POSITION DESCRIPTION

Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Melbourne School of Population and Global Health
Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences

Position No 0064262

Classification Level A

Work Focus Category Research support

Salary $83,468 - $113,262 p.a. (pro rata for part-time)

Superannuation Employer contribution of 17%

Working Hours Part-time (0.2 FTE)

Basis of Employment Fixed term for 2 years

Other Benefits https://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/staff-benefits

How to Apply Online applications are preferred. Go to

http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers, select the relevant option
(‘Current Opportunities’ or ‘Jobs available to current staff’), then
find the position by title or number.

Contact Dr Freya Shearer

For enquiries only
Email: freya.shearer@unimelb.edu.au

For information about working for the University of Melbourne, visit our website:
about.unimelb.edu.au/careers

Date Created: 01/10/2024 Last Reviewed: 01/10/2024 Next Review Due: dd/mm/yyyy

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Position number 0064262 The University of Melbourne

Acknowledgement of Country
The University of Melbourne acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the unceded land on
which we work, learn and live: the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong peoples (Burnley,
Fishermans Bend, Parkville, Southbank and Werribee campuses), the Yorta Yorta Nation
(Dookie and Shepparton campuses), and the Dja Dja Wurrung people (Creswick campus).
The University also acknowledges and is grateful to the Traditional Owners, Elders and
Knowledge Holders of all Indigenous nations and clans who have been instrumental in our
reconciliation journey.
We recognise the unique place held by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the
original owners and custodians of the lands and waterways across the Australian continent, with
histories of continuous connection dating back more than 60,000 years. We also acknowledge
their enduring cultural practices of caring for Country.

We pay respect to Elders past, present and future, and acknowledge the importance of
Indigenous knowledge in the Academy. As a community of researchers, teachers, professional
staff and students we are privileged to work and learn every day with Indigenous colleagues
and partners

Position Summary
Overview
A research assistant is required to support the Australian Centre for Epidemic Forecasting and
Analytics (ACEFA) by providing technical support for the newly established Australian
Forecasting Hub and the Scenario Modelling Hub. ACEFA’s purpose is to support the timely,
effective response to epidemic diseases in Australia through real-time data analytics, modelling,
and forecasting.

The appointee will be based within the Infectious Disease Dynamics Unit of the Melbourne
School of Population and Global Health and will report to the Director of ACEFA. As a member
of the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health’s team, the appointee will be expected
to support the broad ethos of the School and the School’s compliance with University policies
and procedures, including environmental health and safety.

We invest in developing the careers and wellbeing of our students and staff and expect all our
leaders to live our values of:

 Collaboration and teamwork

 Compassion

 Respect
 Integrity

 Accountability
Australian Epidemic Forecasting and Scenario Modelling Hubs
ACEFA is establishing two new national initiatives to help situate model-based evidence within
public health decision-making processes: Australia’s first-ever epidemic Forecasting and
Scenario Modelling Hubs.

The state-of-the-art use of epidemic forecasts and scenario analysis for policy is to elicit
predictions from multiple (independent) modelling teams. Multi-model efforts are valuable
because they capture uncertainty in possible outcomes, and they can help to identify key drivers
of that uncertainty, supporting better decisions. Multi-model forecasts have been shown to

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Position number 0064262 The University of Melbourne

consistently outperform any individual component model. They have been successfully used
during outbreaks of many diseases including COVID-19, Ebola, dengue, and influenza.

While the value of multi-model efforts is demonstrable, significant coordination of modelling

teams, data custodians, and public health partners is required for the generation of timely and
high-quality evidence to decision-makers. Hubs provide the necessary leadership, coordination,
and operational structure for successful multi-model analysis. They function as focal point for
expertise while simultaneously harnessing insights from a diverse network of scientists.

Model-based evidence can be generated over a range of timescales. Forecasting involves

predicting the short-term trajectory of an epidemic, generally with a time horizon of days to
weeks. Scenario modelling involves projecting the benefits of different intervention strategies
(i.e., “what if” scenarios), with a typical horizon in the order of months or years.

i. The Forecasting Hub will generate multi-model forecasts of disease burden to support
situational awareness and policy decisions over the short-term.

ii. The Scenario Modelling Hub will generate multi-model projections of disease burden to
support medium to long-term infectious disease management decisions.

1. Key Responsibilities
The appointee will be required to:

 Data processing and visualization

 Support data storage and management
 Support stakeholder liaison
 Support project management (e.g., take notes in meetings, prepare and circulate
meeting agendas)
 Write R code (using version control) to support Hub activities (e.g. script to check
that forecast trajectories submitted by forecasting teams meet reporting criteria)
 Manage (quarto) dashboard and website
 Other tasks as they arise

2. Selection Criteria

2.1 ESSENTIAL
 Programming skills

 Bachelor's degree in quantitative relevant area (e.g., mathematics, computer science,

physics, biology, chemistry)

 Excellent written and verbal communication skills

 Excellent organizational skills including ability to meet deadlines

 Experience working independently and as part of a team

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Position number 0064262 The University of Melbourne

2.2 DESIRABLE
 Familiarity with version control software (e.g., Git) and Github

 Experience programming in R

 Experience working with data, particularly health data or other sensitive data types

 Experience using remote desktops and cloud computing

2.3 OTHER JOB-RELATED INFORMATION

This position requires the incumbent hold a current and valid Working with Children
Check. The University of Melbourne is dedicated to safeguarding the welfare of all community
members, especially those most vulnerable. As part of our commitment to child safety and in
line with the Victorian Child Safe Standards, this position will be required to hold a valid
Employee WWCC, regardless of where in the University an employee may work or what work
they do.

