How to become a Field Epidemiologist

• How to apply?
• Who should apply?
• Selection process
  

How to apply?

Candidates must apply through the Public Service Commission (PSC), which handles the application process for all federal government employees.

The Canadian Field Epidemiology Program (CFEP) office does not accept applications.

Look for the job posters EC-05 and MD-MOF-01 in the “National Capital and Eastern Ontario Region” section of the website.  Please ensure that you apply to the appropriate poster for your qualifications (EC-05 or MD-MOF-01).  The posters contain detailed information on how to apply.  Questions regarding the application process should be directed to the PSC.

The deadline for applications is specified on the job poster, but is usually September 30 of the year before entry to the program.

Who should apply?

The CFEP is interested in candidates who understand Canadian public health infrastructure and issues, possess excellent interpersonal skills, are committed to public health as a career and wish to enhance their knowledge and skills in applied public health and field investigation.

The CFEP welcomes applications from persons with varied professional backgrounds, including: epidemiologists, nurses, physicians, public health inspectors, veterinarians and other health professionals.  All candidates will be initially assessed against the following screening criteria:

Screening criteria

Education

EC-05 Applicants:
Applicants must have successfully completed a Master's degree from a recognised university in Epidemiology, Public Health or other acceptable health-related field, and an acceptable specialisation in economics, sociology or statistics, AND a full-year (i.e., two semesters) graduate-level course in biostatistics or epidemiological methods, or combination of both subjects equivalent to a full-year course, at the time of application.

MD-MOF-01 Applicants:
Physician applicants must possess a degree from a recognised school of medicine AND have successfully completed a full-year (i.e., two semesters) graduate-level course in biostatistics or epidemiological methods, or a combination of both subjects equivalent to a full-year course, or clearly demonstrate the equivalent.

Physician applicants must also be eligible for a license to practice medicine in a province or territory of Canada as of September 1, 2012.

Doctors of veterinary medicine and foreign medical graduates not holding a license to practice medicine in Canada DO NOT qualify for the MD-MOF-01 position, and therefore should apply ONLY to the EC-05 selection process.

Experience

Applicants must possess a minimum of 12 cumulative months of applied public health experience. 

This experience may involve public health program development, implementation, evaluation, or promotion, including the collection and/or analysis and/or interpretation of primary or secondary health surveillance data for the purpose of developing or evaluating public health programs. The experience can be obtained through graduate degree program practica (or residency program rotations in public health organizations for physician applicants) and/or employment in a public health organization or agency at the local, provincial, territorial or federal level of government. Experience with non-governmental organizations will only be considered where the mandate of the organization includes the implementation, evaluation or promotion of public health programs or the collection or analysis of health surveillance data for public health purposes.

Work conducted as part of an academic or clinical research program or clinical practice in a hospital or primary care setting do not qualify. Exception may be considered for clinical services provided in specialized clinics where the delivery of services is within the mandate of a public health program (e.g., sexual health clinic).

Experience in the analysis of health data using statistical software is also required.

Language requirements

Knowledge of written and spoken English is essential. Knowledge of French is beneficial in order to work in and provide assistance to French-speaking communities.

Selection process

Applicants who meet the initial screening criteria will also be assessed against the remaining Statement of Merit Criteria for the position.

Candidates may be assessed using one or more of the following tools:

1. A written examination
2. An interview
3. Reference check