Research Fellow

Posted: 01/05/2025

Closing Date: 18/05/2025

Job Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Melbourne

Job Category: Other
- Take your career to the next level with opportunities to lead high-profile research projects
- Join a purpose driven not for profit to contribute to transformative research that improves the lives of people with disabilities to drive meaningful real-world change.
- Full-Time or Part-Time opportunities (negotiable), with flexible working arrangements, attractive salary including salary packaging benefits

**ABOUT US**

Summer Foundation has been at the forefront of change for people with disability. Over 18 years, we’ve honed a unique approach, driving policy, innovation, and systemic reform to stop younger people with disability being forced into aged care. However, despite our many successes, the problem of finding appropriate housing and living support for people who require access to 24/7 support remains. Summer Foundation has embarked on a bold new agenda to identify, design and scale up innovative user-led housing and living solutions that are high quality and affordable to government.

Our work culture is intentional, inclusive, and growth-oriented. We thrive on collaboration, innovation, strategic thinking and evidence-based research, all driven by a fierce commitment to deliver better outcomes for people with disability. We are among the top 10% of Australia’s most engaged organisations, and we’re continually improving how we work and grow together.

**ABOUT YOU**

You are an experienced researcher producing high-impact research that informs policy and practice. With expertise in leading high-quality research projects, building collaborative partnerships, and mentoring emerging researchers, you are eager to contribute to meaningful change for people with disability.

Your skills and experience:

- Sound quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis skills with an ability to communicate complex information clearly in visual, oral and written form.
- Adaptable and responsive to changing environments
- Experience in the preparation of research proposal submissions to external funding bodies and evidence of success in securing research funding

**ABOUT THE ROLE**

As a Research Fellow at Summer Foundation, you will lead research that drives real-world impact in housing and disability. By examining critical pathways, you will generate evidence to support systems change, inform policy, and foster innovation through diverse research methodologies.

Your key responsibilities:
**Research and Publications**
- Publish findings in reputable journals and present at national and international conferences.
- Develop and submit competitive research proposals to secure external funding.
- Foster a strong research culture by actively engaging in discussions, peer reviews, and collaborations within the organisation.

**Industry Engagement and Collaboration**
- Establish and strengthen relationships with local and national partners to drive research initiatives.
- Contribute to professional and community education by delivering presentations, workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions.

**Supervision**
- Oversee and mentor research support team members, providing clear direction and professional development opportunities.
- Develop research-related teaching materials to enhance learning and knowledge dissemination.

**Our office is based in Box Hill, VIC however this role offers flexible working arrangements and can be based in other locations across Australia.**

**Summer Foundation encourages people with lived experience of disability to apply.**

We’re committed to growing and empowering a more inclusive community within Summer Foundation. That’s why we hire diverse teams of people from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.