Research Fellow Early Childhood Education and Care

Role type: Full-time, Continuing (Research Contingent)

Faculty: The Faculty of Business and Economics

Department : Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research

Salary: Level B – $122,212 to $145,121 p.a. plus 17% super

• Conduct pioneering research in a stimulating and collaborative environment, fostering both academic excellence and professional growth.
• Join our team to support Australian children's development: generate robust evidence to inform early childhood policies.
• Investing in you - benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne

We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity

Join the Melbourne Institute and contribute to pioneering research in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC). Working alongside leading economists, you will engage in high-profile projects such as the Early Years Education Program randomised controlled trial and evaluations of landmark early learning initiatives. The role encompasses both academic and contract research and communication of findings to scholarly, policy, and public audiences. You will have the scope to develop new research directions within ECEC or related fields of child development, family, and labour economics, while making a tangible contribution to evidence-based policy and the developmental outcomes of Australian children.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Conducting and disseminating research, undertaking independent and collaborative academic and contract research, analysing complex datasets, preparing reports and scholarly papers, and presenting findings to academic, government, industry, and community audiences.

• Advancing policy impact, contributing to outreach and engagement activities, drafting submissions, articles, and summaries, and ensuring research informs and influences policy and practice.

• Developing future projects, initiating and contributing to funding proposals, expanding research collaborations, and exploring opportunities in early childhood development and related fields.

• Contributing to academic and professional service, participating in committees, reviewing papers and grant applications, attending departmental meetings and events, and fulfilling OH&S and related responsibilities.

You may be a great fit if:

You hold a PhD or near completion PhD in empirical (applied) microeconomics or related discipline with demonstrated strong econometric skills, experience using administrative data and/or other types of complex datasets. You will also have strong communication skills, and a passion for research to improve the developmental trajectories of Australian children.

You may also:

• Have an ability to conduct independent economic research, be proactive, and assume responsibility for the development and completion of research papers.
• Demonstrated strong econometric skills, experience using administrative data and/or other types of complex datasets.
• Have an ability and willingness to work collaboratively in teams to ensure successful project outcomes, including as part of interdisciplinary teams.

For further information please refer to the attached PD.

What we offer you

We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfillment, including:

• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being

• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance

• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance

• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

Your new team – The Melbourne Institute

The Melbourne Institute stands at the forefront of economic and social policy research in Australia, renowned for its rigorous, cutting-edge analysis that informs public debate and shapes national policy. As part of the University of Melbourne's Faculty of Business and Economics, it offers a vibrant, research-focused environment where excellence and impact are paramount.

Joining the Institute means becoming part of a dynamic team of leading academics and dedicated professionals committed to advancing understanding of complex economic and social challenges. Here, you will have the opportunity to contribute to influential projects across diverse policy areas, collaborate on interdisciplinary research, and access strong support for securing external funding. The Institute values innovation, scholarly distinction, and a commitment to producing work that makes a tangible difference to society, providing an exceptional platform for career development and academic leadership.

Be Yourself

The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where all individuals feel valued, respected, and have the opportunity to thrive regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age, being a parent or having caring responsibilities.

The University of Melbourne is committed to fostering a barrier-free and inclusive recruitment process. We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates throughout the application and interview stages, including accessible document formats and alternative application methods. To discuss your specific requirements, please feel free to contact Bec Tucker – or send an email titled 'Reasonable Adjustments' to hr- . You can find more information for applicants requiring reasonable adjustments on our Careers website:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.

For further information, including our Indigenous strategy please visit -

If you are a member of an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community and would like any support, please feel free to contact our Indigenous Employment & Development team via email at oied- .

Working at the University – what you need to know

This role requires the successful candidate to maintain a Working with Children Check The successful candidate can apply for the WWCC as part of the onboarding process. In the case the selected candidate doesn't have a valid Working with Children Check, they will be able to apply for the WWCC as part of the initial onboarding procedures.

Join Us and unlock your career potential

Is this the perfect opportunity for you? Apply today Including the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
• The responses against the Selection Criteria^ (found in the )
• Job Market Paper
• Three Reference Letters

^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Kate Vasconcelos via email at hr- , ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.

If you have any particular questions regarding the job please follow the details listed on the .

Applications close: 2nd October at 11:55 PM Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) / Melbourne time zone.

: JR Research Fellow Early Childhood Education