Senior Researcher FATES

About us

The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) is the leading advocate for surgical standards, professionalism and surgical education in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. The College is a not-for-profit organisation that represents more than 8600 surgeons and 1300 surgical trainees and Specialist International Medical Graduates.

RACS also supports healthcare and surgical education in the Asia-Pacific region and is a substantial funder of surgical research. There are nine surgical specialties in Australasia being: Cardiothoracic Surgery, General Surgery, Neurosurgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Paediatric Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Urology and Vascular Surgery.

About the Role

In this role, you will lead research projects and model development within the FATES program, working closely with consortium members and clinical experts to deliver high-quality outputs that will drive improvements in healthcare systems.

As the Senior Researcher, you will oversee the research, development, and creation of all FATES contracted research outputs, using mixed methods to ensure the highest standards of work. This is an exciting opportunity for a researcher who thrives in collaborative environments and is passionate about producing meaningful evidence for health and medical practice.

Key Responsibilities

•    Lead Research & Model Design: Oversee all research and model design for the FATES program, ensuring all projects align with the highest standards of research methodology.

•    Mixed Methods Research: Apply a combination of qualitative and quantitative research techniques to inform and guide FATES research projects.

•    Collaborative Engagement: Work closely with consortium members (RACP, ANZCA, RANZCO, RACMA, ACCRM) and the Rural Health Equity Steering Committee to integrate clinical insights into research outputs.

•    High-Quality Output: Ensure the development of high-quality research reports, models, and papers, and assist in writing and editing all FATES outputs.

•    Project Management: Provide guidance to project teams on research timelines and deliverables, ensuring successful project execution.

•    Dissemination of Findings: Present research findings at conferences, seminars, and meetings. Provide expert support during the endorsement process, explaining the research outcomes clearly and confidently.

•    Support Team Leaders: Collaborate with the FATES Program Manager and team leaders to facilitate and support research and program activities.

Skills & Experience

•    Qualitative Research Expertise: Strong skills and experience in qualitative research methods.

•    Collaborative Approach: Proven experience working with broad, diverse teams across complex programs.

•    Evidence-Based Medicine: In-depth understanding of evidence-based medicine, including literature reviews, critical appraisal, data synthesis, and systematic reviews.

•    Data Analytics: Hands-on experience in data analytic techniques and using evidence to inform decision-making.

•    Health Systems Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of health systems (Australia or international) and associated costing mechanisms/structures.

Qualifications

•    Tertiary qualification in health sciences (e.g., Medicine, Public Health, Epidemiology) with a focus on qualitative analysis.

•    Postgraduate research degree (e.g., PhD) in a relevant field.

This role is full time on a maximum term contract until 31 July 2027.

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Benefits

At our organisation, we are proud to have a positive impact on improving health outcomes in the community. Our people are especially important to us, we treat everyone fairly and are mindful of our colleagues and their wellbeing. Working at RACS, you will thrive in our environment where we recognise that we are all one team. Our employees are at their best when they have balance in their lives, so by joining our team you will have:

• flexibility to combine working from home with time spent in the office
• RACS Professional Development Framework (Grow at RACS)
• access to a wellbeing app
• annual wellbeing reimbursement
• additional, gifted leave at the end of the year
• access to online learning portal THRIVE with a catalogue of 89,000+ courses
• access to an Employee Assistance Program which includes counselling for personal and work-related issues, support for family members, legal support, career development and planning, nutrition & lifestyle advice as well as financial counselling

We genuinely care about our employees' health and wellbeing and encourage our people to bring their whole selves to work.

How to apply?

To apply for this role please submit your application by clicking on the "Apply Now' button to submit a cover letter and resume.

Please note we will be reviewing applications as they come in.

Enquiries can be directed to however, applications emailed to this address will not be accepted.

RACS is committed to supporting diversity and inclusion in our workforce. The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people as the traditional landowners of Australia and Māori as the tangatawhenua (people of the land) of Aotearoa New Zealand. We are committed to creating employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and Māori and building an environment that is inclusive, culturally safe and appropriate.