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 interpretating 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.

Note: - Please refer to the Statement of Duties for all the selection criteria of this position to address in your application.

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 strong 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 your family can access 40+ fitness facilities across Tasmania for just $14.50 per week per person, or $28.05 for a family.

More information about our Employee Benefits can be found here

Eligibility

Successful applicants will be required to meet the essential criteria.

• 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.

Note: - Please refer to the Application Guide for more information of pre-employment check.

Download the Statement of Duties and any Associated Documents

We encourage you to review the Statement of Duties, Applicant Guide, prior to applying for an overview of the duties, program, selection process and application guidance.

Statement of Duties:  

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

Application Guide:  

• Applicant Guide.docx

How to apply

Apply Online. Please click the "Apply" button on this screen to ensure that important questions about you are answered.

You will be prompted to complete a 1-2 page application detailing your experience, skills and knowledge as they relate to the attached Statement of Duties. A separate statement addressing the selection criteria in the Statement of Duties is not required.

*applications from Recruitment agencies will not be accepted for this role

For more information

Applicants who require further information are encouraged to contact the Contact person for detailed information about the vacancy.

Name: Michelle Harlock
Position: A/Manager - Epidemiology and Surveillance
Phone number: 0448 323 939
Email address: michelle.harlock@health.tas.gov.au

What it is like working at the Department of Health?

Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence are the key values to work in Department of Health. Listen to some of the lived experiences from within the department through some of our wonderful staff and hear about their journey in relocating to Tasmania!

Move to Tasmania | Tasmanian

One Health Podcast - Spotify 

One Health Podcast - Apple 

Tasmanian Health Careers | Tasmanian 

Department of Health has achieved the “Carer Accredited Employer Status” providing support to employees with caring responsibilities. (Find out more under the Carer Recognition Act 2023).

Respecting diversity is the foundation of everything that Department of Health do. This allows us to instil trust and collaborate through honest and fair communication and helps cultivate an environment of growth and innovation. We strongly encourage applicants from key communities including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, LGBTIQA+ people, and people living with disabilities.