Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists study causes and patterns of disease and other negative health outcomes in humans and animals. They develop ways to detect and control outbreaks of infectious diseases.

Also known as

Public health advisor, public health analyst, epidemiology analyst, veterinary epidemiologist, epidemiology adviser, quarantine scientist

Work environment

  • Usually work regular business hours but may work long or irregular hours and be on call
  • Usually work in offices and laboratories and may travel
  • Need to be methodical, work well under pressure and identify and solve problems

Salary information

MOST COMMON
UPPER
LOWER
$87K-$205K 87000

Typical tasks

  • Study diseases and health outcomes
  • Plan biological research
  • Lead medical science or health care programmes
  • Share information with government agencies
  • Prepare reports and presentations
  • Create standards for work processes and medical care
  • Guide scientists and health staff
  • Research diseases and parasites

Outlook

Epidemiology remains important for understanding and preventing infectious diseases, long-term health conditions and health inequities. Lessons from recent global outbreaks have strengthened interest in disease surveillance, data sharing and preparedness. In New Zealand, public-health planning increasingly uses timely data to identify risks and guide action. New tools, including genomic data and advanced data analysis, are expanding what can be studied while increasing the need for careful privacy protection.

What employers and industry want in graduates

  • Strong ability in statistics, data analysis and scientific research
  • Careful attention to accuracy, ethics and privacy
  • Ability to interpret health data and identify meaningful patterns
  • Clear writing and communication for health professionals and the public
  • Understanding of health equity and diverse community needs
  • Ability to work collaboratively across public health and research teams

AUT programmes

The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.

Further study options

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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.