3. Equal Opportunity, Diversity and Inclusion

The University is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free
from all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, bullying, vilification and victimisation. The
University makes decisions on employment, promotion, and reward on the basis of merit.

The University is committed to all aspects of equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion in the
workplace and to providing all staff, students, contractors, honorary appointees, volunteers and
visitors with a safe, respectful and rewarding environment free from all forms of unlawful
discrimination, harassment, vilification and victimisation. This commitment is set out in the
Advancing Melbourne strategy that addresses diversity and inclusion, equal employment
opportunity, discrimination, sexual harassment, bullying and appropriate workplace behaviour.
All staff are required to comply with all University policies.
The University values diversity because we recognise that the differences in our people’s age,
race, ethnicity, culture, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, physical ability and background
bring richness to our work environment. Consequently, the People Strategy sets out the
strategic aim to drive diversity and inclusion across the University to create an environment
where the compounding benefits of a diverse workforce are recognised as vital in our
continuous desire to strive for excellence and reach the targets of Advancing Melbourne.

4. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)

All staff are required to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of other
personnel who may be affected by their conduct.

OHS responsibilities applicable to positions are published at:

http://safety.unimelb.edu.au/topics/responsibilities/

These include general staff responsibilities and those additional responsibilities that apply for
Managers and Supervisors and other Personnel.

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5. Other Information

5.1 INFECTIOUS DISEASE DYNAMICS UNIT, CENTRE FOR

EPIDEMIOLOGY AND BIOSTATISTICS

The Infectious Disease Dynamics Unit at the Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics
conducts research in mathematical epidemiology and Bayesian statistical methods for
infectious disease analytics, infectious disease surveillance, decision-science and pandemic
planning and response. The unit is a key node in the Parkville precinct-wide infectious disease
modelling and analytics network. Staff and students work closely with colleagues in the School
of Mathematics and Statistics, School of Computing and Information Systems and the Peter
Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity. The unit is led by Dr Freya Shearer, and supports
5 research staff based in the unit, and additional post-doctoral staff and graduate research
students primarily based in the School of Mathematics and Statistics. The unit has a national
leadership role in viral respiratory disease surveillance, influenza and COVID-19 forecasting
and pandemic planning and response. It has led Australia’s national COVID-19 situational
assessment consortium, providing expert advice to peak national committees such as the
Australian Health Protection Principal Committee and Communicable Disease Network of
Australia since January 2020.

5.2 C E N T R E FOR E P I D E M I O L O G Y AND BIO ST A T I S T I C S

The Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics (http://mspgh.unimelb.edu.au/centres-

institutes/centre-for-epidemiology-and-biostatistics) is one of four Centres and an Institute that
comprise the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health.
Our Centre's units include:

i) Allergy and Lung Health

ii) Twins Research Australia

iii) Biostatistics

iv) Breast Cancer

v) Colorectal Cancer
vi) Indigenous Epidemiology and Health

vii) Population Interventions

viii) Infectious Disease Dynamics

ix) Sexual Health

x) Neuroepidemiology

xi) Malaria and Infectious Disease Epidemiology

xii) Teaching and Learning

The Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics is at the forefront of a preventive health
revolution. Big data, changing infectious diseases patterns and multi-disciplinary collaborations
are transforming the ways public health disciplines are researched and taught. Our Centre aims
to be a leader in this evolving environment.

Epidemiology and biostatistics provide solutions to global public health challenges that demand
multi-disciplinary responses. Our Centre's approach to research, teaching, and research training
reflects this reality. We combine deep expertise with a broad range and reach – through our

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Position number 0064262 The University of Melbourne

nine units, and our active links to other renowned institutions. This ensures our researchers and
graduates are ready to contribute to preventing and alleviating the world's common, debilitating
and burdensome health issues.

5.3 THE M E L B O U R N E S C H O O L OF PO PUL AT ION AND GL OB AL HEALTH

www.mspgh.unimelb.edu.ai
The Melbourne School of Population and Global Health (MSPGH) is a respected leader in the
field of public health education, research and knowledge exchange.

MSPGH was established in 2001 as the first school of its kind in Australia with a vision to make
a difference in the population and public health sphere - building on the substantial assets of our
University to advance public health in communities nationally and internationally - with a strong
focus on Indigenous peoples.
Since its inception, the School has grown rapidly in size, scope and reputation and has
consistently attracted leading academics and researchers who bring globally leading skills,
insights and expertise. We continue to attract increasing levels of competitive funding from
governments and from a range of renowned philanthropic organisations and individuals.

