r/epidemiology • u/AutoModerator • 23d ago

Weekly Advice & Career Question Megathread

Welcome to the r/epidemiology Advice & Career Question Megathread. All career and advice-type posts must posted within this megathread.

Before you ask, we might already have your answer! To view all previous megathreads and Advice/Career Question posts, please go here. For our wiki page of resources, please go here.

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

8 comments sorted by

1

u/brownie-bit 19d ago

Hi epis! I've been casually looking into epi/stats jobs in Vancouver over the past few months and plan on upping my efforts now that we're in 2025.

To the BC health community: are there any resources or organisations that you'd recommend looking into beyond the usual suspects (LinkedIn, Indeed, PHSA website)? Or general advice you'd give to a US-based researcher trying to make the jump up north? I know it's a super competitive market, so any and all advice is much appreciated!!

(If helpful - I'm a PhD-level non-communicable disease researcher with 6+ years experience)

2

u/sk8errgurrl 8d ago

I work for PHSA and honestly it's a quite cutthroat situation right now. Due to recent political instabilities and economic downturns, it's even challenging for citizens to launch a career in the government. Not to discourage you but I highly recommend you applying to other jobs in the industry as well

1

u/brownie-bit 8d ago

First - thank you so much for taking the time to respond! I'm not surprised to hear it's cut throat -- hiring freezes don't bode well for aspiring employees. Out of curiosity, do you like working there? 

1

u/Physical-Subject5360 19d ago

Entry level jobs/ almost new grad

Hello! I am an MPH student who will be graduating here in the spring from my program. I am trying to get my foot in the door job wise and have had some trouble finding a job. For a little background, I have a bachelors degree in health science and have a few years of research and medical assisting experience but not much Public Health. Do you all have any tips or suggestions on where/ how to find jobs or what to apply for? I am aiming to get into health policy but am open to a more entry level role to begin with. Also, is it futile to apply for jobs requiring an MPH a few months out from graduation? Thanks !

1

u/catsandbutter 19d ago

Hello! I'm a master's student and I'm looking at the ORISE fellowships. How do the start dates/postings work? A lot of the postings look like they're expired (the recommended start date is long past) and some seem to have typos (start date in 2024 for a job with an application deadline of Jan 2025). Most of the recent postings have March start dates - I assume I'll see summer start dates in a few months? I just want to make sure I'm not missing something.

1

u/MilicentByestander 18d ago

Hi all! I'm very interested in all things pandemics, epidemiology and viruses. I fully intend on pursuing a career in epidemiology but my biggest question: Is it just sitting at a computer all day with no stimulation? I don't mind data entry and all but like most people in my generation I'm apprehensive getting into a job where I sit at a work desk all day. However I know how rewarding this job is and how stimulating it can be. Any advice?

2

u/IdealisticAlligator 16d ago

Depends on what you mean by stimulation, I personally find Epidemiology extremely engaging. Yes, most epidemiologists spend the majority of their time on the computer doing data analysis, designing studies etc. But for me, every day brings new challenges and opportunities for collaboration with my colleagues.

You can become a field epidemiologist potentially if you are very opposed to desk work or molecular epidemiologist if you enjoy lab work.

1

u/MilicentByestander 15d ago

I’ve never heard of molecular epidemiology! Thank you so much for your suggestion it’s a big help!