|
Epidemiology Jobs
The work of an epidemiologist is diverse and
challenging, ranging from long-term projects on diseases like AIDS and cancer
that may never be cured to fighting emerging and quick-spreading infections like
swine flu and SARS. Epidemiology is an interdisciplinary field that requires
extensive education. In 2010, the average salary range for epidemiologists is
$44,104 to $72,982 a year.
United States Government
The United States federal government employs
epidemiologists in an effort to study and prevent the spread of diseases. In the
wake of SARS, the avian flu and the swine flu, the government has increased its
funding for epidemiology research and development. Epidemiologists in government
employ can expect to combine fieldwork with research in Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention throughout the country. Federally employed
epidemiologists are charged with protecting public health in the United States,
and are expected to predict and prevent the spread of disease and monitor
emerging infections.
Non-Governmental Organizations
A number of Non-Governmental Organizations hire
epidemiologists in an effort to study, understand, and prevent the spread of
diseases in developing nations. NGOs like the World Health Organization use a
combination of laboratory and fieldwork to understand the nature of epidemics in
developing nations, considering factors such as living conditions, poverty,
starvation, contaminated water supplies, prostitution, and intravenous drug use.
UNAIDS, a program headed by the United Nations in collaboration with a number of
other organizations, such as the World Bank, hires epidemiologist to understand
and control the spread of AIDS throughout the world.
Academic and Research Epidemiologists
Academic epidemiology is an interdisciplinary field
that combines fieldwork and research with professorial duties. Professional
academic and research epidemiologists can expect to spend countless hours in
research facilities, working toward the publication and presentation of findings
through papers and conferences. Teaching courses to future epidemiologists, some
of whom will be working as junior members of the research team, is also required
of academics. Academic and research epidemiologists can expect to look for work
at institutions such as the Mayo Clinic, Harvard University, and the American
Cancer Society.
|
|
