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If you’ve Googled “epidemiologist job description,” you’ve probably seen dozens of articles. But here’s the problem:
Most of them don’t actually help you attract a great epidemiologist—they just give you a wall of bullet points, a few generic responsibilities, and maybe a template that sounds like it was written for a government filing cabinet.
What those posts miss is this:
Great epidemiologists aren’t just data crunchers. They’re problem solvers, communicators, and trusted advisors—especially in public health, policy, or research-driven environments.
So if you want to write a job description that attracts a skilled, motivated epidemiologist—not just anyone with the right degree—this guide is for you.
We’ll show you how to write a clear, compelling, and modern job post that stands out… and helps you hire someone who actually drives impact.
Before we dive in, here’s a quick tip:
If you haven’t already, check out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ —it’ll show you why most job posts fail to connect, and how to fix it.
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What An Epidemiologist Actually Does - Their Roles
An epidemiologist is someone who studies how diseases and health conditions spread, who they affect, and how to control or prevent them. But the job isn’t just about analyzing charts or publishing reports.
In practice, a great epidemiologist helps organizations and communities make smarter decisions about public health. That might mean identifying patterns in infection rates, advising on outbreak response plans, or analyzing how social, economic, and environmental factors affect disease.
Depending on the role, they may be focused on research, public policy, field investigations, or guiding internal health strategies in hospitals, governments, or private organizations.
In short:
An epidemiologist turns complex health data into actionable insights that save lives—and knowing how to communicate those insights clearly is just as important as running the numbers.
Two Great Epidemiologist Job Description Templates
We’ll provide two tailored job description options:
1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced candidates with prior experience.
2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.
✅ Option 1: Job Description for an Experienced Epidemiologist
Job Title:
Epidemiologist for Community Health Equity Initiative (Remote, U.S.-based)
Salary:
$85,000–$105,000/year based on experience
Full-Time | Remote | U.S. Candidates Only
🎥 Meet Your Future Team
Watch this short video from our Program Director, Dr. Vanessa Moore, on how this role fits into our mission:
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube Video Link Here]
Who We Are
EqualPath Health is a nonprofit public health organization dedicated to reducing chronic disease disparities across rural and inner-city communities in the U.S. Since 2014, we’ve partnered with local governments, health systems, and community orgs to implement data-backed programs that make healthcare more accessible, preventative, and equitable.
We’re a remote-first team of epidemiologists, data scientists, community health workers, and policy experts—working together to make population health smarter and more just.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Design and manage studies focused on chronic disease patterns (e.g. diabetes, hypertension, asthma)
- Analyze health trends using BRFSS, NHANES, Medicare/Medicaid claims, and local surveillance data
- Build dashboards and reports that translate complex findings into usable insights for local health leaders
- Advise program leads on how to prioritize interventions based on population-level risks and outcomes
- Collaborate with statisticians, analysts, and outreach teams to ensure data aligns with on-the-ground realities
- Present key findings to funders, partners, and policymakers in both technical and lay formats
What We’re Looking For
- Master’s or Ph.D. in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Public Health, or related discipline
- Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience in applied epidemiology (nonprofit or public-sector preferred)
- Fluency in tools like R, SAS, or Python for epidemiological modeling
- Experience working with population-level data sets (state, federal, or Medicaid/Medicare claims)
- Strong storytelling and communication skills—you can explain technical findings to non-technical teams
- A mission-driven mindset with strong attention to health equity, social determinants, and ethics
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- You want more than a data job—you want purpose.
- You care about how chronic illness impacts real lives—not just stats.
- You’re excited to collaborate with a team that’s mission-driven, impact-focused, and low-ego.
- You want your research to actually change outcomes, not sit in a PDF report no one reads.
Perks and Benefits
- 💻 100% remote with flexible working hours
- 🩺 Medical, dental, and vision insurance (starts Day 1)
- 📚 $1,000 annual stipend for learning & development
- 🌴 22 days paid time off + 12 paid holidays
- 💡 Annual team retreat (travel covered)
- 🍼 Family leave policy + mental health support resources
- 🔐 Secure hiring process—we never ask for bank details or payment during any step
How to Apply
We respect your time. That’s why we use WorkScreen—so you’re evaluated based on strengths, not buzzwords.
