Senior Research Officer

Senior Research Officer (APS 5/6)

Research and Analysis - Longitudinal Studies

Ongoing/Non-ongoing - Part-time or Full-time

Based in Melbourne, VIC

We are seeking a highly motivated individual with demonstrated skills and experience in research and data analysis. If you have relevant statistical analysis experience associated with Longitudinal Studies, this might be the role for you.

About us

The Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS, or 'the Institute') is the Australian Government's key research body in the area of family wellbeing. It is an independent statutory authority established in 1980 under the Family Law Act 1975. It is also home to the Australian Gambling Research Centre (AGRC), established under the Gambling Measure Act 2012 which builds the evidence base on gambling-related harm. The Institute is an agency within the portfolio of the Department of Social Services (DSS).

Our mission is to conduct high-quality, impartial research into the wellbeing of Australian families, to inform government policy and promote evidence-based practice in the family services sector. We conduct research, provide independent advice and communicate findings to government policymakers, service providers, researchers and the community about factors affecting family wellbeing. Through our research, we contribute to developing policy and practice to promote the wellbeing of families in Australia.

Our team

The AIFS Growing up in Australia: The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) program team consists of researchers, statisticians, data managers, and survey methodologists who work across all parts of the LSAC study, including participant recruitment and retention, survey design, data management and linkage, and research and analysis. The team is structured around 4 primary areas of expertise: survey methodology, data management, research and analysis, and project management.

Position Requirements

The Purpose of the position is to contribute to several of the Institute's major longitudinal and life-course deliverables; specifically, deliverables associated with analysis of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children.

Position duties

Under the direction of the Research Fellow, Research and Analysis, this position is required to undertake research and data analysis tasks and communicate the findings through the writing and preparation of reports, short articles, and other materials, as required. This may involve:

· Preparing datafiles for analysis by identifying key variables, cleaning the data, and generating new variables.

· Preparing data analysis plans in line with research proposals and conducting data analyses.

· Preparing tables and figures for research reports and presentations.

· Writing or assisting in drafting research outputs.

· Preparing written materials for a variety of stakeholders (general audience, policy makers, and academics).

· Assisting in literature reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analysis.

· Setting priorities and monitoring workflow and practices to ensure timely completion of work.

· Representing the Institute at meetings, conference and seminars as required.

· Working collaboratively within and between teams toward the realisation of shared goals.

· Conducting miscellaneous tasks to support the goals and broad objectives of the Institute.

Key Selection Criteria

· Professional expertise

· Achieving results

· Stakeholder engagement

· Communication skills

· Leadership

· Values and understanding our organisation

For a comprehensive overview of the selection criteria, please see the Position Description for more information.

Position Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for engagement, applicants
must be Australian citizens
unless special approval is provided in exceptional circumstances. For example, applicants with permanent resident status who have applied for Australian citizenship may be considered for engagement.

Conditions of engagement including probation, health and character clearances (including police records check, Working with Children Check and security clearance) may apply to this position.

Terms

The Senior Research Officer role may be offered as a part-time or full-time, ongoing or non-ongoing position at the APS 5 or 6 level. This will be with an annual salary range of between $85,039 to $105,910 (pro-rate for part-time) depending on the skills and experience of the successful candidate, plus 15.4% superannuation. Our salaries and conditions of employment are set out in our
Enterprise Agreement.

Application information

Please visit: Work with us | Australian Institute of Family Studies for full application requirements.

For your application to be considered, please:

1. Complete the
   Application form.

2. Submit your Resume and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) addressing the selection criteria as outlined on the
   Position Description.

Applications for this position close at
11.59 PM on 22 October 2025.

Contact: Human Resources

Contact Phone:

Contact Email:

Position notes

AIFS is committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, mature age people, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, and people with parenting and/or caring responsibilities.

We provide a collaborative and family-friendly work environment that supports the wellbeing and professional development of our diverse workforce. Benefits include workplace health and wellbeing initiatives and events, a hybrid flexible work arrangement policy, a good health promotion allowance and Christmas closedown period with no deduction from leave credits.