Public Health Data Scientist job at Ministry of Health

JOB DETAILS:

Job Purpose:
The Public Health Data Scientist will be responsible for employing advanced statistical and machine learning techniques to analyse large and complex healthcare data sets, identifying patterns, trends, and predictive models, working collaboratively with healthcare professionals, researchers, and IT specialists in shaping evidence-based strategies and initiatives.

Key Functions:
• Utilize statistical methodologies to analyse healthcare data, including patient records, diagnostic information, and treatment outcomes.
• Extract actionable insights and patterns to inform healthcare policies, protocols, and patient care strategies.

• Design and implement predictive models to forecast disease trends, patient outcomes, and resource utilization.
• Work closely with Laboratory information experts to provide reports and dashboards to communicate complex healthcare data findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Translate data insights into actionable recommendations for healthcare practitioners.

• To support data collection /review to support the diagnostic algorithm development which will be developed as part of the disease-specific strategies owned by the respective programs

• Work closely with healthcare professionals, laboratory experts, and IT specialists to understand data needs and integrate data-driven solutions into healthcare practices.
• Collaborate on interdisciplinary teams to address specific healthcare challenges using data-driven approaches.
• Collaborate with other teams (IT specialists and systems developers) to support the implementation of data security measures.
• Troubleshoot and address data-related issues to maintain the reliability of healthcare datasets. Collaborate on research initiatives, providing statistical expertise in the design, execution, and interpretation of healthcare-related studies.
• Support the development of evidence-based practices through rigorous data analysis.
• Stay updated on emerging trends in data science, machine learning, and healthcare technologies.
• Assist in generating clear reports and presentations, summarizing findings, methodologies, and recommendations for internal and external audiences, contributing to policy implications resulting from the data.
• Ensure data privacy and security compliance, adhering to ethical guidelines when handling sensitive healthcare data
• Perform other related tasks as may be assigned from time to time by the line Manager or other relevant authority

Qualifications, Competencies and experience
• A Bachelor’s degree in, Laboratory Medicine, Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine and surgery, Biomedical sciences or a related field and,

• Master’s degree in Epidemiology, Public Health, Biostatistics.
• At least 2 years’ working experience in data science, data analytics, applied mathematics, information management or related area is required.
• Experience of data science tools such as Jupyter, Matlab or similar statistical programming languages such as R, Python
• Experience with visualization languages and tools like Tableau, Power-Bl, Javascript or related tools is desirable.
• A Post graduate qualification in data analytics, business analytics and data science programs is an added advantage.
• Experience in using data to advance decisions, strategies and execution is required
• Strong proficiency in statistical programming languages (e.g., R, Python).
• Understanding of healthcare data structures, terminologies, and regulations.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. and report writing skills.
• Previous experience in a data science role within the healthcare sector.
• Proven experience in data analysis and predictive modelling, with a focus on healthcare or lab related datasets.
• Familiarity with healthcare information systems and electronic health records. Experience with conducting and publishing research related work.

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: 24

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Job application procedure

All applications for the above positions should be addressed to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 7272, Plot 6, Lourdel Road, Wandegeya, KAMPALA, (and should be hand delivered to Ministry of Health Headquarters Security Registry in Room A. 102, between 8.00 am — 5.00 pm working days).

Please note that.
All applications should bear the title of the post being applied for.
Applicants should include their telephone and email contacts on their application forms. Only successful Candidates will be contacted.

Applicants should attach the following to their applications.
1) Application letter
2) Recent passport-size photograph.
2) Detailed Curriculum Vita showing three referees.
3) Copies of academic papers
4) Copies of record of employment history (Appointment letters & Contract Agreements) stated in the Curriculum Vita. Any period of employment not backed up by an appointment instrument shall not be considered as relevant experience.
5) Copy of National Identity Card

Applicants who will be shortlisted for interviews shall be required to present Originals of their Academic Transcripts and Certificates and National Identity Cards at the time of sitting the Interviews.