Senior Research Fellow

The Opportunity

The Developmental Science of Mental Health Team is an innovative multidisciplinary research group that addresses how early, digital, and daily experiences shape future mental health. We address the developmental pathways that shape young people's future prospects in order to identify key mechanisms for intervention. Our team is uniquely situated at the intersection of quantitative methods, new technologies, developmental psychology, and prevention science—and we work with local, national, and international teams and communities to advance rigorous science-based solutions.

We now have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Research Fellow to support our ongoing research efforts aimed at improving child and family mental health developmental outcomes. This role involves leading advanced quantitative analyses (SEM, CFA, latent growth, multilevel) to address research questions and produce publishable findings. Your work will play a key role in advancing evidence-based practices and shaping children's future mental health through data-driven research.

In this role you will:

• Hold regular substantive team meetings around approaches to exploratory and then confirmatory analyses.
• Perform statistical analysis using R or Mplus to identify complex trends and patterns in data.
• Analyse and discover possible approach given trade-offs between complexity versus data, needs, timing.
• Write up methods and results for publications.
• Support translation activities of research findings through support of publication revisions and conference presentations.

Based within Perth Children's Hospital in Nedlands, this 0.6 FTE role will be offered for an initial 1-year period.

About You

The successful candidate will hold a PhD in a relevant field, preferably in Psychology. You will also possess the following skills and experience:

• Prior first authored quantitative publications in Q1 journals in developmental and clinical psychology.
• Demonstrated expertise in advanced quantitative statistics, using R and/or Mplus and a variety of analytic techniques.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with and/or valuing Open Science Methods is advantageous.

At The Kids Research Institute Australia, we are committed to building a workplace culture that reflects the communities we serve. We actively recruit support and welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ people, people of all ages, and those with diverse lived experiences. We also provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

If you meet many, but not all, of the role requirements, we encourage you to apply. We also welcome you to mention any career breaks in your cover letter to help us understand your journey.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in how we:

• Support staff-led inclusion and allyship groups.
• Offer flexible work practices that recognise different needs and life stages.
• Provide training, development and mentoring opportunities to increase inclusive leadership and create an environment where all staff can thrive.
• Partner with communities to strengthen cultural awareness and belonging.
• Ensure adjustments and accessible practices are available for diverse community groups.
• We continually strive to measure our progress and improve where we can.

Alongside our inclusive culture, you'll enjoy:

• Extra annual leave at Christmas and Easter.
• Salary packaging and entertainment benefits.
• Health and wellbeing programs with weekly events.
• Flexible and hybrid working options.
• Recognition and professional development opportunities, including LinkedIn Learning.
• Modern offices with sit-to-stand desks and end-of-trip facilities.
• Staff discounts on travel, IT, stationery, and access to corporate health insurance.

How to apply

If this role feels like the right fit and an exciting new opportunity for you,

Please include a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) that specifically addresses the skills and experience outlined in the "About You" section.

Applications will only be accepted through our career portal. If you are experiencing technical difficulties or require reasonable accommodations in completing your application, please

Contact Name: Kathryn Modecki

Contact Email:

Closing Date: 14/11/2025 - We reserve the right to hire prior to the closing date.