Full Job Description
The Team Lead for TST (SU & EAU) directs tuberculosis surveillance, environmental infection control, and outbreak prevention strategies across DOH chest centers, shelters, and high-risk facilities. In this role, you will manage a multidisciplinary team of research scientists, epidemiologists, and public health advisors conducting quantitative research on airborne tuberculosis detection, managing employee tuberculin skin testing (TST) programs, and overseeing patient isolation protocols. You will evaluate airborne mitigation technologies such as UVGI, negative pressure, and ACH air-flow systems to recommend compliant products and establish evidence-based safety guidelines. Additionally, you will oversee outbreak investigations, represent the TB Control Program across internal and external committees, and author scientific papers to publish findings and advance environmental infection control practices statewide.
DUTIES WILL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO:
- Direct activities and staff of the Tuberculin Skin Testing (TST) Surveillance Unit to meet requirements and fulfill scientific objectives. Ensures that staff in the TST Unit conduct periodic and serial testing of targeted high-risk DOH employees.
- Direct activities and staff of the Environmental Affairs Unit to meet requirements and fulfill scientific objectives.
- Directs respiratory protection fit testing by the TST Unit and the Environmental Affairs Unit for designated staff in BTBC.
- Performs employee evaluations
- Serve as a resource to the BTBC for environmental issues pertaining to TB infection control devices and measures including UVG lamps, negatives air pressure, ventilation, and respiratory prevention.
- Consults on referrals for patients on home isolation
- Provides specialty guidance to Bureau and DOH staff associated with TB outbreaks.
- Directs TB related infection control surveys, evaluation, and assessments.
- Provides recommendations on infection control and the implementation of environmental controls understanding the standards and guidelines set by the Joint Commission of Accreditation of Health Organizations (JCAHO), CDC, OSHA, PESH, and NIOSH.
- Writes technical reports, recommendations, and protocols related to TB transmission.
- Plans and implements protocols to develop effective coordination of efforts of the Program and outside projects.
- Consults and represents the Program with internal and external entities regarding environmental control of tuberculosis and/or related projects, including providing information regarding design, methodology, sampling procedures, skin testing procedures, and technical matters
- Conducts research as indicated, writes papers, and publishes on environmental control of TB
Preferred skills:
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Experience in research design and intervention
- Good interpersonal skills
- Published research papers and/or reports
- Experience with SPSS/SAS/Epidemiological Statistical Software
DUTIES WILL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO:
- Loan Forgiveness: As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal/state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs that lessen your payments or even fully forgive your full balance. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website (https://studentaid.gov/pslf/)
- Benefits: City employees are entitled to unmatched benefits such as:
o a premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment.
o additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position's associated union/benefit fund.
o a public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.
o a tax-deferred savings program and
o a robust Worksite Wellness Program that offers resources and opportunities to keep you healthy while serving New Yorkers.
- Work From Home Policy: Depending on your position, you may be able to work up to two days during the week from home.
- Job Security - you could enjoy more job security compared to private sector employment and be able to contribute to making NYC a healthy place to live and work.
CITY RESEARCH SCIENTIST - 21744
Qualifications
1. For Assignment Level I (only physical, biological and environmental sciences and public health) A master's degree from an accredited college or university with a specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological or environmental science or in public health.
To be appointed to Assignment Level II and above, candidates must have:
1. A doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and one year of full-time experience in a responsible supervisory, administrative or research capacity in the appropriate field of specialization; or
2. A master's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and three years of responsible full-time research experience in the appropriate field of specialization; or
3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least a master's degree in an appropriate field of specialization and at least two years of experience described in "2" above. Two years as a City Research Scientist Level I can be substituted for the experience required in "1" and "2" above.
NOTE:
Probationary Period
Appointments to this position are subject to a minimum probationary period of one year.