Epidemiologist

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking an Epidemiologist to support the VHA Airborne Hazards and Burn Pits Center of Excellence (AHBPCE). This position plays a critical role in advancing research on the health impacts of airborne hazards and burn pit exposures among Veterans. The Epidemiologist will design and lead research studies, analyze large datasets, develop surveillance protocols, and translate findings into actionable insights that improve Veteran health outcomes

This position will be in support of the New Jersey War Related Illness and Injury Study Center (NJ WRIISC) and it's sub-centers, the VHA Airborne Hazards and Burn Pits Center of Excellence (AHBPCE), and Exposure-Related Care Transformation (EXPRT) Center. Research activities broadly cover post-deployment health conditions attributable to military environmental exposures. NJ VA WRIISC is a national post-deployment health resource for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). WRIISC develops and provides post-deployment health expertise to Veterans and their health care providers through research activities as well as through its specialty clinical programs, education, and risk communication.

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. We serve military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing, and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike. Since its founding in 1983, HJF has served as a vital link between the military medical community and its federal and private partners. HJF's support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals.

• Develop and implement research protocols to investigate long-term health impacts of airborne hazard exposures.
• Design studies using VA data sources such as the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry (AHOBPR).
• Conduct health surveillance and monitoring, including risk assessments and predictive modeling.
• Use research findings to inform VA policy on presumptive conditions and exposure-related health concerns.
• Contribute to the development of clinical guidelines for the evaluation and treatment of Veterans.
• Identify gaps in existing research and propose new areas of study.
• Prepare scientific reports, peer-reviewed publications, and conference presentations.
• Collaborate with communications teams to disseminate findings to Veterans, clinicians, and stakeholders.
• Serve on AHBPCE committees such as the Pilot Project Program, Visiting Scholar Program, and Data Repository oversight.
• Review proposals, critique research applications, and provide recommendations to program leadership.
• Participate in journal clubs, symposia, and collaborative research initiatives.
• Attend weekly and project-specific AHBPCE meetings, actively contributing expertise.
• Maintain required VHA training, including VA Privacy, Security Awareness, and Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) certification.

Education and Experience

• Doctoral Degree in Epidemiology or related filed is required.
• Minimum of 9 years of experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Requires deep expertise in epidemiology, strong analytical and statistical skills, and the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across the VA and academia.
• Knowledge and ability to use and teach complex epidemiologic research methods for assessing the risk of disease in humans due to potential risk factors.
• Advanced knowledge in computer programming with experience with advanced multivariate statistical methods.
• Knowledge of statistical and mathematical software including SAS, MINITAB, and BMDP.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• US Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a T1 Clearance, including background check and drug screening.

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.
• Ability to climb, pull, and lift heavy objects.
• Operating motor vehicles, machinery, and/or power tools.

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in an office, clinic, laboratory and/or hospital setting.

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $120,600-$224,000. Actual salary/hourly pay will be determined based on experience, education, etc.

Benefits

• HJF offers a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on your health and well-being, from medical, dental, and vision coverage to health savings and retirement plans, and more.

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, education and credentials, a criminal background check, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check if applicable. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.