Click the link below to complete your short, structured evaluation:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
We’ll review every submission and keep you updated along the way.
✅ Option 2: Job Description For Entry-Level / Willing-to-Train Epidemiologist
Job Title:
Junior Epidemiologist – Health Equity Programs (Remote, U.S.-based)
Salary:
$58,000–$68,000/year
Full-Time | Remote | U.S. Candidates Only
🎥 Get to Know Us
Watch this quick intro from our CEO, Tara Linton, about how we support early-career talent and the kind of impact we make:
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube Video Link Here]
Who We Are
BrightStart Public Health is a social impact organization working at the intersection of data, health equity, and community partnerships. We support public health departments and nonprofit coalitions in identifying root causes of chronic disease and improving population health outcomes through data-driven insights.
We’re based in Atlanta but operate fully remotely. Our small, growing team brings together a wide range of expertise—from epidemiology to grassroots outreach—and we’re deeply committed to building a healthier, more just world.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Assist in collecting, cleaning, and managing public health data sets
- Support the development of dashboards, reports, and visualizations for partner organizations
- Work closely with senior epidemiologists on studies related to chronic disease, maternal health, and social determinants
- Help translate data into stories and summaries that community leaders and program directors can use
- Participate in team discussions, trainings, and occasional community health presentations
- Grow your analytical, communication, and research skills through real-world experience and mentorship
What We’re Looking For
- A background in public health, biology, biostats, data science, or related field (degree or self-taught)
- Curiosity, attention to detail, and a hunger to learn
- Some experience with Excel, Google Sheets, or data tools (R, STATA, SPSS, Python are a bonus)
- Good written and verbal communication skills—especially when explaining data to non-experts
- Compassion for underserved populations and an interest in health equity
- No prior full-time epidemiology experience required—we’ll train the right candidate
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- You want to do meaningful work early in your career
- You care about real people, not just datasets
- You’re looking for mentorship, growth, and hands-on experience—not just a paycheck
- You want to learn in a supportive environment where asking questions is encouraged
- You’re passionate about public health and ready to build a career that makes a difference
Perks and Benefits
- 💻 Fully remote, flexible work environment
- 🩺 Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 🌱 Paid professional development programs + mentorship from senior epidemiologists
- 🌴 20 paid vacation days per year + 12 paid holidays
- 📚 Optional 4-day work weeks every July
- 🍼 Paid parental leave + caregiver support
- 🔐 Secure and respectful application process—no financial info or personal data will ever be requested
How to Apply
We don’t believe in cookie-cutter resumes. That’s why we use WorkScreen—a smarter evaluation platform that lets us see your strengths beyond buzzwords.
Click the link below to complete your short, structured application:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
We’ll keep you updated along the way and make sure every applicant hears back—no ghosting here.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down.
WorkScreen helps you identify the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
Breakdown of Why These Epidemiologist Job Posts Work
Let’s break down what makes both of these job descriptions stand out—and why they’re more likely to attract skilled, mission-aligned candidates than a generic job board post.
✅ 1. The Job Titles Are Clear, Contextual, and Human
Instead of generic titles like “Epidemiologist,” both roles specify:
- The focus of the role (“Community Health Equity,” “Health Equity Programs”)
- The seniority level (“Junior Epidemiologist”)
- The location or setup (“Remote, U.S.-based”)
That extra clarity helps candidates self-qualify and builds relevance from the very first line.
✅ 2. They Start With a Warm, Purpose-Driven Intro
Rather than leading with cold requirements, both posts open with why the role matters.
They speak to:
- The mission behind the work
- The kind of person who thrives in the role
- The real-world impact the candidate will have
This emotional framing instantly resonates with thoughtful, impact-driven applicants.
✅ 3. There’s a Video Element for Trust and Transparency
Including a short video from the hiring manager or CEO humanizes the company and builds trust. It gives the candidate a glimpse of your leadership, communication style, and culture—something words alone can’t do.
✅ 4. The “Who We Are” Section Makes the Company Feel Real
Instead of saying “We’re a fast-growing team…” or listing generic values, both job posts give specific details:
- What the company does
- Who they serve
- How they work
- What they believe in
It paints a picture of what it’s like to be part of the team—which is exactly what top talent wants to know.
