Data scientist, public health data linkage (dsis 3) doh8990

This home-based (remote) position is open to Washington residents and those living in Oregon and Idaho only.

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 apply advanced statistical modeling, machine learning, and analytical judgment to solve complex data linkage problems that don't have readily available solutions. You will independently research, evaluate, and recommend approaches for integrating large, complex datasets, reasoning through tradeoffs between methods, anticipating downstream data quality and equity implications, and building the automated pipelines needed to put those solutions into production. You'll also serve as a technical expert, collaborating with epidemiologists, informaticists, data scientists, and public health partners to think through some of the Center's most challenging analytical questions. 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:

• Independently research, analyze, and evaluate complex data linkage problems that don't have readily available solutions, and recommend approaches to internal and external partners.
• Design, evaluate, and improve machine learning and AI-driven data linkage models, applying statistical judgment to ensure high-quality, accurate, and equitable results.
• Serve as a technical expert on data science and data linkage, reviewing and evaluating the work of other Data Science & Informatics Specialists and advising on methodology.
• Test innovative and empirical methods, critically evaluate their impact on model performance, and reason through the implications of changes across the analytical pipeline.
• Acquire, process, and standardize structured and unstructured data from administrative and open-source sources to strengthen data linkage performance and quality assurance.
• Coach and train internal partners on the deployment of custom machine learning linkage models.
• Research and evaluate emerging data science methods that improve interoperability, entity resolution, and analytical rigor.
• 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:

• Apply advanced analytical thinking and statistical judgment to some of the most complex data problems in public health.
• Lead innovative projects that shape how public health data is integrated, analyzed, and modernized across Washington State.
• Work at the intersection of data science, statistics, and public health where your analysis directly improves the accuracy and usability of the data decision-makers rely on.
• Collaborate with experts across epidemiology, informatics, and public health to solve problems that don't have a playbook yet.

What You Bring:

You're a critical thinker who enjoys working through problems that don't have an obvious answer. You're motivated by work that combines rigorous analysis with meaningful public service, and you're comfortable reasoning through ambiguity, weighing tradeoffs between methods, and defending your analytical choices to technical and nontechnical audiences alike. You're curious about new approaches, but disciplined about testing and validating them before they go into production. You value collaboration, welcome diverse perspectives, and are committed to continuously improving how public health data is collected, connected, and used to support healthier communities across Washington.

Required 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 below 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 technical, quantitative, or scientific 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.

Preferred Qualifications

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

• Experience independently selecting or designing an analytical approach when no established methodology exists, and defending that approach to technical partners.
• Master’s degree or higher in informatics, data science, mathematics, computer science, statistics, biostatistics, epidemiology, social science, or related technical, quantitative or scientific 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.

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 2,700 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.

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.

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).

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.

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 Zach Covington, Talent Acquisition Consultant, at employment@doh.wa.gov and reference DOH8990 in the subject.