Research and Data Lead

**Role Type**: 12-month full time contract
**Salary**: $120,529 per annum plus super
**The opportunity**:
We’re looking for an experienced and forward-thinking Research & Data Lead to join our team on a 12-month parental leave contract.
In this role, you’ll help shape and deliver our research and data strategy as we continue to grow. You'll lead the design and execution of research activities, develop and refine lead indicators, and help translate insights into practical tools and approaches that our partners can use to drive real-world change.
You’ll collaborate across teams—research, advocacy, practice, strategy—and work directly with our partners to ensure that data and evidence are not just available, but meaningful and usable. You’ll also identify new research opportunities to strengthen our impact and guide your team’s priorities and professional development.
About your new team
At RSTO, we're on a mission to create more equitable outcomes for children and families across Australia. We believe every child deserves access to the right mix of high-quality, evidence-informed early years services—delivered when and where they need them.
Right now, these services are often underused, unavailable or delivered at variable quality, especially for communities facing disadvantage. Decisions about how to improve early childhood services are frequently made without reliable, relevant data—because that data is either missing, hard to interpret, or not being used effectively by those on the ground.
RSTO aims to equip communities and early year service practioners with the relevant data and skills, so they can improve the accessibility, quality and participation rates of Australia’s early years services.
**Your responsibilities include**:
Lead the development and implementation of RSTO’s research and data strategy.
Design and guide research projects, including methodologies, protocols, and indicator development.
Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to ensure research is translated into action.
Build capability and confidence among end users to collect and use data effectively.
Manage and support a high-performing research team.
Deliver high-quality research outputs and contribute to our engagement and advocacy work.
**What we need from you**:
Relevant PhD in a relevant field (e.g. Psychology, Public Health, Social Science).
Experience in Epidemiological Research.
Specialist expertise for research, analysis and evaluation.
Proven relevant experience in developing and implementing a research and data strategy to support project goals.
Proven experience in implementing and undertaking, and reporting on research and conducting evaluations.
Understanding the science and importance of indicators to guide action.
Proven experience analysing and reporting quantitative and qualitative data and helping others (inside and external to the team) understand data.
What’s in it for you?
**Maximise Your Pay**: Benefit from salary packaging, including entertainment and novated leases
**Flexible Working Options**: Enjoy a variety of flexible work arrangements.
**Join a Reputable Organisation**: Take advantage of a unique opportunity to be part of a respected research institute
**Make a Difference**: Collaborate with a team passionate about making a positive impact
Who we are
Murdoch Children’s Research Institute envisions a transformative future for child health. Our institute is a hub of impactful scientific breakthroughs, particularly in early interventions, enhanced diagnosis, prevention, and potential cures. We thrive on collaborative, multidisciplinary problem-solving to address challenging queries in child health. Committed to inclusivity and respect, we foster a positive working environment that values diverse backgrounds and experiences. As a proud member of the Australian Network on Disability and a dedicated supporter of Science Australia Gender Equity (SAGE), we uphold principles of equal opportunity and diverse representation.
We are committed to the safety of children and young people and takes a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of child abuse, exploitation and harm. Child safety is prioritised in our decision-making at all levels of the Institute.
Join Us
Your resume
A cover letter addressing the selection criteria
Ensure these documents are combined into a single PDF file.
No recruitment agencies please.
Position Description
**Applications close**: Monday 12 May 2025 AUS Eastern Daylight time