The quality of MSPGH research is confirmed by the Academic Ranking of World Universities
within which the University of Melbourne maintains its place as the top-ranked Australian
university. The ARWU Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023 placed the University 16th in
the world for Public Health and first in Australia. Our researchers regularly have work published
in prestigious titles including The Lancet, Nature, The New England Journal of Medicine and the
JAMA. The School is strongly engaged internationally with key collaborations including the
World Health Organization, Grand Challenges Canada, the Shanghai Centre for Disease
Control, the Pasteur Institute and Department of Health in Vietnam, the Public Health
Foundation of India and the International Association for Suicide Prevention.

The School has almost 1,000 students enrolled in graduate programs. The flagship Master of
Public Health degree forms the core of a strong teaching program alongside the Major in Public
Health and Epidemiology in the Bachelor of Biomedicine and the Master of Biostatistics as well
as other undergraduate teaching and a suite of specialist postgraduate coursework degrees
across Epidemiology, Health Economics, Health Informatics, Climate Change and Health,
Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Gerontology, and Sexual Health. These programs and the
School’s extensive cohort of graduate research students make a substantial contribution to
training the next generations of public health specialists and researchers nationally and
internationally.

The School comprises five Centres, two Institutes, and one Lab that focus on key areas of
population and global health that are relevant now and will have tangible impacts on the health
of national and international communities into the future. These are:
 Centre for Epidemiology & Biostatistics
 Centre for Health Equity
 Centre for Health Policy
 Centre for Mental Health and Community Wellbeing
 Onemda: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing
 Melbourne Disability Institute
 Nossal Institute for Global Health
 The Climate CATCH Lab

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Position number 0064262 The University of Melbourne

5.4 FACULTY OF MEDICINE, DENTISTRY AND HEALTH SCIENCES

www.mdhs.unimelb.edu.au
The Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences has an enviable research record and is
the University of Melbourne’s largest faculty in terms of management of financial resources,
employment of academic and professional staff, teaching of undergraduate and postgraduate
(including research higher degree) students and the conduct of basic and applied research. The
Faculty’s annual revenue is $628m with approximately 55% of this income related to research
activities.
The Faculty has a student teaching load in excess of 8,500 equivalent full-time students
including more than 1,300 research higher degree students. The Faculty has approximately
2,195 staff comprising 642 professional staff and 1,553 research and teaching staff.
The Faculty has appointed Australia’s first Associate Dean (Indigenous Development) to lead
the development and implementation of the Faculty’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which
will be aligned with the broader University – wide plan. To enable the Faculty to improve its
Indigenous expertise knowledge base, the Faculty’s RAP will address Indigenous employment,
Indigenous student recruitment and retention, Indigenous cultural recognition and building
partnerships with the Indigenous community as key areas of development.

5.5 THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE

Established in 1853, the University of Melbourne is a leading international university with a

tradition of excellence in teaching and research. The main campus in Parkville is recognised as
the hub of Australia’s premier knowledge precinct comprising eight hospitals, many leading
research institutes and a wide-range of knowledge-based industries. With outstanding
performance in international rankings, the University is at the forefront of higher education in the
Asia-Pacific region and the world.

The University employs people of outstanding calibre and offers a unique environment where
staff are valued and rewarded.

Further information about working at The University of Melbourne is available at

http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers

5.6 ADVANCING MELBOURNE

The University’s strategic direction is grounded in its purpose. While its expression may change,
our purpose is enduring: to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and
research. Together, the vision and purpose inform the focus and scale of our aspirations for the
coming decade.

Advancing Melbourne reflects the University’s commitment to its people, its place, and its
partners. Our aspiration for 2030 is to be known as a world-leading and globally connected
Australian university, with our students at the heart of everything we do.
 We will offer students a distinctive and outstanding education and experience,
preparing them for success as leaders, change agents and global citizens.
 We will be recognised locally and globally for our leadership on matters of national
and global importance, through outstanding research and scholarship and a
commitment to collaboration.
 We will be empowered by our sense of place and connections with communities. We
will take opportunities to advance both the University and the City of Melbourne in
close collaboration and synergy.

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 We will deliver this through building a brilliant, diverse and vibrant University
community, with strong connections to those we serve.
The means for achieving these goals include the development of the University of Melbourne’s
academic and professional staff and the capabilities needed to support a modern, world-class
university. Those means require a commitment to ongoing financial sustainability and an
ambitious infrastructure program which will reshape the campus and our contribution to the
communities we engage with. This strategy, and the priorities proposed, is centred around five
intersecting themes; place, community, education, discovery and global.

5.7 GOVERNANCE

The Vice Chancellor is the Chief Executive Officer of the University and responsible to Council
for the good management of the University.

Comprehensive information about the University of Melbourne and its governance structure is
available at http://www.unimelb.edu.au/governance

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