Data Scientist, Public Health Data Linkage (DSIS 3) DOH8949

Description

Data Scientist, Public Health Data Linkage (DSIS 3)

This recruitment is open to Washington residents and those residing on the ID/WA and OR/WA borders.

The Opportunity

As a Data Scientist you will work within the Linkage and Integrated Data Analysis (LIDA) Unit within the Center for Health Statistics (CHS). The LIDA Unit develops advanced data linkage methods that improve the quality, accuracy, and usability of public health data used to support research, surveillance, and decision making across Washington State.

In this role, you will lead complex data science projects that combine machine learning, statistical modeling, data engineering, and informatics to connect and analyze large, complex datasets. You will develop and evaluate data linkage models, build automated analytical pipelines, improve data quality, and explore innovative approaches that strengthen the Center's data modernization efforts. You'll also serve as a technical expert, collaborating with epidemiologists, informaticists, data scientists, and public health partners on complex analytical initiatives.

Your work will strengthen the systems used to connect vital records and other health data, providing reliable information that helps identify health trends, improve data quality, and support evidence based public health decisions that protect and improve the health of people across Washington.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Lead complex analyses of linked public health data using advanced statistical methods, machine learning, and data science techniques to answer challenging analytical questions.
• Design, evaluate, and improve machine learning and AI driven data linkage models, ensuring high quality, accurate, and equitable results.
• Develop and maintain automated data engineering and analytical pipelines using programming languages such as Python and SQL to support large scale data integration and analysis.
• Acquire, process, and standardize structured and unstructured data from administrative and open source data sources to strengthen data linkage performance and quality assurance.
• Research, test, and implement emerging data science methods that improve interoperability, entity resolution, and public health data modernization.
• Serve as the technical expert for data linkage and machine learning by providing consultation, mentoring colleagues, and collaborating with internal and external partners on complex projects.
• Communicate analytical findings and technical recommendations to a variety of audiences to support data informed public health decisions.
• Contribute technical expertise during public health emergency response activities and support critical analytical needs when required.

Why You’ll Love This Role

• Work with cutting edge data science, machine learning, and data engineering technologies to solve complex public health challenges.
• Lead innovative projects that shape how public health data is integrated, analyzed, and modernized across Washington State.
• Improve the quality, accuracy, and accessibility of health data that supports research, surveillance, and evidence-based decision making.
• Collaborate with experts across epidemiology, informatics, and public health to build data solutions that strengthen programs serving communities throughout Washington.

What You Bring

You enjoy solving complex problems and are motivated by work that combines advanced analytics with meaningful public service. You are comfortable leading technical projects, exploring new approaches, and translating complex analytical concepts into practical solutions. You value collaboration, welcome diverse perspectives, and communicate effectively with both technical and nontechnical audiences. You are curious, thoughtful, and committed to continuously improving how public health data is collected, connected, and used to support healthier communities across Washington.

Minimum Qualifications

There are multiple pathways to qualify for this position. You must meet one of the options provided and any additional criteria listed. Experience may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities. Please ensure any relevant experience defined belo w is outlined in your cover letter, resume, and/or applicant profile.

Option 1: Seven (7) years of experience developing, analyzing, or implementing advanced data science, machine learning, statistical modeling, or data engineering solutions using large and complex datasets.

Option 2: A bachelor's degree in data science, computer science, statistics, biostatistics, mathematics, informatics, public health informatics, epidemiology, engineering, or another closely related quantitative field; AND Five (5) years of experience developing, analyzing, or implementing advanced data science, machine learning, statistical modeling, or data engineering solutions using large and complex datasets.

Additional Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, And Experience

• Experience using Python to develop or evaluate machine learning models, automate data processing, or analyze large and complex datasets.
• Experience using SQL to extract, transform, integrate, and analyze large datasets.
• Experience developing, implementing, or evaluating machine learning or data linkage models.
• Experience developing or maintaining automated data processing or analytical pipelines.
• Experience evaluating data quality, validating analytical outputs, and performing quality assurance.
• Experience in applying statistical analysis or modeling techniques to large, complex datasets.
• Experience leading complex data science or analytics projects or serving as a technical subject matter expert.
• Experience communicating technical findings and recommendations to technical and nontechnical audiences.

PreferredQualifications

While these aren’t required, having them can help you stand out as a candidate.