✅ 5. Responsibilities Are Written With Purpose, Not Just Tasks
Every task in the responsibilities section ties back to outcomes. Instead of just listing duties like “analyze data,” the descriptions explain how those duties connect to the company’s mission or programs.
This makes the role feel important—not mechanical.
✅ 6. They Show Respect for Candidate Time and Effort
The application process is clear, structured, and respectful. These posts:
- Explain what to expect
- Clarify that every applicant will be contacted
- Use WorkScreen to create a fair evaluation process
This shows applicants they won’t be ghosted—and that you value transparency.
✅ 7. “Why This Role Is a Great Fit” Helps the Right People Self-Select
This section speaks directly to the candidate’s mindset. It shows that you understand what they want—not just what you want.
It also filters out poor fits without being harsh. If someone just wants a paycheck or a title, they’ll move on. If they want purpose, mentorship, or impact—they’ll lean in.
✅ 8. Perks and Benefits Are Transparent, Tangible, and Human
Instead of vague phrases like “competitive compensation” or “great team culture,” the posts offer:
- Specific salary ranges
- Time off policies
- Family leave
- Flex schedules
- Learning stipends
These details help candidates trust you—and picture themselves working with you.
Example of a Bad Epidemiologist Job Description (And Why It Fails)
Job Title:
Epidemiologist
Company:
Global Health Institute
Job Type:
Full-Time
Location:
Not specified
Job Summary:
We are seeking an epidemiologist to conduct research, analyze data, and contribute to health reports. The ideal candidate will be responsible for evaluating disease trends and providing support to cross-functional teams.
Key Responsibilities:
- Collect and analyze health-related data
- Conduct statistical analysis
- Prepare health risk assessments
- Collaborate with other departments as needed
Requirements:
- Master’s degree in Epidemiology or Public Health
- 3 years of experience preferred
- Proficiency in statistical tools such as SPSS or STATA
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to work independently
How to Apply:
Please send your résumé and cover letter to hr@ghi-international.org. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
🧨 Why This Job Post Falls Short
🚫 1. The Job Title Is Too Generic
Just “Epidemiologist” doesn’t tell the reader anything meaningful—no focus area, no seniority level, and no context. It could apply to hundreds of roles across different sectors.
🚫 2. The Introduction Is Cold and Robotic
There’s no mention of the company’s mission, the purpose of the role, or what kind of impact the candidate will have. It feels like a compliance post, not an opportunity.
🚫 3. It’s Missing Salary, Benefits, and Location
Failing to include a salary range and location makes the post feel outdated or non-transparent. In today’s market, strong candidates expect clarity and upfront communication.
🚫 4. Culture Is Nonexistent
There’s no mention of how the team works, what the company believes in, or what it feels like to be part of the organization. That makes it impossible for a candidate to assess whether they’d be a good fit.
🚫 5. The Responsibilities Are Too Vague
Tasks like “analyze data” or “conduct statistical analysis” are so broad they could apply to hundreds of jobs. There’s no detail, no outcomes, and no connection to real-world work.
🚫 6. The Hiring Process Feels Dismissive
Saying “only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” feels cold and impersonal. It creates anxiety for applicants and sends the message: you’re just a number to us.
🚫 7. The Call to Action Is Weak
The application process is simply “email us a résumé.” No effort to explain what happens next. No motivation. No warmth. No personality. This is a missed opportunity to connect with the reader.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Job Post Stand Out
These are small details—but they make a huge difference when it comes to attracting serious, high-quality candidates.
🔒 1. Add a Security & Privacy Notice to Build Trust
Candidates are increasingly cautious about job scams and spam. Including a clear note about your process makes people feel safer and more respected.
Example:
🛑 Important Notice: We take your privacy seriously. We will never ask for payment, bank details, or personal financial information during any part of the hiring process.
🏖️ 2. Mention Time Off and Leave Policies
Don’t bury your PTO policy in an offer letter—mention it upfront. Candidates want to know they’ll have time to recharge.
Example:
Enjoy 22 days of paid vacation, 12 holidays, and optional 4-day workweeks during summer months.
📚 3. Highlight Training and Growth Opportunities
Especially important for early-career or career-change candidates. Show them you’ll invest in their development—not just extract their labor.
