Epidemiologist - The Kirby Institute

• Employment Type: Part - time (20 hours a week)
• Duration: 2-year Fixed Term contract
• Remuneration: $118,483 base pro rata, plus 17% superannuation and leave loading 
• Work rights required: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must hold full rights to work in Australia to be considered for this position.
• Location: Kensington, Sydney

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.

Details of the role

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® and a new Medical Research Futures Fund grant for developing pathogen genomics capability within 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, and assisting with the new pathogen genomics capability. 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 Head, Biosecurity Program, and has no direct reports.

Some key skills required:

• 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 in EPIWATCH.
• Medical or nursing qualifications, with an understanding of clinical assessment of disease severity.
• Strong understanding of public health surveillance systems for communicable diseases, and proven ability to analyse surveillance data.
• Provide input and analysis of epidemic intelligence in human or animal health. This includes being on a team roster for EPIWATCH® monitoring activities and being involved in creation of the weekly digest, EPISCOPE.
• Source and curate pathogen genomic data for integration into EPIWATCH, with a focus on avian influenza and several bacteria with antimicrobial resistance.
• 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).
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and productively within a team, but also to take initiative and work independently while managing competing demands.

Please refer to the position description for full details.

UNSW Benefits and Culture 

• 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.  

Pre-Employment Checks:

As part of our recruitment process candidates may be required to undergo pre-employment screening, which may include reference checks, qualification verification, right-to-work verification, and criminal history screening where relevant to the role.

Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.

How to apply:

Please click on Apply now to apply online. Applications should not be sent to the contact listed below. Please provide a resume and a separate document addressing the skills and experience listed in the Position Description. A copy of the Position Description can be found on JOBS@UNSW.

Contact

Frank McHenry, Talent Acquisition Associate

E:  f.mchenry@unsw.edu.au    

Applications close: Sunday 2^nd August before 11.30pm Sydney time

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. 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.