Senior Research Fellow at The Kids Research Institute Australia

Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

12 Apr, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

12 Jan, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Research Leadership, Data Integration, Policy Evaluation, Stakeholder Engagement, Ethics Compliance, Governance Frameworks, NGO Service Delivery, Multidisciplinary Projects, Communication Skills, Peer-Reviewed Publications, Funding Proposals, Mentoring, Data Linkage, Privacy Frameworks, Longitudinal Data, Mixed-Methods Research

Industry

Research Services

Description

The Opportunity The ARC Life Course Centre has played a leading role in shaping administrative data access in Australia through its Data for Policy initiative since 2014. We are seeking a Senior Research Fellow to lead research and engagement within the Data for Policy Portfolio, using linked administrative data to inform evidence-based policy and service improvement. The role will focus on developing guidelines and methods to integrate NGO service data into Australia’s linked data ecosystem, enabling high-quality research and evaluation of NGO-delivered services. Working with government, NGO, philanthropic and academic partners, this position offers the opportunity to influence policy and improve outcomes for disadvantaged Australians. Some of key responsibilities will include: Lead and deliver research projects focused on administrative and NGO data integration to inform policy and service improvement. Develop and manage NGO data integration guidelines, linkage strategies and associated governance frameworks. Prepare competitive research funding proposals, including Category 1 grants, and oversee project progress, risks and deliverables. Ensure compliance with ethics, privacy, data governance and security requirements. Publish high-quality peer-reviewed research and translate findings into actionable policy and service recommendations. Build and maintain strong partnerships with government, NGOs, philanthropic organisations and academic collaborators, representing the Centre at key forums. Provide strategic leadership to data integration initiatives, mentoring and supporting a small research team while fostering an inclusive, high-performing culture. Based at our offices in Nedlands, this is a full-time role until December 2027, with the possibility of extension. About You PhD (or equivalent experience) in social science, economics, public health, data science or a related discipline. Demonstrated expertise in administrative data research and policy evaluation. Experience with data linkage, governance and privacy frameworks. Strong understanding of NGO service delivery and evaluation. Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary research projects. High-level written and verbal communication and stakeholder engagement skills. Track record of peer-reviewed publications and research funding success. Desirable Experience with longitudinal data and mixed-methods research. Familiarity with the Australian human services and policy environment. At The Kids Research Institute Australia, we are committed to building a workplace culture that reflects the communities we serve. We actively recruit, support and welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ people, people of all ages, and those with diverse lived experiences. We also provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive. If you meet many, but not all, of the role requirements, we encourage you to apply. We also welcome you to mention any career breaks in your cover letter to help us understand your journey. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in how we: Support staff-led inclusion and allyship groups. Offer flexible work practices that recognise different needs and life stages. Provide training, development and mentoring opportunities to increase inclusive leadership and create an environment where all staff can thrive. Partner with communities to strength cultural awareness and belonging. Ensure adjustments and accessible practices are available for diverse community groups. We continually strive to measure our progress and improve where we can. Alongside our inclusive culture, you’ll enjoy: Extra annual leave at Christmas and Easter. Salary packaging and entertainment benefits. Health and wellbeing programs with weekly events. Flexible and hybrid working options. Recognition and professional development opportunities, including LinkedIn Learning. Modern offices with sit-to-stand desks and end-of-trip facilities. Staff discounts on travel, IT, stationery, and access to corporate health insurance. How to Apply If this role feels like the right fit and an exciting new opportunity for you, please click on 'Apply Now' to visit our Career Site, view the Job Description, and submit your application. Please include a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) that specifically addresses the skills and experience outlined in the “About You” section. Applications will only be accepted through our career portal. If you are experiencing technical difficulties or require reasonable accommodations in completing your application, please contact recruitment@thekids.org.au. Click here for the Job Description Contact Name: Johanna Rewa and Kate Erceg Contact Email: johanna.rewa@thekids.org.au and kate.erceg@thekids.org.au Closing Date: 02/02/2026 - We reserve the right to hire prior to the closing date. The Kids Research Institute Australia is committed to being champions of gender equity, diversity, and inclusivity. We actively encourage applications from people of all ages, nationalities, abilities, and cultures, including: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with diverse genders, sexes and sexualities and people living with disability. As such we are a proud Bronze award recipient of the first Australian Athena Swan Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) pilot program. We acknowledge that when working in environments which contribute to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people, it is imperative that Aboriginal people are at the forefront of this work. We have launched the Aboriginal Employment and Career Development Strategy to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students and researchers employed in the Institute who provide guidance and support in our work in Aboriginal health.

Responsibilities

Lead research projects focused on integrating NGO service data into Australia's linked data ecosystem. Develop guidelines and manage governance frameworks to inform policy and service improvement.