
MHS03C
Job Grade:
SPC10
Special Job Requirements:
Typical Functions:
Provide strategic guidance on public health priorities. Direct the integration of scientific evidence into public health policy, practice, and programming. Lead advanced data analysis efforts, utilizing methods and statistical techniques to derive actionable insights from health data. Advise senior officials and policymakers on the development and revision of public health policies based on scientific evidence. Provide expert recommendations for addressing public health issues and evaluate the effectiveness of existing health policies and programs. Direct statewide public health surveillance efforts to track trends in diseases, environmental hazards, and social determinants of health. Monitor disease outbreaks, public health emergencies, and other health threats, providing timely and accurate reports and recommendations for intervention. Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health programs. Oversee program effectiveness assessments and ensure continuous improvement based on scientific evidence. Build and maintain strong relationships with key public health stakeholders, including local health departments, academic institutions, federal agencies, and non-governmental organizations. Represent the department in meetings and forums, advocating for science-based public health solutions and fostering collaboration across sectors. Serve as the senior scientific expert and consultant to the Department of Health and other state agencies. Provide technical assistance on complex public health issues, including disease investigations, risk assessments, and policy implementation.
Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:
Expert knowledge in public health science, biostatistics, and health policy. Proven ability to lead and manage multi-disciplinary teams, providing guidance, support, and oversight to scientific staff. Skilled in setting priorities, managing budgets, and ensuring the successful execution of public health initiatives. Strong strategic thinking skills, with the ability to develop and implement long-term plans that address key public health issues in Arkansas. Ability to foresee emerging health trends and proactively address them. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex scientific data and concepts clearly to both scientific and non-scientific audiences. Experience presenting to state legislators, public health professionals, and the public. Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., SAS, SPSS, R) and data visualization tools. Ability to analyze public health data, interpret trends, and use data to inform policy decisions and public health interventions. Exceptional problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex public health issues, identify solutions, and lead teams in the implementation of evidence-based interventions.
Minimum Qualifications:
A doctoral degree (PhD or DrPH) in microbiology, public health, health science, or a related field is required, 7 (seven) years of progressively responsible experience in public health research or health science, including at least three (3) years in a senior leadership or supervisory role.
Required Certificates:
Must have or be able to obtain U. S. Department of Justice security clearance. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.
Exempt:
E