Education level
Job area
Your role as a medical entomologist
As a medical entomologist you’ll study mosquitoes and other biting insects to help stop the spread of disease.
This includes:
- tracking the number of people with diseases spread by mosquitoes
- helping local councils control mosquitoes and health risks
- giving advice to protect the public and stop the spread of viruses and diseases.
We have full time, part time and casual roles.
What your day might look like
Our medical entomologists do a mix of field and office work.
They focus on viruses that mosquitoes carry in Queensland, such as:
- Ross River virus
- Barmah Forest virus
- dengue virus
- Japanese encephalitis virus.
You’ll start the day putting out mosquito traps in places where they like to live, like bushland spots near rivers, mangroves, wetlands, mudflats and tidal areas. These will help you find out which types are around and how many there are. You’ll give this information to local councils so they can control them and reduce the risk of disease in the community.
After checking in with your team, you’ll look at the latest data to spot any new health issues or disease outbreaks. You’ll help us understand:
- how to slow the spread of mosquito-borne disease
- what we should do in an outbreak or when we detect a new mosquito species in a new location
- how to keep people safe from mosquitoes.
A big part of the job is solving problems with other health professionals, researchers and authorities. You’ll go to towns across Queensland to meet with them and do local research and education.
You might also give advice about illnesses from other biting insects such as ticks, fleas, biting midges, lice and mites.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in science or zoology with a major or minor in entomology, insect science, biology or zoology
Professional licences
You need a Queensland pest management licence if you do pest control. Read more about this on the Queensland Health website.
Pay and benefits
Your pay rate and benefits will depend on your role and your pay point. In your first year you’ll start at health practitioner grade 3, pay point 0.
We also offer:
- regular wage increases
- a superannuation rate of 12.75%
- a supportive workplace with flexible working arrangements
- several types of leave
- salary packaging
- help with ongoing professional development costs.
If you're moving to start a new job with us, you may be able to get help with moving and travel costs.
Professional growth
You’ll develop your professional skills through:
- orientation programs for new staff
- workplace learning and coaching
- self-directed learning
- professional development and upskilling opportunities.
Career paths
Getting experience as a medical entomologist or doing more study can lead to other roles.
- Policy officer
- Health scientist
- Research leader
If you plan to do more study, ask your training provider if your past studies can count towards a higher qualification.