Research and Policy Officer

Are you a change-maker? Join us in a job that makes a difference.

• Full-time or part-time
• Flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid and remote options

About Patients Australia

Patients Australia is the national peak body for patient advocacy in Australia. We are an independent, not-for-profit organisation representing the voices, rights and interests of patients nationwide. Our mission is to ensure healthcare is accessible, affordable, safe, and centred on patient needs.

We focus on:

• Advocacy and Reform
  – driving system-level changes to improve access to medicines, reduce out-of-pocket costs, strengthen telehealth, and deliver equitable care.
• Patient Voice and Stories
  – amplifying lived experience through surveys, forums and advocacy so policymakers understand what matters most.
• Partnerships and Collaboration
  – working with government, industry, clinicians and community groups to co-design patient-centred policies and services.
• Research and Insights
  – delivering evidence-based reports and data-driven advocacy to influence reform.

About the role

This isn't your typical research position. It blends rigorous analysis with hands-on collaboration across healthcare organisations, universities and patient groups. You'll be part of a small, people-centred team while also tapping into a national network of partners.

Your work will shine a light on the parts of our health system most in need of change, powering evidence-based advocacy that shapes policy, transforms practice and improves patients' lives. Along the way, you'll have the chance to connect with leading research institutes and, if publishing is of interest, co-author peer-reviewed papers with our university partners.

Key responsibilities

• Design and implement patient-centred research projects (national surveys, focus groups, consultations)
• Analyse qualitative and quantitative patient data to extract actionable insights
• Prepare clear, evidence-based reports, policy briefs, position statements and submissions
• Collaborate with the CEO and team on inquiries, reviews and advocacy campaigns
• Engage with diverse patient cohorts, ensuring inclusion of underrepresented voices
• Support patient forums, roundtables, grant drafting and reporting and stakeholder consultations
• Translate complex research insights into clear, accessible language for patients, policymakers, industry and media
• Prepare communications materials for the CEO and organisation, including conference presentations, webinar materials, speeches, and social media content
• Monitor health policy developments and identify patient implications

About you

We are looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about patient-centred care and healthcare equity
• Qualified with a PhD or Doctorate in medicine, public health, health policy, social sciences or a related field
• Experienced in survey design and skilled in both qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Proficient in analysis and survey tools such as SPSS or R, SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, RedCap, Excel, and basic data visualisation platforms such as Tableau or Power BI
• Able to present complex data and insights clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Strong in written and verbal communication, with experience preparing reports, policy briefs, submissions and presentations for diverse audiences
• Collaborative and adaptable, comfortable working independently or as part of a small, high-impact team
• Experienced in working with diverse and vulnerable populations (highly regarded)

Personal attributes

• Detail-oriented and committed to producing high quality outputs
• Proactive and self-motivated, able to deliver work at pace with accuracy
• Flexible and adaptable, willing to explore new approaches and shift priorities
• Respectful and empathetic, motivated by amplifying patient voices and driving change
• Resilient and solution focused, maintaining professionalism in dynamic environments

Other requirements

• Australian working rights
• Willingness to obtain a Police Check
• Occasional interstate travel may be required