Disease prevention focus creating demand for epidemiologists
Demand for epidemiologists is expected to increase because of a growing focus on reducing the risk of ill health and disease in the New Zealand population.
It is recognised that health inequalities contribute to chronic (long-term) disease, and by analysing health data of specific groups, epidemiologists enable targeted health interventions.
COVID-19 highlights epidemiology
As epidemiologists have played a significant role in helping control the COVID-19 outbreak, demand for epidemiologists is likely to continue.
Through Budget 2020 and the COVID Response and Recovery Fund the Government is investing over $400 million in science and innovation over four years. This is expected to create further opportunities for epidemiologists.
The funding will assist epidemiologists working in other areas including:
- water and environmental monitoring
- food safety
- new foods
- vaccines (for diseases other than COVID-19)
- biofuel production.
Applied public health experience valuable
The expanding number of public health Master’s degree programmes has led to more graduates with epidemiology qualifications and more competition for jobs in some areas.
However, experience in an applied public health setting, for example at the Ministry of Health or a public health unit, will allow you to gain analytical skills valued by many employers.
Types of employers varied
Epidemiologists may work for:
- public health units
- the Ministry of Health
- Crown research institutes (CRIs)
- universities
- medical and veterinary laboratories
- hospitals
- commercial science laboratories
- private research institutes.
