Senior Research Officer

The Australian Council on Smoking and Health (ACOSH) is Australia’s leading tobacco control advocacy organisation. We are an independent non-government coalition of 33 prominent health, education, community, social service and research bodies from around Australia. Our goal is to create a tobacco and vape-free Australia.

ACOSH is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Research Officer to lead research efforts and provide strategic guidance on tobacco control issues. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to shaping public health policy, conducting cutting-edge research into tobacco industry interference, and driving meaningful change in tobacco control efforts. The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing ACOSH's goal through research collaboration and evidence-based advocacy.

ACOSH staff benefits include:

• Additional leave over Christmas: ACOSH has a one-week mandatory shutdown period between Christmas and New Year which is afforded to all employees in addition to the standard 4-week annual leave entitlement. 
• ACOSH embraces diverse schedules and fosters a culture of trust, autonomy, and work-life balance. 
• Flexible work options and hybrid working.
• Modern, spacious offices with sit-to-stand desks.
• Save on tax and increase your take home pay by salary packaging up to $15,899 of Living Expenses and up to $2,650 on Entertainment Benefits each FBT year.

JOB TITLE: Senior Research Officer

JOB TYPE: Part-time [0.6FTE]

LOCATION: 334 Rokeby Rd, Subiaco WA 6008

SUPERVISOR/MANAGER: Director Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement

SALARY: $72,000 [FTE = $120,000]

• Coordination of research efforts by the organisation, including:
  1. Undertaking research
  2. Commissioning research 
  3. Collaborating and partnering with other institutions on research projects
• Leading research translation strategies in the tobacco control field
• Maintaining knowledge of existing global tobacco industry initiatives and strategies and identify opportunities to investigate and expose industry interference.
• Assist the Director in the develop of submissions around current tobacco control issues, e.g. legislative control of tobacco products, advertising of tobacco products, pricing of tobacco products, reducing the number of retail outlets for tobacco products, and smoking in public places specifically including:
  1. Reviewing literature relevant to the issue
  2. Providing evidence to input into written submissions, with correct referencing
  3. Identify and interpret sources of data/statistics
• Generate advocacy approaches in collaboration with key stakeholders to address public health issues related to e-cigarettes and novel nicotine products.
• Engage in strategic translation strategies to support policy outcomes
• Identify opportunities for policy-relevant research and coordinate it through collaboration with academic bodies.
• Represent the organisation on research projects and at public speaking engagements.

1. Higher level research qualification (e.g. PhD) or equivalent work experience in public health or a closely related discipline.
2. Experience in coordinating, leading or managing research projects in public health or a closely related discipline.
3. Experience in effectively communicating health-related research to a range of audiences.
4. Proven experience in planning, implementing and evaluating public health advocacy strategies. 
5. Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to develop and maintain effective partnerships with stakeholders from a range of backgrounds.
6. High level written and oral communication skills, including experience in conducting literature reviews, and delivery of oral presentations.
7. High level of organisation and an ability to work independently and meet deadlines. 
8. Ability to be assertive, creative, flexible and provide sound strategic judgement.
9. Experience and proficiency in using referencing software (e.g. Endnote, Mendeley), and statistical programming such as NVivo. 
10. Non-smoker and non-vaper.

1. Knowledge of tobacco control issues and priorities.
2. An understanding of the Australian political, legislative and judicial systems and ability to assess issues in the political, economic and social environments.
3. Understanding of health promotion issues, methods and priorities.

Applicants should send a cover letter addressing the criteria for the role, and a copy of their current CV (including two referees).

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible, as the shortlisting process will commence once we identify strong candidates. 

Please contact Laura Hunter, Chief Executive Officer, at *******@acosh.org with any questions.