Associate Service Fellowship in Demography and Epidemiology

Position and organization

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), located in Hyattsville, Maryland, is seeking an Associate Service Fellow to work with the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) Team. NCHS is the principal health statistics agency in the United States. As one of the 10 centers and institutes that constitute CDC, NCHS’ mission is to compile accurate, relevant, and timely statistical information to guide actions and policies that improve the health of the American people. Within NCHS, the Division of Vital Statistics (DVS) coordinates the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) and conducts NSFG. Within DVS, the Reproductive Statistics Branch coordinates the National Birth statistics system and conducts NSFG. For more information, visit About NCHS, the NVSS homepage, and the NSFG webpage.

Fellowship overview

As a member of the NSFG Team, the Associate Service Fellow will contribute to all aspects of conducting the survey and disseminating survey data. The NSFG Team is responsible for collecting, processing, and disseminating data collected in NSFG on a variety of topics related to birth and pregnancy rates; contraception and fertility; marriage, divorce, and cohabitation; sexual activity; and HIV risk behaviors. Under the guidance of other members of the NSFG Team, the Associate Service Fellow will assist with data evaluation, prepare data files and documentation for public-use files, assist in planning and conducting methodological and evaluation studies related to data collection, provide technical consultation and advice to users of the data, and prepare reports of survey activities and results for NCHS reports and scientific journals.

Qualifications

This fellowship is open to all citizens of the United States or legal permanent residents with a work authorization. (Applicants are responsible for obtaining the necessary work authorization.) Applicants must have successfully completed a master’s degree or higher in demography, epidemiology, public health, or a related field (e.g., sociology, medicine, biological or health sciences, etc.). Experience or applied coursework in (a) sampling; (b) collecting, computing, and analyzing statistical data; and (c) applying statistical techniques such as simple and multiple correlation, regression modeling, analysis of variance, and significance testing is highly desirable, as is experience with or substantive knowledge of the topics covered in NSFG. Skill in using SAS, STATA, SPSS, SUDAAN, or other statistical software for complex survey data is expected. Strong speaking, writing, and interpersonal skills are also highly desirable.

Terms of appointment

The Associate Service Fellow will be offered an initial 13-month appointment, with potential for extension up to 10 years. A starting date will be determined by mutual agreement. An initial salary of $51,630 (GS-9, step 1) to $81,204 (GS-11, step 10) will be offered based on education and experience. Salary increases will be commensurate with performance. Associate Service Fellows are eligible for sick leave, annual leave, Thrift Savings Plan 401(k)-equivalent, and health and life insurance. A flexible work schedule may be authorized. The Associate Service Fellow will have the option of free onsite parking or a public transportation subsidy. The local subway station is within walking distance.

Application process

Applications will be accepted through December 18, 2012. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, their curriculum vitae, official transcripts of all graduate and undergraduate credits, and two reference letters (original signatures on official letterhead) to Stephanie Ventura, Chief, Reproductive Statistics Branch, at the mailing address below. Inquiries or questions regarding this fellowship can be directed to Mrs. Ventura.

Mailing address

Mrs. Stephanie Ventura, Chief
Reproductive Statistics Branch
Division of Vital Statistics
National Center for Health Statistics
3311 Toledo Road, Room 7418
Hyattsville, MD 20782