Research Intern

Develop practical research experience in a purpose-driven organisation while supporting projects that improve housing and living supports for people with disability.

• Learn from a passionate, high-performing research team
• Work on meaningful, real-world projects that drive impact
• 3 months over Summer break, Full-Time or Part-Time (minimum 4 days) opportunity

ABOUT US

Summer Foundation focuses on identifying, designing and scaling up better housing and living solutions for Australians with disability with high support needs. We are home to one of Australia's leading disability research teams, and have a proven track record of achieving systems change and delivering innovative solutions.

The Summer Foundation Disability Research Centre is located within La Trobe University's School of Psychology and Public Health. The Research Centre represents our long-standing partnership with La Trobe, which sees Summer Foundation research staff appointed as adjunct/honorary staff at the university.

Our culture is intentional, inclusive, and growth-oriented. We thrive on collaboration, innovation, and accountability, driven by a fierce commitment to deliver better outcomes for people with disability. At Summer, you'll join empowered teams that stretch, learn, and grow in an environment that values both challenge and support.

We live our values every day:

• Be Bold & Continue to Learn – we stay curious, keep learning, and embrace challenge.
• Lived Experience at the Centre – we listen, learn, and act on lived experience.
• Obsessed with Impact – we measure success by the real-world change we create.
• Amplify Others – we lift each other up through empathy and connection.

ABOUT YOU

You're an emerging researcher who is motivated by learning, inspired by purpose, and curious to explore big ideas. You're developing strong analytical skills, have experience working with research data, and take pride in quality delivery and attention to detail.

You bring:

• Current study in psychology, allied health, public health or similar (Honours or Masters degree required).
• Research experience involving collecting, analysing and reporting qualitative and/or quantitative data.
• An interest in growing your research expertise, particularly in disability
• Curiosity and the ability to think critically about information and evidence.
• Confidence using technology and data tools.
• A collaborative mindset, openness to feedback, and enthusiasm to build new skills.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a Research Intern, you will contribute to meaningful, evidence-based research that influences change. This internship takes place over the university summer break, typically from December to February, offering you the opportunity to apply what you've learned at university in a real-world setting while continuing to grow your research skills.

You will support data collection and analysis, research communication, and general project delivery alongside experienced researchers. You will work on exciting pieces of work such as research relating to housing, living supports and the lived experience of people with disability. You'll receive regular supervision, mentoring and guidance, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions, build confidence and gain exposure to research best practice.

Key responsibilities include:

• Assist with qualitative and/or quantitative data collection, cleaning and analysis.
• Assist with literature reviews and evidence syntheses.
• Help prepare research outputs including reports, presentations and manuscripts.
• Support ethics and administrative processes to ensure compliance and quality.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners.
• Contribute to research translation that enhances policy and practice influence.

Our office is based in Box Hill, VIC. However, this role offers flexible working arrangements (minimum 2 days in the office).

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.

If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process or require the position description (PD) in an alternative format, please reach out to or

Email us for a copy of the Position Description and applications close 19th December.