How to Be Research Epidemiologist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 24, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of Epidemiologists is important in understanding how various diseases spread and develop in communities. By studying the causes and effects of disease on different populations, Epidemiologists can identify patterns, trends, and potential risk factors that can be used to develop strategies to prevent or control the spread of illnesses. By understanding the interplay between environmental factors, genetics, and lifestyle choices, Epidemiologists are able to develop effective public health policies to reduce the risk of disease.

Epidemiologists use their findings to inform medical treatment strategies, helping to better diagnose and treat patients. the research conducted by Epidemiologists has a direct impact on the health and well-being of individuals, communities, and nations around the world.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. To become a research epidemiologist, you must begin by obtaining a bachelor's degree in epidemiology, biostatistics, public health, or a related field.
Take Graduate Level Courses. After completing your undergraduate degree, consider pursuing a master's degree or doctorate in epidemiology. A graduate-level degree will provide you with the advanced skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in research epidemiology.
Complete an Internship. To gain hands-on experience, consider completing an internship with a local public health department or research facility. During the internship, you'll be able to learn more about the field and observe the daily activities of research epidemiologists.
Obtain Professional Certification. Professional certification is not required to become a research epidemiologist, but it is highly recommended. The American College of Epidemiology (ACE) offers an Examination for Professional Certification in Epidemiology (EPCE), which demonstrates a high level of expertise in the field.
Find Employment. Once you have obtained your degree and completed an internship, you can begin searching for employment as a research epidemiologist. You can look for jobs at public health departments, research facilities, universities, hospitals, and other organizations that conduct epidemiological research.

The role of a Research Epidemiologist is essential to understanding and preventing the spread of disease in populations. By gathering and analyzing data from a variety of sources, such as population surveys and health records, they can identify the causes and effects of health problems, as well as develop strategies to prevent them. To be an ideal and qualified Research Epidemiologist, one must possess a strong analytical mindset, excellent communication skills, an ability to think critically and solve problems, and a commitment to staying up-to-date on the latest trends and research in epidemiology.

having a degree in a related field such as public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, or medicine is often required. With these qualifications, Research Epidemiologists can help protect communities from health risks, while also promoting public health initiatives and policies.

You may want to check Surveillance and Evaluation Epidemiologist, Health Care Epidemiologist, and Clinical Epidemiologist for alternative.

Job Description

Plan and conduct epidemiological studies to identify risk factors, evaluate preventive measures, and assess the effectiveness of treatments.
Develop data collection processes, analyze data, and interpret results.
Monitor vital statistics, infectious diseases, and environmental health data to detect trends.
Research and analyze public health data and develop strategies to address health concerns.
Write scientific papers, grant proposals, and reports for publication and presentation.
Collaborate with public health organizations, healthcare providers, policy makers, and researchers to identify public health problems and develop solutions.
Design and implement surveys, focus groups, and other research methods to study public health issues.
Educate healthcare providers, policy makers, and the public about public health issues.
Develop health policies and programs to promote health awareness and prevention.
Advise government agencies on public health issues and recommend policy changes.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledgeable in medical research and health-related studies
Familiar with epidemiological research principles and methods
Proficient in statistical programming languages (e. g. SAS, R, SPSS)
Strong analytic skills with the ability to collect, analyze, and interpret complex data sets
Ability to develop and design epidemiological research studies
Experience with data management and manipulation
Understanding of standard health and safety regulations
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Creative problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment

The role of a Research Epidemiologist requires a wide range of skills, but the most important skill is the ability to interpret and analyze data. This involves collecting and analyzing data and interpreting it to determine cause and effect relationships. Research Epidemiologists must have strong analytical and statistical skills and be able to apply their findings to public health programs.

They must also be able to communicate their work in a clear, concise manner to ensure their research findings are utilized properly. In addition, they must be able to work independently and collaboratively with other researchers and public health professionals. Good communication, problem-solving and organizational skills are also essential for Research Epidemiologists to effectively carry out their duties.

By combining these skills, Research Epidemiologists can help to identify, monitor and prevent the spread of diseases, thus ensuring the safety of communities worldwide.

Environmental Health Epidemiologist, Infectious Disease Epidemiologist, and Occupational Epidemiologist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working in the field of epidemiology?
How have you used epidemiological methods to answer research questions?
What challenges have you faced in working with different data sources?
Describe your experience with public health surveillance systems.
How do you analyze and interpret epidemiological data?
What methods have you employed to address confounding variables in epidemiological studies?
What techniques do you use to communicate complex information from epidemiological studies?
Describe the scientific writing and publications you have produced related to epidemiology.
How do you manage projects related to epidemiology research?
What strategies have you used to stay up to date on developments in the field of epidemiology?

Common Tools in Industry

Statistical Software. Statistical software is a computer program used to analyze data, typically including descriptive and inferential statistics. (e. g. SPSS, SAS)
GIS Software. Geographic Information System (GIS) software is used to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present spatial or geographic data. (e. g. ArcGIS)
Survey Software. Survey software is used to create and administer surveys, such as for market research, academic research, and data collection. (e. g. Qualtrics)
Text Mining Software. Text mining software is used to extract meaningful information from text by identifying patterns and trends in the data. (e. g. IBM Watson)
Spreadsheet Software. Spreadsheet software is used to manipulate numerical data and perform calculations on it. (e. g. Microsoft Excel)
Database Software. Database software is used to store and manage large amounts of data. (e. g. Oracle Database)
Data Visualization Software. Data visualization software is used to create graphical representations of data, such as charts and graphs. (e. g. Tableau)

Professional Organizations to Know

Society for Epidemiologic Research
American College of Epidemiology
International Society for Environmental Epidemiology
American Public Health Association
International Epidemiological Association
American Association for Public Opinion Research
International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology
European Public Health Association
American Statistical Association
International Biometric Society

We also have Surveillance Epidemiologist, Community Health Epidemiologist, and Field Epidemiologist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Epidemiology. The study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations, and the application of this study to the control of health problems.
Clinical Epidemiology. The application of epidemiologic principles and methods to the study of diseases in individuals.
Biostatistics. The application of statistical techniques to the study of biological data.
Public Health. The science and practice of preventing disease, promoting health, and prolonging life through organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private, communities and individuals.
Health Outcomes. The results of a medical treatment or intervention.
Health Economics. The study of how resources are allocated and used to improve health outcomes.
Evidence-Based Medicine. The use of the best available evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Research Epidemiologist?

A Research Epidemiologist is a professional who studies the spread and control of diseases and other health-related issues. They use data analysis to identify risk factors, develop prevention strategies, and make recommendations on public health policy.

What qualifications are needed to become a Research Epidemiologist?

To become a Research Epidemiologist, one must have a Master's degree in epidemiology, public health, or a related field such as biostatistics. Additionally, a PhD in epidemiology or public health is often preferred.

What type of work do Research Epidemiologists do?

Research Epidemiologists typically work in research laboratories, universities, and public health departments. They use a variety of methods to analyze data and develop strategies for preventing the spread of diseases. They also investigate the causes of certain diseases and illnesses, as well as their effects on populations.

What skills are required for a Research Epidemiologist?

Research Epidemiologists must have strong analytical and research skills to be successful. They should have knowledge of data analysis software and statistical methods, as well as an understanding of epidemiological principles. Additionally, strong communication skills are necessary to be able to effectively communicate their findings to colleagues and the public.

What is the job outlook for Research Epidemiologists?

The job outlook for Research Epidemiologists is expected to grow by 8% from 2019-2029, which is faster than average for all occupations. With the increasing prevalence of infectious diseases, there is an increased need for professionals who can analyze data and develop prevention strategies.