Example:
We offer mentorship, paid learning hours, and an annual $1,000 development stipend to help you grow in your role.
🎥 4. Add a Video from the Hiring Manager or CEO
People connect with people—not paragraphs. A short 1–2 minute Loom or YouTube video gives candidates a feel for your tone, energy, and leadership style.
Tip:
Place this right before the “Who We Are” section for maximum visibility.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
🗓️ 5. Outline a Clear and Respectful Hiring Process
Let candidates know what to expect. This builds psychological safety and shows that your team values transparency.
Example:
We’ll review every application and respond to all candidates within two weeks. Finalists will be invited to a short video call, and selected applicants will complete a paid trial project.
🧭 6. Reaffirm That You Hire for Values and Mission—Not Just Checklists
Sometimes great people don’t tick every box. If you’re open to non-traditional backgrounds or emerging talent, say it.
Example:
If you’re passionate about health equity and meet most (not all) of the requirements, we encourage you to apply. We care about potential, not perfection.
When you’re done adding these human touches, you’ll end up with a job post that feels personal, respectful, and real—the kind that great people actually want to apply to.
Should You Use AI to Write Job Descriptions?
Lately, it seems like every platform offers a “1-click AI-generated job description” feature. Tools like Manatal, Workable, and even ChatGPT can spit out a job post in seconds.
But here’s the truth: using AI the wrong way can hurt your hiring.
❌ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone
If you just type “Write an epidemiologist job description” into an AI tool, here’s what you’ll get:
- Generic phrasing with zero connection to your company
- Dry, compliance-style bullets that don’t inspire applicants
- Recycled language that sounds like every other post online
The result?
You attract the wrong applicants—people mass applying to anything. You also repel the best ones, because your post feels robotic and uninspired.
✅ The Right Way to Use AI: Start With Real Inputs
AI is a helpful assistant—not a mind reader. If you feed it real, thoughtful context, it can help you polish and organize your ideas.
Here’s how to do it:
👇 Give AI These Raw Ingredients:
- What your company actually does
- What the role entails, day to day
- What your culture feels like
- The traits of your ideal candidate
- Your salary range, perks, and hiring process
🤖 Then Prompt It Like This:
“Help me write a job description for our company, BrightStart Public Health.
We’re hiring a Junior Epidemiologist to help support data projects around chronic disease prevention.
Our team is fully remote, values mentorship and health equity, and works closely with public health partners.
We’re open to early-career applicants and offer training, development stipends, and 20 days PTO.
Here’s a rough outline I wrote—can you help me rewrite this in a warm, human, and clear tone?”
Paste in your rough draft or bullet points, and let AI clean it up—not create it from scratch.
🧠 Final Tip
If you find a great job post (like the examples earlier in this article), give that to AI and say:
“Help me write something similar in tone, but for [Insert Your Role]. Here’s the kind of post I want to match.”
Now you’re using AI like a real tool: to polish, not to replace your voice.
Hiring doesn’t have to be hard.
If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.
Need a Quick Copy-Paste Job Description?
We get it—sometimes you just need something fast.
Maybe you’ve read this entire guide and understand what makes a strong job post. But you also want a practical starting point you can copy, paste, and tweak for your company.
That’s what this section is for.
✏️ Important Reminder:
Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
This is a foundation, not a final draft.
Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual company.
In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.
Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.
- Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
- Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.
✅ Option 1: Conversational Job Description Template (Culture-First Style)
Job Title:
Epidemiologist for Health Equity Program (Remote, [Location])
Salary:
[$Salary Range] | Full-Time | [Job Type]
🎥 Optional: Add a short intro video from the hiring manager here
Who We Are
We’re [Company Name]—a [brief, 1-2 line description of your company’s mission and who you serve]. We work closely with [state/local orgs, partners, etc.] to improve health outcomes through smart, collaborative, data-driven strategies.
