Epidemiologist

APS 6 - $88,408 - $100,378 per annum plus superannuation
- Biosecurity Animal Division
- Canberra, ACT,Other
- _Provide technical advice and ideas that will support Australia's animal health systems and meet the biosecurity challenges of the future_
- _Work in a motivated and professional team with a wide range of skill sets and backgrounds_
- _City based location with flexible work options_

**Who we are**

The Animal Health Policy Branch works with government and industry stakeholders to lead, influence and coordinate animal (including aquatic animal) health and marine pest policies and programs to mitigate the potential impact of pests and diseases on Australia's animal, human and environmental health. The branch does this by strengthening national prevention, preparedness, detection and response capabilities, and working off-shore with our near neighbours.

The Epidemiology and One Health Section provides technical advice, analyses and research to:

- undertake applied epidemiological research, modelling, analysis and capacity building to support science-based policy development for priority animal diseases
- co-design and/or evaluate Australian animal disease surveillance and monitoring systems and programs for early detection of emerging and emergency animal diseases
- provide decision support and epidemiological expertise for emergency and emerging animal disease preparedness and response
- lead animal health input into national One Health policies and capacity building for antimicrobial resistance and zoonotic pathogens

**The Job**
The Epidemiology and One Health section is seeking to fill one position. It would suit someone wishing to transition into a government role and/or build expertise in epidemiology. The successful applicant will provide technical analysis and advice, manage and/or contribute to the management and accountability of complex projects or issues relevant to animal health, public health and biosecurity. The role may include supervision and management of contractors and other staff preparing scientific and technical advice. Responsibilities include:

- contributing to the development of strategies, policies and procedures relevant to animal health, animal disease surveillance, biosecurity and/or public health
- contributing to the department’s implementation of strategies and plans, such as the National Animal Health Surveillance Plan
- contributing to projects to improve Australia’s preparedness and response to emerging and emergency animal diseases, including analysing epidemiological data, using simulation models and other decision support tools and mapping
- providing technical advice, preparing reports and delivering presentations on epidemiology, One Health, emergency animal disease preparedness, biosecurity and other animal health issues for technical and non-technical audiences
- representing the department in discussions, where required, with domestic and international government and industry stakeholders about issues that can be technical, complex, and sensitive.

**Skills and capabilities**
The following skills and capabilities are required for the position:

- Good analytical and problem-solving skills
- Well-developed written and verbal communication skills including an ability to communicate complex ideas effectively to technical and non-technical audiences
- An ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and to build productive relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders
- Good attention to detail and sound judgment
- Capability to critically evaluate the quality of scientific evidence in a policy-making environment
- Well-developed project management skills to ensure delivery within defined timeframes

**Knowledge and experience**
The successful applicant will have one or more of the following:

- Knowledge of Australia’s animal production industries, biosecurity and animal health surveillance systems, and emergency management, including animal disease emergencies
- Experience in managing projects and engaging with different animal health stakeholders
- Background or knowledge of epidemiology, public health, mapping or geospatial analysis, and/or infectious disease modelling

**Mandatory Qualifications**
Applicants must possess a qualification in epidemiology, public health, science, bioinformatics, geospatial analysis or a related field. Postgraduate qualifications and/or experience in any of these areas would be an advantage.

**Eligibility and other requirements**

**Citizenship** - To be eligible for employment with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry you must be an Australian citizen.

**Security Clearance** - This position requires a Negative Vetting Level 1 security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.

**Pre-employment Check** - Your suitability for employment will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This process includes a requirement to under