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Entry Level Epidemiology Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Epidemiologist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

The entry-level epidemiologist within the Office of Epidemiology, Division of Disease Prevention, HIV & Hepatitis Surveillance unit is responsible for carrying out a range of investigative and ...

Requirements The Health Data Analyst Intern supports the Commence Data team with entry-level ... epidemiology, data science, statistics, economics, or a related field. * Completed coursework in ...

Entry Level Epidemiology information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$17

$21

How much do entry level epidemiology jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level epidemiology in Virginia is $17.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.48 and $18.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level epidemiologist?

An entry level epidemiologist is a professional who assists in studying patterns and causes of diseases in populations. They typically work under the supervision of senior epidemiologists to collect and analyze health data, conduct field investigations, and contribute to public health research. Entry level positions often require a bachelor's or master's degree in public health, biology, or a related field. These roles provide foundational experience in public health surveillance, data analysis, and reporting, which are critical for career advancement in epidemiology.

What are entry-level epidemiology jobs?

Entry-level epidemiology jobs focus on protecting public health through lab research and the study of disease data. In your role as an epidemiologist, you may examine the effects of infection by a virus, determine how biology impacts an organism's ability to resist disease, and provide consultation services to cities, companies, and organizations. This is an entry-level position, so your most important job is learning everything your employer teaches, such as the procedure for communicating and notifying people of health emergencies. Certain aspects like proper sanitation protocols are usually taught in school, but employers frequently test and review them to ensure you understand them. Epidemiologists often work in hospitals but have little or no direct contact with patients.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level epidemiologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Epidemiologist, you need a solid background in public health, statistics, and research methodology, often obtained through a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with statistical analysis software such as SAS, SPSS, or R, and data management systems is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help in interpreting data and conveying findings to diverse audiences. These competencies are vital for accurately tracking disease patterns and informing public health interventions.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level epidemiologists in their first year on the job?

Entry-level epidemiologists often face challenges such as adapting to complex data management systems, learning to interpret large datasets accurately, and understanding the nuances of public health protocols. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams—like biostatisticians, public health nurses, and laboratory staff—also requires strong communication skills and adaptability. Additionally, newcomers may need time to become comfortable with fieldwork or responding to urgent health events, which can be both demanding and rewarding as they gain experience.

What is the difference between Entry Level Epidemiology vs Epidemiologist?

AspectEntry Level EpidemiologyEpidemiologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in public health, biology, or related fieldMaster's or Doctoral degree in epidemiology or public health
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, public health agencies, healthcare settingsGovernment agencies, research organizations, academia
Job ResponsibilitiesData collection, basic analysis, assisting in research projectsDesigning studies, advanced data analysis, publishing research

Entry Level Epidemiology roles typically require a bachelor's degree and involve assisting with data collection and basic analysis in public health settings. Epidemiologists usually hold advanced degrees and lead research projects, performing complex analyses and contributing to scientific publications. The entry-level position serves as a foundation for a career in epidemiology, with opportunities to advance into full epidemiologist roles with experience and further education.

How to start a career in entry level epidemiology?

To start a career in entry level epidemiology, obtain a bachelor's degree in public health, epidemiology, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships, developing skills in data analysis and statistical software, and pursuing relevant certifications can improve job prospects for entry-level positions.

Is entry level epidemiology hard to get into?

Entry level epidemiology positions can be competitive, often requiring a relevant bachelor's degree in public health, epidemiology, or a related field. Gaining skills in data analysis, statistical software, and internships can improve chances of entry into the field.

Is there a demand for entry level epidemiologists?

Entry level epidemiologists are in demand due to ongoing public health needs, disease outbreaks, and increased focus on health data analysis. Employers seek candidates with skills in data management, statistical software, and a relevant degree, often offering opportunities in government agencies, research institutions, and healthcare organizations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Epidemiology jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Epidemiology jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Epidemiology jobs in Virginia?

