Epidemiologist- Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute

Employment Type: Full Time

Duration: Fixed Term 12 months

Remuneration: Level 7 $110K-$119K (based on experience) + 17% Super + Annual Leave Loading

Location: Kensington, Sydney, New South Wales

To be successful you will hold Australian Working Rights or Australian Citizenship. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

About The Kirby Institute:

The Kirby Institute is a world-leading health research institute at UNSW Sydney. We work to eliminate infectious diseases, globally. Our specialisation is in developing health solutions for the most at-risk communities. Putting communities at the heart of our research, we develop tests, treatments, cures and prevention strategies that have the greatest chance of success.

Why Your Role Matters:

The Biosecurity Program leads EPIWATCH®, which is an AI system for early warnings of epidemics.

The Epidemiologist will work in the Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute and play a key role in the multidisciplinary infectious disease research team supporting EPIWATCH®. They work with a team of epidemiologists and software engineers on the EPIWATCH® system, an open-source epidemic intelligence (OSINT) observatory, using machine learning and natural language processing. The epidemiologist is responsible for monitoring, analysing and reporting on EPIWATCH® data. They will be responsible for reporting, reviewing and monitoring of EPIWATCH® activities and producing weekly digests of EPIWATCH® data (EPISCOPE bulletin). They will work closely with the EPIWATCH® team lead to manage and prioritise workflow to ensure deadlines are met.

The role of Epidemiologist reports to the EPIWATCH® team lead and has no direct reports.

Skills and Experience:

• Master of Public Health, Master of Applied Epidemiology or equivalent post-graduate degree in public health or infectious diseases.
• Track record in outbreak investigation and response, with at least 12 months full time experience in a health department or public health unit.
• Strong understanding of public health surveillance systems for communicable diseases, and proven ability to analyze surveillance data.
• Experience working with a range of computer systems and applications, including Microsoft Office, Adobe, SharePoint and Statistical software for data analysis and code generation (such as Stata, SPSS or SAS, R Studio). Experience with Large Language Models (LLM) and Machine Learning is preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of attention to detail for deliverables produced.
• Sound stakeholder management skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with a range of stakeholders.
• Excellent time management skills, with a demonstrated ability to respond to changing priorities, manage multiple tasks and meet competing deadlines by using judgement and initiative.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and productively within a team, but also to take initiative and work independently while managing competing demands.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health & safety (psychosocial and physical) responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

Benefits and Culture:

UNSW offer a competitive salary and access to a plethora of UNSW-perks including:

• 17% Superannuation and leave loading
• Flexible working
• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period
• Access to lifelong learning and career development
• Progressive HR practices

More information on the great staff benefits and culture can be found here

How to Apply:

Please click Apply now to submit your application online. Applications submitted via email will not be accepted.

Submit your application online before Monday 27^th January at 11:55pm.

To be considered for this role, your application must include a document addressing the Selection Criteria which are outlined in the “Skills and Experience” section of the position description). Applications that do not address these selection criteria will not be considered.

Get in Touch (for job related queries only – applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed):

Aarti: Talent Acquisition Coordinator

E: a.aarti@unsw.edu.au

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.