ANNOUNCE CDC Seeks Director for Preparedness Modeling

[""Milstein, Bobby (CDC/CCHP/NCCD]

Posted by ""Milstein, Bobby (CDC/CCHP/NCCDPHP)"" <bym2@CDC.GOV>

See below for a unique leadership opportunity that combines public health policy with a strong commitment to applied, scientific modeling.
Those with experience using SD--as well as other modeling methodologies--are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please forward to any interested colleagues or relevant networks.

Bobby

___________________________________________
Bobby Milstein, PhD, MPH
Coordinator, Preparedness Modeling Initiative Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
E-mail: BMilstein@cdc.gov


RECRUITMENT ANNOUNCEMENT

CDC Seeks Director for a Newly-Established Preparedness Modeling Unit

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention seeks a distinguished and innovative scientific administrator to lead a newly-established Public Health Preparedness Modeling Unit at its headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.

This group supports, coordinates, and leads preparedness modeling activities throughout the CDC. It provides agency staff and external stakeholders with information about modeling options, support for scenario-based analysis, and policy guidance across a range of threats to the public's health, including infectious diseases (such as pandemic influenza), natural disasters, environmental exposures, climate change, and various forms of terrorism (biological, chemical and radiological).

The formation of this new entity is a high priority for the agency and it offers a unique leadership opportunity for the selected Director.
Within the CDC and beyond, mathematical modeling is increasingly understood as an essential tool for effective and ethical practice-particularly in the high-stakes area of emergency preparedness and response. The conditions that support population health are fragile, constantly in flux, and fraught with uncertainty. Thus, well-conceived and carefully-formulated models may improve our understanding of the health system and lead to more effective preparedness plans and response operations, while increasing transparency and respect for the values and trade-offs that shape this work. By strengthening its capacity to create, interpret, use, and critique models of emergency situations, CDC seeks to raise the standards of evidence and critical thinking that shape health protection policies.

Many other agencies have a greater investment and longer history in the field of preparedness modeling. Therefore a successful Director of the CDC group must forge effective alliances and find the right niche to complement and extend the work of others. Toward that end, CDC brings considerable subject matter expertise; is experienced in combining science and practice; has a mandated responsibility to respond in health emergencies; and has a track record in creating and managing large scale science and policy collaborations.

A provisional organizational structure and budget have been established, but the selected Director will be challenged to institutionalize this function and assure its close integration with related activities, such as planning, evaluation, partnering, communications, budgeting, policy development, surveillance, knowledge management, and others.

The ideal candidate would be an effective champion for institutional change, with a sophisticated understanding of public health preparedness and the specific ways in which applied, mathematical modeling may contribute to it. He/She must be equally vigilant in examining the ethical and moral questions that are inherent in modeling any public health problem or policy. One's skills as a speaker, writer, educator, supervisor, and scholar will be tested and honed to an even higher level. An ability to observe and also influence innovative applications of preparedness modeling is essential.

For additional information about this unique leadership opportunity, please contact:

Julie Fishman
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Tel: 404-498-0029
E-mail: JFishman@cdc.gov

Posted by ""Milstein, Bobby (CDC/CCHP/NCCDPHP)"" <bym2@CDC.GOV> posting date Mon, 28 May 2007 15:16:25 -0400 _______________________________________________