Senior Research Fellow

Who we are: 

At Torrens University Australia, making a difference is in our DNA. As a Certified B Corporation, we belong to a global community of future-focused companies using business as a force for good. We believe in the transformative power of education to change lives, families, communities – and the world. That’s why we’re on a mission to increase access to higher education, so learners from all walks of life can chase their dreams. 

A progressive university, we ground our studies in industry. Expert academics bring their insights into the classroom, with a range of assessment types that aim to be authentic and informed by industry needs. Bridging the gap between study and work, our educators prepare students for career success and connect them with future employers. Building relevant skills, experience and networks from day one, students don’t just learn about their industry, they live it. 

What’s the job? 

The primary purpose of the Senior Research Fellow position is to undertake high quality research and deliver research outputs for current research grants and contribute to attracting external funding for new projects through contributing to research grant applications. This research only position is situated within the Research Centre for Public Health, Equity and Human Flourishing (PHEHF), Torrens University Australia (TUA). The Senior Research Fellow will support the Centre Director in achieving Centre goals and contributing to the Strategic Direction of Research at Torrens University Australia.  

The goal of the Research Centre for PHEHF, Torrens University Australia is to produce world-leading research that responds to the significant public health problems of our time. In addition to understanding and developing complex solutions to health issues, we investigate strategies for preventive health and service delivery, and advocate for an equitable society. PHEHF researchers’ focus on structures and systems that hinder or destabilise human flourishing for some groups, but not others. This showcases TUA’s capability to engage in innovative, social science informed public heath scholarship with individuals/experts from a wide array of disciplinary backgrounds, sectors and expertise. Co-producing research with priority populations also underpins our broad-reaching research areas, which include:  

• Investigating complex and multi-layered interplays between the social, commercial and political determinants of health 

• Developing lay understandings of health and risk using participatory methods that can be mobilised to promote/protect health and prevent illness within social systems 

• Identifying how to improve equity of access to, use of and benefits from health and social care services, including the development of public trust and expertise 

• Generating practice and policy-ready insights that synthesise research findings into levers that can be adjusted to enable human flourishing fairly across populations.  

PHEHF’s work directly aligns with one of TUA’s 4 key strategic research themes ‘Building Healthy Solutions’ and Strategic B Corp mission to understand and improve social justice, globally. Our researchers have expertise in academic disciplines such as sociology, epidemiology, health promotion, psychology, human physiology, nutrition, anthropology, medicine, allied health, philosophy and laboratory sciences. As such, we are uniquely placed to use transdisciplinary lenses so that the 'wicked public health problems' of our time can be understood and addressed at their root cause. Our research studies benefit from complimentary designs, including qualitative methodologies, randomised controlled trials, cohort studies, cross-section designs, systematic reviews and meta-analyses. We engage communities and consumers of health care initiatives to co-produce projects and interventions for real-world impact.  

Day-to-day accountabilities: 

• Support the Centre Director in developing the research profile and academic profile of academics affiliated with the Centre 

• Maintain an active research program, produce data and research outputs set by the Centre Director and outlined in the Centre’s research plan  

• Undertake research including literature and data synthesis, and prepare high quality publications, reports, conference presentations and communications and contribute to writing and editing grant funding submissions  

• Manage administration related to research including ethics applications and reports  

• Coordinate and deliver research seminars related to research outputs within the Centre as required  

• Contribute to the development of research partnerships required to collaborate with relevant industry 

• Supervision of Masters and PhD projects and mentoring early career researchers within the Centre 

• Comply with University policies on research quality and conduct and the requirements of regulatory bodies  

This is a permanent ongoing role part time 0.6 FTE / 3 days per week (flexible with working hours). 

Location base is preferably at our Adelaide Campus  and open to other locations for the right candidate (Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane) and hybrid work arrangements. 

To be successful in this position you will have:    

• A PhD qualification in a discipline relevant to public health 

• A track record of high-quality research outputs utilising quantitative and qualitative methodologies 

• Experience in attracting external funding and be actively managing grant funded research projects involving the production of research outputs 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; evidenced by the ability to write high quality academic publications and research translation materials for diverse stakeholders and industry partners 

• Strong data management and synthesis skills  

• Proficiency in data management software packages including NVivo, SPSS, and citation software including Endnote and MS Word, Excel and Outlook and SharePoint   

• Strong attention to detail and excellent critical thinking and problem solving skills 

• Capacity to work independently and as part of a team 

Why join us?  

Bold, modern and agile, we’re Australia’s fastest-growing university going from 164 students in 2014 to 40,000+ alumni across 115+ countries and 1900 + staff today. In 2020, Australian Financial Review named us one of the country’s most innovative companies. As we continue to establish ourselves as a truly global university, we never lose sight of our student-centric approach. Supported by teams of passionate people, you’ll find opportunities for professional development and career progression.  

We are a private, for-profit university with a robust research agenda as well as social impact initiatives focused on generating research for real world impact.  

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, age, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic.  

We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for all positions.  

Our culture 

Our employees are a diverse group who want to make an impact. When you join us, we give you the freedom to be innovative, creative and courageous – with flexible working arrangements (hours and ways of working will vary from role to role) that allow you to bring your best. We’ve built a culture that celebrates community, collaboration and innovation, where people love what they do. 

What we offer: 

We support your personal passions, development and wellbeing, to make your working life a more rewarding experience. At Torrens University Australia, you’ll benefit from:  a positive workplace environment that fosters a global mindset  

• belonging to a team of researchers making a difference to society 

• building on an academic culture connected to industry and community 

• opportunities to innovate across research 

• access to internal opportunities that promote professional growth 

• flexible working arrangements.