Research Fellow in Mental Health

Position Details 

• Fixed Term until October 2027 | Full Time
• Academic Level B | $113,211 - $133,974 p.a.
• Location: Bedford Park / Kaurna Country
• View Position Description

About the Position: 

Flinders University is seeking a motivated Research Fellow (Joint Health Command – Mental Health) to contribute to Defence's national research program in mental health and wellbeing. This program aims to prevent mental ill health by identifying risk factors, developing targeted, evidence-based interventions, and improving recovery outcomes through innovative treatments for depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In this position, you will:

• Conduct high-quality research on mental health, PTSD, and depression within Defence populations.
• Collaborate with Defence and academic partners to design, implement, and deliver research projects.
• Manage participant recruitment, data collection, and statistical analysis (SPSS, STATA, or similar).
• Prepare reports, publications, and presentations to communicate research outcomes.
• Contribute to stakeholder engagement and the translation of research into policy and practice.
• Support project management, ethics submissions, and coordination across multiple research sites.

Some out of hours work (including weekends) may be required, including the ability to travel to Canberra and Defence locations around Australia.

About You 

You will be an accomplished researcher in mental health, with a strong publication track record at a national or international level and advanced statistical and analytical expertise. You will bring exceptional project management and stakeholder engagement skills, enabling you to coordinate complex research initiatives, foster productive partnerships, and translate findings into meaningful outcomes that inform Defence mental health practice and policy.

You will have:

• A PhD in Clinical Psychology or a related mental health field.
• Demonstrated research experience with high-quality publications and national or international presentations.
• Expertise in research methodology and a systematic, programmatic approach to inquiry.
• Experience applying cognitive models of psychopathology (e.g., PTSD, depression, social anxiety) within a program of research.
• High-level statistical and database management skills (SPSS, STATA, or similar).

The successful candidate is required to hold Australian Citizenship and be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at "Baseline" level.

Life at Flinders 

We're transforming and investing in people and facilities to create contemporary, stimulating, and satisfying learning and work environments that reflect our core values of excellence, innovation, courage, and integrity. Flinders is refocusing its strategic priorities with the aim of elevating its performance to be a top ten Australian university, and amongst the top 1% in the world. 

Reaching beyond the limits of buildings, borders, and backgrounds, ours is an inclusive culture that believes absolutely in equality and opportunity for all. We don't just accommodate differences; we embrace and celebrate them. So, why work at Flinders? 

• Ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide.
• Ninety per cent of Flinders research has been ranked at 'world standard or above' by Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
• 17% Superannuation + salary packaging options 
• Flexible working arrangements 
• Wide range of professional development activities, funds and services, such as Flinders University's Researcher Development and Leadership Programs.

Our Commitment to Reconciliation and Indigenous Employment 

Flinders University is proud to be an organisation that is committed to our Reconciliation Action Plan and Indigenous Workforce Strategy. Our vision is to be a preferred employer for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  We are committed to progressing Indigenous advancement in education, research, employment, and wellbeing, and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for all Flinders vacancies. 

• Please see here for our Reconciliation Action Plan  
• Please see here for our Indigenous Workforce Strategy 

Prescribed Conditions for Employment

• The successful candidate is required to hold Australian Citizenship and be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at "Baseline" level.
• A current Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check which is satisfactory to the University will be required by Flinders University before the successful applicant can commence in this position. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration. Each case will be assessed on its individual merits and relevance to the inherent requirements of the role.

How to Apply and Information 

• You are required to submit Suitability Statement of no more than 3 pages, addressing the applicable Key Position Capabilities of the position description.
• For more information regarding this position, please contact Professor Reg Nixon

Applications to be submitted before 10:00 pm (ACDT) on Sunday, 2 November 2025.

Please note, late applications and applications sent via agencies will not be accepted. 

At Flinders we embrace and celebrate diversity and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities. 

Certification

Applications to be submitted before 10.00pm:

At Flinders we embrace and celebrate diversity and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

Flinders. Fearless.