What You’ll Do
- Design and support studies focused on public health outcomes
- Analyze large health datasets and find meaningful trends
- Collaborate with internal teams, public health partners, and communities
- Create reports and dashboards to share key findings
- Translate data into practical recommendations that drive action
What We’re Looking For
- Degree in public health, epidemiology, or a related field
- Experience with data tools like R, SPSS, or Excel
- Strong communication skills—you can explain insights clearly
- Bonus: Experience with Medicaid/Medicare data, BRFSS, or community-level research
- Mission-driven mindset and attention to equity in public health
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- Your work has a real impact on real people
- You’ll grow fast through mentorship and on-the-job experience
- You’ll be part of a supportive, collaborative, and passionate team
- You’ll get to solve interesting, meaningful problems every day
Perks and Benefits
- Flexible, remote-first schedule
- Paid vacation + holidays + personal leave
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Professional development support
- Mental health and wellness resources
- Safe, secure hiring process—no personal financial info ever required
How to Apply
We care about skills—not just résumés. That’s why we use WorkScreen, a smarter hiring platform that gives every applicant a fair shot.
Click below to complete your short evaluation:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
✅ Option 2: Structured Job Description Format (Traditional Style)
Job Title:
Epidemiologist
Location: [Remote / City, State]
Job Type: [Full-Time / Part-Time / Contract]
Salary Range: [$XX,000 – $YY,000 per year]
Job Brief
[Company Name] is seeking an epidemiologist to help analyze and improve population health outcomes. This role involves designing studies, analyzing data, and providing actionable insights to guide decision-making across public health programs.
Responsibilities
- Design and manage epidemiological studies
- Analyze datasets to identify disease trends and patterns
- Develop reports and dashboards to share insights
- Collaborate with public health teams, partners, and researchers
- Translate findings into practical health strategies and interventions
Requirements
- Degree in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Public Health, or related field
- Experience with data analysis tools (e.g., R, SAS, Python, or STATA)
- Strong communication skills—written and verbal
- Familiarity with public health data sets (e.g., BRFSS, NHANES, Medicare/Medicaid)
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Perks & Benefits
- Remote flexibility and work-life balance
- Paid time off + company holidays
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Ongoing learning and development support
- Mission-driven work with real-world impact
How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to ensure every applicant is fairly evaluated.
Click the link below to complete your application:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
Let WorkScreen Handle the Hard Part of Hiring
You’ve crafted a compelling job description. One that’s clear, human, and designed to attract the right people.
Now let WorkScreen help you find them.
WorkScreen helps you:
✅ Quickly identify your most promising candidates
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
✅ Test candidates based on real-world skills
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
✅ Eliminate low-effort and AI-generated applicants
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
If you want to hire confidently, quickly, and fairly—WorkScreen can help.
✅ Create your job post
✅ Send your WorkScreen link
✅ Hire the right person, not just the first one
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring an Epidemiologist
When hiring an epidemiologist, look beyond technical proficiency and focus on these key skills:
- Analytical thinking: Can they interpret data and identify meaningful patterns?
- Data literacy: Proficiency in tools like R, Python, SAS, or STATA is important—but the ability to clean, manage, and contextualize data matters just as much.
- Communication skills: Top epidemiologists know how to explain findings to non-technical stakeholders clearly and concisely.
- Problem-solving mindset: They should be able to turn complex data into actionable insights that drive decision-making.
- Cultural and ethical awareness: Especially in community health work, the best epidemiologists are sensitive to context and committed to health equity.
As of 2025, the average salary for an epidemiologist in the U.S. ranges from $70,000 to $110,000 per year depending on experience, location, and sector.
- Entry-level roles: ~$58,000–$75,000
- Mid-career professionals: ~$85,000–$95,000
- Senior/Ph.D.-level roles: ~$100,000–$130,000+
Government, nonprofit, and academic positions often offer lower salaries but may provide stronger benefits or more flexibility. Private sector roles (e.g., pharmaceuticals, insurance, or consulting) tend to offer higher pay.
Not necessarily. While some senior roles—especially those in research-heavy institutions—prefer or require a Ph.D., many excellent epidemiologists hold a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) or MS in Epidemiology.
What matters more than academic credentials is:
- Whether they’ve applied their knowledge in real-world settings
- How well they communicate and collaborate with teams
- Their understanding of your specific population or public health focus
While both roles work with data, epidemiologists are focused specifically on health-related data—such as disease patterns, population health trends, and public health interventions.
They bring domain expertise in biology, medicine, and social determinants of health. A data analyst might be more focused on business metrics or operational KPIs, without necessarily understanding public health frameworks.
In short: epidemiologists apply data to protect and improve public health.
