The Team

The Communicable Disease Prevention Unit (CDPU) comprises three divisions: Immunisation, Health Intelligence, and Response including Infection Prevention and Control. The primary purpose of the CDPU is to prevent and control communicable diseases within Tasmania. We actively engage with the public and collaborate closely with stakeholders to prevent and respond effectively to notifiable diseases.

The CDPU has delegated statutory responsibility for aspects of the Public Health Act 1997 and for the Poisons Regulations 2018 relating to immunisation. We receive notifications of diseases from laboratories and medical practitioners as stipulated in the Guidelines for Notifying Diseases and Food Contaminants.

The Role

As part of a multi‑disciplinary team, the Lead Epidemiologist will provide surge capacity during outbreaks and public health emergencies by:

- Leading epidemiological investigations, risk assessments, data collection, analysis, interpretation and situational reporting.
- Developing and enhancing case management and contact tracing tools, and supporting the integration, management and quality assurance of data from multiple sources to inform timely public health action.
- Supporting business‑as‑usual communicable disease surveillance and epidemiology activities during periods of increased demand to maintain critical public health response and operational functions.

You will need

- Demonstrated wide experience in providing epidemiological support services, with advanced skills in conducting investigations and interpreting and evaluating data.
- Demonstrated experience in utilising statistical software packages (such as R and Stata)



with the ability to extract information to produce quality reports.
- Proven ability to critically analyse and collate information, utilising professional judgement in the identification and resolution of problems, together with proven high level administrative, organisational and time management skills.

Why Tasmania

Tasmania, Australia's only island state, offers unparalleled natural beauty and a luxurious lifestyle. Pursuing your health career in Tasmania’s public health system means building solid connections with colleagues and patients. It also means embracing a lifestyle where you can enjoy extraordinary experiences outside of work while making a significant impact on the community during work.

Details of appointment

Fixed term, casual, day worker position working as and when required, commencing as soon as possible for approximately 24 months.

- Notwithstanding hours to be negotiated with the successful applicant.

Applicants should note that, for a period of twelve months from the date of publication, this selection process may be used to fill subsequent or similar full time, part time, and casual vacancies.

Salary

$131,122 to $138,984 per annum (Pro rata). Our Employer 12% superannuation contribution is on top of this amount.





- Salary range is in accordance with Allied Health Professionals Public Sector Union Wages Agreement 2025.

Allowances

- Please note that access to salaries beyond $135,445 is subject to qualifications and/or application to the personal upgrade scheme.

In addition, the following allowances calculated on the salaried incremental point may be available:

- Professional Development Allowance of up to $1200 per annum, paid on a fortnightly, pro rata basis.

Benefits available to eligible candidates

- Professional development and accelerated pathways.
- A range of leave entitlements, including study leave and Professional Development Support.
- Fitness Passport – You, and you’s family can access 40+ fitness facilities across Tasmania for just $14.50 per week per person, or $28.05 for a family.

Eligibility

- Satisfactory completion of an appropriate course of study from a recognised tertiary institution.
- appropriate course of study - Postgraduate qualification in epidemiology or biostatistics or a postgraduate qualification in Public Health.

Applicants should note the following criteria are desirable:

- Experience in notifiable disease surveillance and reporting.

Statement of Duties

525172, 501049, 525959 Lead Epidemiologist HP04 (Oct 2026).docx

Application Guide

- Applicant Guide.docx

Contact Person

Name: Michelle Harlock

Position: A/Manager - Epidemiology and Surveillance

Phone number: 0448 323 939

Email address: [email protected]

What it is like working at the Department of Health?

Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence are the key values to work in Department of Health. List

📌 Lead Epidemiologist (Hobart)
🏢 Department of Health, Tasmania
📍 Hobart