Project Description

The growing emphasis on evidence-based public health, and the collection of vast amounts of increasingly complex health data, have resulted in an increasing need for high-level biostatistical skills within the public health workforce. In recognition of this need, the NSW Ministry of Health has established the NSW Biostatistics Training Program.
The three year workplace based training program offers supervised on-the-job learning for people who have completed undergraduate study in statistics and are committed to a career in biostatistics. Trainee Biostatisticians rotate through a series of work placements throughout the NSW health system, and undertake a Master of Biostatistics degree at the University of Sydney part-time through distance learning.
The work placements provide opportunities to develop biostatistical skills and professional networks, while addressing strategic and operational priorities of the NSW health system.
The Ministry pays course fees associated with the Master of Biostatistics and Trainees are able to access study leave.

Traineeships are awarded through a competitive merit selection process. Successful applicants are offered temporary full-time employment as a Trainee Biostatistician for a three year period.

Conditions of Employment

Trainee Biostatisticians are temporary full-time employees of the NSW Ministry of Health, appointed under Section 43 (1) (b) of the Government Sector Employment Act 2013. Appointments are renewable annually, subject to satisfactory performance.

Salary

Trainee Biostatisticians are paid in the range $85,868 to $95,050 per annum. Trainee Biostatisticians usually commence on the lowest salary rate and receive a salary increase upon the satisfactory completion of each year of employment. No review of salary can be undertaken once a Trainee Biostatistician has commenced duty.

Eligibility

In order to be eligible for a traineeship, applicants are required to have successfully completed an honours degree majoring in statistics, or an equivalent qualification, have an aptitude for advanced mathematical work, a high level knowledge of statistical concepts and methods, and extensive experience in the use of statistical software packages.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate competence in a number of capabilities outlined in the NSW Public Sector Capability Framework including displaying resilience and courage, effective communication, ability to work collaboratively, influencing and negotiation, delivering results, and thinking and problem solving, and must hold a work visa that gives them permission to work in Australia for the duration of the traineeship.

Competency Based Learning

The Training Program addresses core competencies, in the areas of:
  • Biostatistical methods and study design
  • Data management and analysis
  • Professional Practice
  • Communication
  • Management

Career Outcomes

The Training Program provides a career path for biostatisticians working in public health by bridging the gap between academic studies and development as a professional biostatistician.

Upon graduation, Trainees will have completed the necessary requirements for the Master of Biostatistics and will have three years’ work experience as a Biostatistician. The Training Program provides a broad training that enables graduates to subsequently apply their biostatistical expertise to many different spheres of public health practice. Graduates will be able to work as Biostatisticians in a range of public health services, research, development, policy and planning positions.