ANNOUNCE CDC Seeks Director for Preparedness Modeling (SD6452)

[SDMAIL Milstein, Bobby (CDC/CCHP/NCCDPHP)]

Posted by  "Milstein, Bobby (CDC/CCHP/NCCDPHP)" <bym2 at 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 at 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 at cdc.gov

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