• Master’s degree or higher in informatics, data science, mathematics, computer science, statistics, biostatistics, epidemiology, social science, or related technical or quantitative field
• Experience building machine learning models using tools such as R, Python, Julia, Rust, Databricks, or similar technologies.
• Experience working with large SQL-based databases.
• Experience developing binary classification machine learning models, including feature engineering using raw or unstructured data.
• Experience building, maintaining, or evaluating machine learning data linkage or entity resolution projects.

Employee Benefits

We offer a solid benefits package that supports you and your family’s health, financial security, and work-life balance. You’ll have access to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending and health savings accounts, and retirement plans that help you plan for tomorrow while you’re living today. Paid holidays, vacation and sick leave help you recharge, and additional programs like dependent care assistance and professional development opportunities add value beyond basic coverage. Join us and enjoy benefits designed to care for you as much as you care about public health. Learn more about DOH benefits and see how we support your life at work and beyond by visiting Work@Health .

About The Center For Health Statistics

The Center for Health Statistics (CHS), within the Division of Disease Control and Health Statistics, collects, manages, and analyzes Washington's vital records and other population health data. CHS provides the reliable information and statistical analysis that public health professionals, researchers, policymakers, and communities use to monitor health trends, guide public health action, and improve the health of people across Washington.

About The Washington State Department Of Health

We're nearly 2,000 professionals across Washington working together to protect and improve community health. Guided by our values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, we address health disparities, respond to emerging challenges, and strengthen systems that support resilience. At DOH, we help reduce barriers, collaborate with diverse communities, and champion equitable health outcomes. We’re passionate people who are driven to make a difference in public health. Explore more about the Department of Health, our programs, and our impact by visiting our website .

Working Conditions

The following describes the working conditions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work Setting

• This position's work can be performed fully remotely. No regular in-person attendance is required. If onsite work is requested by the supervisor, the request will be planned and communicated in advance.
• Exposure to hazards is limited to those commonly found in indoor at home or office environments.
• This position is sedentary, working at a computer for extended periods.
• The position requires repetitive use of a computer, inputting data and navigating a database, creating and modifying electronic documents, and using email and the internet.

Schedule

• This position has a work schedule of 40 hours per week; however, the position may be expected to work longer hours to complete projects or assignment, and/or meeting business demands and deadlines. An alternative or flexible work schedule may be considered at the employee's request, subject to supervisory approval.

Travel Requirements

• Travel is not required to perform the duties of this position; however, occasional travel may be expected to attend meetings, trainings, or conferences. When driving for state business, the employee must be able to legally operate a state or privately-owned vehicle; OR provide alternate transportation while on state business.

Tools & Equipment

• This position uses standard office furniture and equipment, such as a desk, office chair, cell phone, computer, monitor(s), keyboard, and mouse; and when in the office, the position may also require the use of a printer, phone, fax machine, and/or copy machine.

• This position requires reliable access to an internet connection sufficient to perform all job duties remotely.

Customer Interactions

• The position regularly requires engaging with customers in a variety of settings agency staff, agency managers, agency supervisors, legislators, governor's office staff, and local health jurisdictions, federal government, State Board of Health, external partners, statewide professional associations.

Other

• This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.
• The DOH campus is a smoke-free, drug-free, alcohol-free, scent-neutral environment.
• This position may be required to conduct and/or participate in public health emergency preparedness and response activities.

Application Directions

We’re committed to a fair and equitable hiring process. Only materials submitted through the official application will be considered. Emailed resumes or documents won’t be accepted or shared with the hiring manager.

Click “Apply” to complete your application. Attach your resume, cover letter, and DD-214 (if applicable). List at least three professional references, directly in your Applicant Profile or as a separate attachment, including a supervisor, a peer, and someone you’ve supervised or led (if applicable).

DO NOT INCLUDE private details like your SSN or birth year, personal photos, transcripts, certifications, diplomas, projects, portfolios, or letters of recommendation.

Veterans Preference: Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or a signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or cover any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers and birth year

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve.

DOH is an equal-opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race/ethnicity/color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the presence or perception of a disability, veteran’s status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity.

Questions and Accommodations: If you have questions, need assistance with the application process, require an accommodation, or would like to request this posting in an alternative format, please contact Shawnelle Goalder, Talent Acquisition Consultant/Recruiterat employment@doh.wa.gov and reference DOH8949 in the subject.

Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.

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Supplemental Information

This recruitment may be used to fill positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment are filled, the candidate pool may be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.

Only applicants who follow the directions and complete the Application Process in full will have their responses reviewed for consideration.

Experience and education selected, listed, or detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable on the submitted applicant profile.