Senior Epidemiologist

MPF is seeking an experienced, mission-driven, Senior Epidemiologist with substantial real-world, applied epidemiology experience to support Operational Infectious Diseases (OID) at Naval Health Research Center (NHRC) in San Diego, CA.

Compensation: $120,000 - $127,000 annually

NHRC focuses on military mission readiness through research and development that delivers high-value, high-impact solutions to health and readiness challenges facing service members. The OID Directorate contributes to this mission hands-on infectious disease surveillance, field-based clinical studies, and operational research and development in military settings. As a Senior Epidemiologist, you will join a multidisciplinary team of researchers and scientists that includes active-duty service members, federal civil servants, and contractors, all dedicated to NHRC’s vision of being the Department of War (DoW) premier operational health research center. This role is well-suited for a Senior Epidemiologist who thrives under pressure, is clear and effective in communicating findings with military and civilian partners and has proven track record of securing and managing funded, large-scale research studies.

You will lead and analyze epidemiologic studies that directly inform Force Health Protection (FHP) and operational decision-making, with emphasis on Enteric / Respiratory Surveillance, Wastewater-Based Biosurveillance (WBB), Outbreak/ Clinical Studies support, Diagnostic and Operational Epidemiological Studies.

Study Design & Implementation

• Lead innovative surveillance initiatives, including but not limited to, Enteric/ Respiratory projects, Wastewater-Based Biosurveillance, genomic epidemiology, and the integration of diverse Real-World Data (RWD) sources.
• Design and conduct epidemiological studies on infectious diseases impacting military readiness, including surveillance studies, outbreak investigations, and observational research in operational environments.
• Develop and refine study protocols, sampling methodologies, and data collection tools to ensure high-quality, valid, and reproducible research outcomes.
• Lead the implementation of epidemiological studies, coordinating effectively with research staff, field teams, command leadership, and external partners to meet timelines and deliverables.
• Manage competing priorities and time-sensitive tasks in dynamic, high-pressure settings while maintaining scientific rigor and data integrity.

Data Collection & Analysis                                                                            

• Collect, manage, and oversee complex datasets from surveillance systems, clinical encounters, and field studies, ensuring data quality, accuracy, and compliance with regulatory and DoW standards.
• Perform and lead advanced statistical analysis and machine learning analysis to assess disease patterns, risk factors, and the impact of preventive measures relevant to military operations.
• Develop and apply novel analytical methods, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and predictive modeling, to enhance surveillance and outbreak detection capabilities.
• Use epidemiological and statistical software tools (e.g., SAS, R, Python, STATA, SQL, REDCap, Excel [advanced], Power BI) to conduct analyses, visualize data, and interpret findings.
• Monitor disease trends and provide timely, actionable insights to leadership and stakeholders to guide operational health decisions, policy development, and resource allocation.

Communication, Reporting & Dissemination

• Prepare clear, concise research reports, manuscripts, and presentations that summarize study findings for peer-reviewed publications, military briefings, and scientific conferences.
• Communicate complex epidemiological concepts, study results, and operational implications to diverse audiences, including military leadership, public health officials, clinicians, and scientific peers.
• Engage in open, transparent communication with stakeholders, providing regular status updates, risk assessments, and recommendations.
• Contributes to grant writing and funding proposals, leveraging epidemiological expertise in study design, feasibility, and impact to secure and maintain external funding.

Public Health Surveillance & Outbreak Response

• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of infectious disease surveillance systems tailored to military and deployed populations.
• Participate in outbreak investigations, collaborating with local, national, and military health authorities to identify sources, characterize transmission, and recommend control measures.
• Analyze surveillance data to monitor disease incidence, identify emerging threats, and inform rapid response strategies for force health protection.
• Provide epidemiological guidance during urgent public health events, balancing operational demands with scientific and regulatory requirements

Collaboration & Research Leadership

• Work closely with interdisciplinary teams, including microbiologists, immunologists, bioinformaticians, clinicians, and operational planners, to integrate epidemiological research into broader studies and mission planning.
• Coordinate with external collaborators, including academic institutions, government agencies, and international partners, to advance joint research initiatives and multi-site studies.
• Provide epidemiological expertise to support the development and evaluation of prevention strategies, vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutic interventions relevant to military populations.

Minimum Qualifications (Required)

• Master’s degree (MPH, MSPH) in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Public Health, or related field with 5+ years of relevant experience; or a PhD in Epidemiology or related field with 1-3 years of experience conducting epidemiologic surveillance and research.
• Demonstrated experience in applying advanced analytical techniques, such as machine learning or artificial intelligence, to epidemiological or biological datasets.
• At least 5 years of proven experience in infectious disease surveillance and epidemiologic analysis, ideally with operational or field-based components.
• Demonstrated experience working with data management and quality assurance for large, complex datasets (5+ years).
• Proficiency in statistical software and epidemiological analysis tools (e.g., SAS, R, STATA, SQL, REDCap, Excel [advanced], Power BI, data visualization tools, and Microsoft Office).
• Strong understanding of study design principles, including cohort studies, case-control studies, and randomized controlled trials.
• Strong attention to detail, with a track record of maintaining high standards in documentation, data quality, and compliance.
• Hands-on experience with outbreak investigations, case definitions, incidence and prevalence calculations, trend analysis, risk factor analysis, epidemiologic design, and public health reporting.
• Familiarity with infectious diseases of military relevance, such as influenza, dengue, malaria, acute gastroenteritis pathogens, respiratory viruses, and antibiotic-resistant organisms.
• Experience designing, managing and implementing surveillance protocols and operational health research projects.
• Proven track record of securing and managing large-scale, externally funded research projects (e.g., federal DoW) as a Principal Investigator, with direct responsibility for budgets, timelines and deliverables.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams that include both military and civilian personnel, with demonstrated ability to collaborate and build trust in structured, hierarchical environments.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex data sets into clear, actionable insights for decision-makers.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with demonstrated ability to present findings clearly to both scientific and non-scientific audiences, including senior military leadership.
• Proven ability to maintain composure and effectiveness under pressure, manage urgent tasks and competing priorities, and meet deadlines in fast-paced settings.
• History of scientific publications or technical reports in epidemiology, infectious disease, or public health.
• Demonstrated project management skills, including planning, tracking milestones, risk management, and stakeholder communication.
• Experience working with federal agencies such as VA, CDC, DoD, Navy, or other federal research or public health organizations.
• U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a T3/Secret Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior military experience (service, deployment, or direct support to military units) or significant experience in a military, government, or public health research environment.
• Experience serving on scientific review boards or in an advisory capacity for national or internation health organization (e.g. NATO, WHO).
• Demonstrated leadership in binational or international public health collaborators.
• Experience contributing to competitive grant proposals and participating in funded research studies.
• Experience engaging with leadership, presenting operational health findings, and contributing to policy or guideline development.
• Experience supporting multi-site or international studies and collaborations involving military or government partners.

If you are an experienced epidemiologist who can operate confidently in high-stakes environments, communicate openly and effectively with military and civilian stakeholders, and lead funded, large-scale research that protects the health and readiness of U.S. forces, we encourage you to apply.

MPF Federal is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. We offer a competitive compensation package including a competitive salary, medical benefits, PTO, holiday pay and more.