Agency Marketing Statement

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is tasked with the oversight of communities within Illinois to achieve and maintain optimal health and safety. With an annual budget of over $600 million in state and federal funds, 7 regional offices, 3 laboratories and over 1,100 employees, IDPH is equipped to fulfill its mission of protecting the health and wellness of the people of Illinois through the prevention, health promotion, regulation and control of disease and injury.

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Public Health is seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as a Data Scientist. Applies sophisticated mathematical methods to integrate public health data and improve accuracy and completeness of information related to healthcare quality and interprets the data to promote health outcomes. Uses machine learning and data modeling to create algorithms and predictive models to support data analysis. Performs complex statistical analysis to validate data trends. Serves as subject matter expert for predictive analytics, statistics and data modeling. Communicates public health data to a range of audiences.

Job Responsibilities

1. Uses machine learning and large-scale data modeling to create algorithms and predictive models to support data analysis.

• Creates, experiments and prototypes new learning algorithms and prediction techniques.
• Develops improvements to previously developed algorithms.
• Implements algorithms and statistical models for machine learning.
• Verifies model and algorithm effectiveness based on real world results.
• Tests and develops programming modifications.
• Writes, tests, and implements programs using software such as SAS, Stata, R, or Python to clean, manage, merge, and analyze large public datasets.
• Captures user identity administration exceptions and determines and documents course of action for resolution.

2. Performs complex statistical analysis to validate data trends.

• Reviews applications, data sets and models for anomalies to ensure accuracy.
• Manages and merges data from multiple sources and generates reports.
• Performs validation and quality assurance processes for measurement and analytical products.

(Job Responsibilities continued)

3. Serves as subject matter expert for predictive analytics, statistics and data modeling.

• Travels as needed to engage with IDPH data stewards and external stakeholders to understand data needs.
• Identifies and recommends areas for data alignment and linkages.
• Recommends and applies solutions related to data mining and predictive analytics.
• Travels to collaborate with Chicago-area universities and other groups who are leading data modeling and informatics efforts.

4. Communicates public health data to a range of audiences.

• Organizes and writes technical reports to communicate healthcare quality and population health information.
• Presents complex data science processes and analysis to non-technical audiences as action-oriented recommendations.

5. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college in statistics, information management science, computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or a closely related field.
• Requires prior experience equivalent to three years of progressively responsible professional experience in developing predictive and probabilistic linking models and algorithms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three years of experience in data modeling including developing algorithms for data processing, pattern recognition, statistics, biostatistics, predictive and prescriptive modeling.
• Two years of progressive experience in designing, customizing, and integrating machine learning and predictive algorithms.
• One year of experience writing clear and concise analytical documentation, summaries of various methodologies, and descriptions of statistical results, as well as create charts, tables, and other visual aids.
• Demonstrated experience in troubleshooting and managing issues related to identities.
• One year experience with a programming language such as SAS, Stata, R, Python.
• One year expert SQL user and experience with Business Intelligence tools such as Tableau.
• One year experience with IBM data science platform.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate effectively with team and multiple stakeholders.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires a valid driver’s license.
• Requires the ability to travel.