Research Officer (EPIWATCH Analyst)- Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute

About The Kirby Institute:

The Kirby Institute is a world-leading health research institute at UNSW Sydney. We work to eliminate infectious diseases, globally. Our specialisation is in developing health solutions for the most at-risk communities. Putting communities at the heart of our research, we develop tests, treatments, cures and prevention strategies that have the greatest chance of success.

Why Your Role Matters:

The Research Officer (EPIWATCH Analyst) will assist in Natural Language Processing, prompt engineering and evaluation of output from infectious diseases-related large language models for automation within EPIWATCH®, an early warning system for epidemics. This will involve iterative improvement of prompts given to the large-language models (e.g. GPT-4) based on systematic evaluation of output run on articles collected by EPIWATCH®. Areas of evaluation will include named entity recognition, relational extraction, and summarisation.

This position is within the Biosecurity Program and reports to Professor Raina MacIntyre. This position has no direct reports.

Skills and Experience:

A university degree in computer science, software engineering, machine learning or Natural Language Processing (NLP).
Minimum 12 months full time experience with GPT4 Large Language Model (LLM) prompt engineering and natural language processing.
Demonstrated experience in collecting, evaluating, interpreting, and synthesising textual health-related data from large language models.
Minimum 12 months full time experience working with infectious diseases surveillance systems or open-source infectious diseases data. Experience with EPIWATCH® desirable.
Experience in agile development, daily sprints and use of Git.
Experience working with a range of computer systems and applications, including word processing, presentations (PowerPoint), online interfaces (application and submission forms etc.), graphical display and spreadsheets (Excel).
Demonstrated superior interpersonal communication skills to initiate and maintain effective stakeholder relationships whilst exercising discretion and confidentiality.
Excellent time management skills, with a demonstrated ability to respond to changing priorities, manage multiple tasks and meet competing deadlines by using judgement and initiative.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of attention to detail and the ability to liaise effectively with a range of stakeholders.
An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
Knowledge of health & safety (psychosocial and physical) responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

Benefits and Culture:

UNSW offer a competitive salary and access to a plethora of UNSW-perks including:

17% Superannuation and leave loading
Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period
Access to lifelong learning and career development
Progressive HR practices

More information on the great staff benefits and culture can be found here

How to Apply:

To be considered for this role, your application must include a document addressing the Selection Criteria which are outlined in the “Skills and Experience” section of the position description). Applications that do not address these selection criteria will not be considered.

Please click Apply now to submit your application online. Applications submitted via email will not be accepted.

Get in Touch (for job related queries only – applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed):

Aarti: Talent Acquisition Coordinator

E: a.aarti@unsw.edu.au

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

The Kirby Institute

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Research Officer (EPIWATCH Analyst)- Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute