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 this position is to undertake research on a 3-year NHMRC Ideas grant titled “Reducing alcohol consumption through the sober curious movement”. The Research Fellow will work with a research team from Torrens University Australia (Prof Paul Ward is leading the study), La Trobe University, Monash University, the University of Auckland and Columbia University New York, including Chief Investigators, other funded researchers and PhD students. This is a 3-stage mixed-methods study: Stage 1 will include a social media analysis of alcohol-free marketing and interviews with producers; Stage 2 will include interviews with high alcohol consuming groups; Stage 3 will co-develop interventions for alcohol reduction. The study aims to understand the social worlds of drinking and the potential for sober curiosity in four 4 heavy drinking ‘case-study’ groups: 1) male construction workers, 2) hospitality sector workers, 3) LGBTQ+ women and 4) tertiary education students (university and TAFE) living in regional areas. This Research Fellow position at Torrens University will primarily be responsible for all stages of the study for ‘male construction workers’ and ‘LGBTQ+ women’ but will also be required to contribute to the other two case-study groups when required.
- Day-to-day accountabilities:
- Implement a research plan in line with the funded NHMRC research proposal (available on request)- Achieve required research outputs in line with the research budget available and as set for you by your manager and outlined in the research plan- Undertake data collection and analysis and prepare reports, presentations, communications, grant submissions and other correspondence- Manage appropriate administration related to research work- Deliver and coordinate research seminars related to individual research outputs as required- Maintain strong collaborative working partnership with all key working relationships

This is a 3-year Fixed term position. The primary Chief Investigator is in Adelaide, which would be the preferred location, but you could also be in Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane (where Torrens University has campuses).
- Who you are- Hold a PhD in an academic discipline commensurate with the study (e.g. sociology, public health, anthropology, psychology, addiction studies)- Experience undertaking independent research post-PhD- Experience collecting and analysing qualitative and quantitative data- Strong track record of research outputs in high-ranking academic journals- Experience undertaking research using some of the following methods:
- Social media analysis- Citizen Science- Qualitative interviews- Ethnography- Questionnaire surveys- Experience in obtaining competitive research grants (desirable)- Experience in non-traditional dissemination of research (desirable)
- We are not offering sponsorship for this position. Applicants must have the right to work in Australia without sponsorship.
- 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 2000 + 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 making the world a better place. We encourage meaningful work from our academics that contributes to our overall mission.
- We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and 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.
- Our culture
- Just like our students, our employees are a diverse group who want to make