Health Data Analyst - Research and Evaluation

Cortek - Atlanta, GA

Full-time - Senior

Atlanta, GA

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

DecisionPoint is seeking a Health Data Analyst - Research and Evaluation to join our team in Atlanta, providing on-demand operational, technical, and scientific subject matter expertise support that addresses response-related requirements enabling the CDC to rapidly expand its capacity to respond to public health emergencies. The Division of Emergency Operations (DEO), with support from the Office of Readiness and Response (ORR), is actively working to enhance and augment the CDC's approach to preparedness and response for Public Health Emergencies, which supports the development and implementation of the CDCReady Responder Program. This is a 100% onsite position. In this role, the Health Data Analyst will conduct daily analysis of the domestic and international communication environment, including news media (print, television, Internet news), social media, and direct inquiries from the public and clinicians to the CDC (via CDC-INFO or the EOC Watch Desk). The purpose of this analysis is to identify what audiences are hearing, including major themes, health protection information gaps, rumors or misinformation, relevant emerging issues, and government efforts to address the threat. This information will be used to adjust messages accordingly. The analyst will also collect and analyze survey information to provide insights for messaging based on audiences' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to emergency health threats and concerns. Conducting applied communication research to test audiences' reactions to messages, strategies, or interventions across different cultural, linguistic, and geographical locations will be a key responsibility. Additionally, the analyst will conduct evaluation activities and evaluation research to enhance the effectiveness of communication efforts, establishing a basic and applied communication research agenda to enhance the theoretical and practical underpinnings of communication. It is essential that communication strategies and messages are based on the most up-to-date scientific knowledge from theory and research in emergency risk communication and related disciplines. The analyst will ensure that all data collection efforts comply with regulations on human subjects' protection and Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) requirements.

Responsibilities

• Conduct daily analysis of the domestic and international communication environment, including news media and social media.
• Track traffic to CDC websites and analyze public inquiries to identify major themes and misinformation.
• Collect and analyze survey information to provide insights for messaging related to emergency health threats.
• Conduct applied communication research to test audience reactions to messages and strategies across various demographics.
• Conduct evaluation activities and research to enhance communication effectiveness.
• Establish a communication research agenda to enhance theoretical and practical communication strategies.
• Ensure communication strategies are based on the latest scientific knowledge and comply with human subjects' protection regulations.

Requirements

• MS or PhD in communication science.
• 8 years of work experience in a relevant field.
• Demonstrated experience with qualitative/thematic data analysis.
• Knowledge of communication science as a discipline.
• Expertise in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook Mail).
• Ability to effectively communicate needs at briefings to assist with operational strategy.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Nice-to-haves

• Message testing experience.
• Familiarity with research regulatory paperwork (IRB, PRA, PII, etc.).
• Public Trust Clearance.