Genomic Epidemiologist

NSW Health; Sydney; On-site; AUD 96,000 - 109,000; Part time

Job summary

NSW Health seeks a Lead Genomic Epidemiologist to advance genomic surveillance at Westmead Hospital and translate pathogen genomics into real-world public health action. You will work across CIDM-PH, HPNSW and the NSW public health network to turn emerging genomic technologies into practical tools for population health, outbreak detection and response.

The role requires postgraduate qualifications, extensive public health experience, and strong data and communication skills; it is a temporary

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification in public health or epidemiology.
• Extensive experience in public health including surveillance.
• High-level expertise in epidemiological methods.
• Proficient in data collection, analysis and reporting.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience translating genomic data to public health action.

Responsibilities

• Lead evaluation and translation of whole genome sequencing into public health practice.
• Assess effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of WGS for surveillance.
• Identify barriers to implementing pathogen WGS and translate findings into recommendations.
• Lead research activities including study design, ethics approvals, data analysis, and publication.
• Build genomic surveillance capability through statewide education and engagement.
• Provide expert advice to integrate genomic data into public health systems.

Skills

Postgrad in Public Health

Epidemiology experience

Public health surveillance

Statistical analysis

Education

Postgraduate qualification in Public Health or Epidemiology

Tools

SAS

EpiInfo

Access

Job description

• Shape the future of genomic surveillance across NSW
• Translate pathogen genomics into real-world public health action
• Build capability across infectious diseases and outbreak response

Lead genomic epidemiology into practice and help transform how NSW detects, investigates and responds to infectious disease threats.

Employment Type: Temporary Part Time (up to 12 months)
Position Classification: Health Manager Level 3
Remuneration: $69.35 - $78.79 per hour
Hours Per Week: 32
Location: Westmead Hospital

Where you'll be working

Located at Westmead Hospital, you'll join a collaborative public health and infectious diseases environment at the intersection of epidemiology, genomics, microbiology and health protection. Working across the Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology – Public Health (CIDM-PH), Health Protection NSW (HPNSW) and the broader NSW public health network, you'll help turn emerging genomic technologies into practical tools for population health.

• Work at the forefront of pathogen genomics and genomic epidemiology within NSW Health.
• Collaborate with epidemiologists, microbiologists, clinicians and public health professionals across NSW.
• Contribute to statewide initiatives spanning Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
• Help strengthen genomic surveillance capability and knowledge across the NSW public health network.
• Work in a purpose-driven environment where evidence, collaboration and innovation support better public health outcomes.

What you'll be doing

You will lead the evaluation and translation of whole genome sequencing (WGS) into public health practice, using epidemiological evidence to improve outbreak detection, surveillance and response.

• Evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of WGS for infectious disease surveillance, outbreak control and antimicrobial resistance detection.
• Identify barriers and enablers to implementing pathogen WGS and genomic surveillance, translating findings into practical recommendations for NSW and Australia.
• Lead research activities including study design, ethical approvals, data analysis and publication of project findings.
• Build genomic surveillance capability through statewide education, training, stakeholder engagement and knowledge sharing.
• Provide expert advice and strategic support to integrate genomic data into public health surveillance systems and inform senior health decision-makers.

Make a difference through your expertise

Turn genomic epidemiology into meaningful public health action. Join NSW Health to strengthen infectious disease surveillance across NSW.

• Appropriate post graduate qualifications in public health or epidemiology or equivalent or relevant experience and record of achievement advising, monitoring and reporting on communicable diseases.
• Extensive experience in public health including demonstrated expert knowledge of communicable disease surveillance, prevention and control.
• High-level technical expertise in epidemiological methods and demonstrated experience in the application of these methods to public health practice.
• Highly computer literate including demonstrated knowledge of data collection and analytical software, such as SAS, EPIINFO and Access or similar.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare and analyse data, including laboratory notification data, using appropriate statistical methods, and prepare high quality epidemiological reports.
• High level consultation and negotiation skills, in order to effectively manage and influence interactions with key internal and external partners.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including experience in scientific writing for publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Requisition ID: REQ694181
Applications Close: 7 October 2026

People with disabilities who meet the selection criteria are encouraged to apply; and where required, WSLHD will implement reasonable adjustment consistent with industry standard.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply. Stepping Up aims to assist Aboriginal job applicants by providing information about applying for roles in NSW Health organisations. For more information, please visit https://www.steppingup.health.nsw.gov.au/

Westmead Hospital car parking allocation model is changing. There is a waitlist for parking for new staff commencing at Westmead Hospital. This does not apply for staff with disability.

Please note: In accordance with NSW Health policy, priority will be given to Australian citizens and permanent residents. A person who is not an Australian citizen or permanent resident is only eligible for temporary employment for a period not longer than the duration of their current visa or the advertised position.