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Tribal Communicable Disease Epidemiologist
University Of Washington School Of Public Health
Location : Portland, OR, 97201
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : $86,311.00 - $90,000.00
Date Posted : 27 November 2025
School of Public Health
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Tribal Communicable Disease Epidemiologist - Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (Job)
Description:
The Tribal Communicable Disease Epidemiologist (CD Epi) is responsible for leading data analysis, data communication, training, and coordination activities related to the Northwest Tribal Epidemiology Center’s (NWTEC) communicable disease surveillance and prevention activities in addition to advancing data analysis and reporting related to vaccinations. Duties include, but are not limited to: conducting statistical analysis and interpretation of data; developing and providing trainings to Northwest Tribes on communicable disease epidemiology, outbreak investigations, and vaccine epidemiology; providing consultation on the epidemiology, control, and prevention of communicable diseases to Tribes and other partners and assisting with survey/tool development; participating in the development of local-level health status reports, manuscripts, dashboards, and presentations; supporting data access and quality improvement activities, such as record linkages; and providing technical assistance to Tribes and Tribal health programs on a variety of data and public health issues.
The CD Epi must have knowledge of communicable disease processes and control measures, notifiable conditions and their associated reporting, and vaccination principles. They must have experience in management and analysis of large and/or complex databases. They must have intermediate to advanced skills in statistical software such as SAS, SPSS, R or Stata. SAS and R programming experience are preferred. They must demonstrate a willingness and capability to learn new software applications, such as QuickSight, Match*Pro, AWS, and other applications.
The CD Epi supports the NPAIHB’s Epidemiology & Surveillance Unit of 5 public health professionals who provide routine surveillance, data analysis, and reporting to Northwest Tribes.
The CD Epi reports to the Project Director of the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit. This scope of work is housed within the NWTEC Division.
Skills/Eligibility:
Education
Minimum education required:
Master of Public Health (MPH) Degree, with focus in epidemiology and/or biostatistics, or related fieldExperience
Minimum experience required:
- At least four (4) years of experience managing, analyzing, and/or interpreting public health data
- At least four (4) years of experience in a health or public health field, preferably as an epidemiologist or biostatistician
Additional experience preferred:
- Direct experience working with Northwest Tribes
- Experience in the planning, organization, implementation, and follow-up of public health-related coalitions
- Some experience with GIS software and Epi Info a plus.
- Some familiarity with substance use and maternal child health epidemiology due to comorbidities and risks
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Demonstrated knowledge, discretion, tact, judgment, and overall ability in working effectively with federal, Tribal, and other professionals, and facilitating participation and partnership in the activities of the Epidemiology & Surveillance Unit
- Proficiency with computer applications (specifically Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft Office Suite programs)
- Strong technical writing skills, including good spelling and grammatical skills, and the ability to produce polished deliverables under a deadline
- Excellent research and analysis skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Must be sensitive to cross-cultural differences, and able to work effectively within their context
- Ability to work with minimal supervision, exercise initiative, and make independent decisions and recommendations
- Ability to make professional oral presentations in settings at the national, regional, and community levels, as well as in Tribal settings
- Ability to complete tasks in a timely and accurate manner
- Ability to travel occasionally (approximately 15% of the time)
Freqently Asked Questions
A Tribal Communicable Disease Epidemiologist in Portland plays a critical role by analyzing disease patterns within Indigenous communities, tailoring prevention programs, and collaborating with local health agencies to control outbreaks. Their insights help shape culturally sensitive health interventions in Oregon's tribal populations.
Specialized knowledge of tribal health systems, cultural competency, and experience with communicable diseases prevalent in Indigenous communities distinguish Tribal Epidemiologists. Unlike broader public health roles, they integrate tribal sovereignty considerations and traditional practices into epidemiological research and interventions.
Professionals often advance into senior epidemiology roles, health policy advisors for tribal nations, or leadership positions within public health departments. The specialized tribal experience can also open opportunities in federal agencies focusing on Indigenous health or academic research focused on epidemiology.
The University Of Washington emphasizes collaborative research with tribal communities and incorporates culturally respectful methodologies. Their epidemiologist roles often involve partnerships with tribal health entities, ensuring that disease surveillance and prevention respect tribal sovereignty and community values.
Yes, projects frequently focus on communicable disease tracking, vaccine outreach, and outbreak response tailored for Indigenous populations. The role supports data-driven solutions addressing unique tribal health challenges, aligning with the institution's commitment to equity in public health research.
Salaries typically range from $85,000 to $110,000 annually, reflecting the specialized expertise required and the regional market. Factors influencing pay include experience, education, and the public health funding landscape in Oregon.
Portland’s public health sector shows moderate competition for communicable disease epidemiologists, with a growing demand due to regional health initiatives. Candidates with tribal health experience and strong epidemiological research backgrounds tend to have an advantage.
Portland’s compact urban layout and public transit options generally facilitate commuting. However, proximity to tribal communities or public health facilities can influence daily travel times, making location an important factor when considering job logistics.
Emphasize expertise in infectious disease surveillance, proficiency in tribal health frameworks, and experience with culturally sensitive communication. Demonstrating ability to collaborate with Indigenous communities and utilize epidemiological data to inform policy is also valuable.
Unlike a clinical epidemiologist focused on patient-level data, a Tribal Communicable Disease Epidemiologist centers on population health within Indigenous groups, integrating cultural nuances and tribal governance into disease prevention and control strategies.
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