For Entry Level Epidemiology jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Epidemiology jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Epidemiology job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Epidemiology job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,015 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Epidemiologist

Richmond, VA • On-site


Virginia Department of Human Resource Management
Public Administration • 1 - 5K employees

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

828th of 852 rated public administrative organizations

Good training

Learn new skills

Uninterrupted breaks


$55K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Epidemiologist
Job no: 5109629
Work type: Restricted Full-Time
Location: Richmond (City), Virginia
Categories: Applied Sciences and Natural Resources
Title: Epidemiologist
State Role Title: Scientist I
Hiring Range: $55,434.60 - $65,532.00
Pay Band: 4
Agency: Virginia Department of Health
Location: VDH-Central Office
Agency Website: www.vdh.virginia.gov
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
This is a restricted position, which is solely funded by the P24-0047 High Impact HIV Prevention and Surveillance Programs for Health Departments for the period ending May 31, 2029. The availability of funding is scheduled for review before the grant expiration
date and periodically thereafter. Continued employment is contingent on the continued availability of funds.
The purpose of this position is to perform epidemiological assessment and
surveillance within the HIV Surveillance unit. Epidemiologists will collect and report
HIV data for both adult and pediatric patients; provide technical guidance to
community partners and internal stakeholders; interpret laboratory data; perform
data analysis; ensure data quality, accuracy and completeness.
The entry-level epidemiologist within the Office of Epidemiology, Division of Disease Prevention, HIV & Hepatitis Surveillance unit is responsible for carrying out a range
of investigative and analytical epidemiologic activities related to the surveillance,
detection, and/or prevention of HIV events in an assigned region within a statewide
program. Responsibilities include consulting on scientific and technical issues,
conducting routine epidemiologic investigations, data collection/analysis, and
providing health education and disease control recommendations. Positions in this
role typically work under the close supervision of the HIV Surveillance Coordinator
and/or a more senior epidemiologist or similar position. The work is assigned and
reviewed for conformance with overall requirements, contribution to the
assignment objectives, consistency of facts and figures, analytical methodology, and
practicality of recommendations.
This position collaborates with a variety of stakeholders in the collection of HIV data
including local health department staff, Disease Intervention Specialists, hospital
infection control practitioners, private physicians, prisons, blood banks and
community-based organizations to collect, analyze and report HIV data while
adhering to timeliness requirements and disease reporting regulations.
Independently: reviews disease reports for complex conditions and determines
appropriate action; determines if reported diseases meet case definitions; conducts
epidemiologic investigations by obtaining and organizing follow-up for surveillance
information from health care providers; evaluates the quality of the surveillance
data; and provides disease control advice. Supervision is provided by the direct
supervisor for handling unusual or complex technical or medical questions.
The Virginia Department of Health offers 12 paid holidays, medical, dental, vision and life
insurance, retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan) as well as sick, family/personal, and annual leave.
Minimum Qualifications
• Basic knowledge of the cause, transmission, treatment, and prevention of communicable diseases and other conditions of public health importance.
• Basic knowledge of methods of public health surveillance and disease outbreak investigations.
• Working knowledge of biostatistics, computer data analysis, data quality assurance, and data management techniques.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to collect, analyze, and present statistical data.
• Some experience in epidemiology, public health, or a related area.
Additional Considerations
• Training/experience in public health, epidemiology or biostatistics.
• Some knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, and policies regarding the reporting and control of disease.
• Working knowledge of statistical software packages.
• Experience with database management systems, especially those used to manage population-based disease data.
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
VDH accepts only on-line applications. Faxed, mailed, or e-mailed applications will not be considered. Applications are accepted until 11:55 p.m. on the job closing date. Applications and/or resumes should include relevant work history which indicates your qualifications for this position. Supplemental questions are encouraged to be answered in a comprehensive manner and reference any pertinent knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as any previous experience that relates to the position.
Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of a state and federal criminal history background check and the Department of Social Service's Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry check, U.S. HHSIG Exclusion List check, employment reference check and E-Verify. Other financial, credit, driving, background checks or completion of Statement of Economic Interests may be required for certain positions.
It is the policy of the Commonwealth and VDH that all aspects of human resource management be conducted without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists); sex; color; national origin; religion; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; age; veteran status; political affiliation; disability; genetic information; and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. VDH employees have a shared Code of Ethics, which can be found in the bottom banner of our website: www.vdh.virginia.gov.
If you have been affected by DHRM Policy 1.30 layoff and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), you must submit the card before the closing date for this position. The Card may be submitted with the state application as an attachment.
As a V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer VDH Welcomes Veterans to apply!
Contact Information
Name: Curt Crostic
Phone: N/A
Email: curt.crostic@vdh.virginia.gov
In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.
Advertised: 18 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 01 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
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