Research Fellow 2

Position overview

The Research Fellow 2 (RF2) is a research professional responsible for working collaboratively with both internal and external project stakeholders to deliver quality research and project outcomes.  

The RF2 will also assume responsibility for managing projects including the supervision of project team members. 

Position context

The Australian Council for Educational Research is an international, independent, not-for-profit educational research and development organisation. Approximately 500 staff work for the ACER Group in Australia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

The Methodology and Measurement team, located with the Measurement, Analytics and Technologies division, provides psychometric services and support for research and assessment programs within ACER, undertakes commissioned work and provides consultancy for outside agencies, including State and Territory Education Departments and other national and international bodies. The team also conducts research into fundamental psychometrics and quantitative methodology issues. Supporting and participating in the work of project teams, the Research Fellow will leverage their experience in operational psychometrics projects to specify, apply, and evaluate scaling models for assessment and questionnaire data, perform complex statistical analyses, prepare research results, write reports, and make presentations to internal and external stakeholders.

Job responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with both internal and external project stakeholders to enable the delivery of quality research and project outcomes to agreed objectives, standards, timelines and budgets
• Liaise with clients and potential clients to identify and implement appropriate research and assessment methodologies
• Conduct and deliver high quality research to meet project objectives
• Oversee data collection, analysis and undertake data interpretation
• Prepare reports and other forms of project dissemination and communication
• Undertake project management activities including the supervision of project team members
• Contribute to identifying and preparing research proposal submissions, applications and tenders for new business
• Actively contribute to and participate in continuous improvement activities to enhance the delivery of research outcomes at ACER
• Develop and build professional collegiality and networks through participation in events, forums, workshops and conferences at ACER and in the broader research community
• Contribute to ACER’s higher education courses through writing content, teaching and online moderation where agreed and as appropriate/relevant.

Organisational accountabilities

• Proactively work towards achieving individual, team and organisational objectives while demonstrating ACER’s leadership behaviours:
  • Developing Self – involves self-management, self-reflection and self-improvement
  • Embracing Change – being open to change and leading change when appropriate
  • Pursuing Excellence – ongoing search for new and better ways of working
  • Setting Directions – strategic thinking and planning for the future
  • Supporting Colleagues – supporting and contributing to the development of others
  • Working Collaboratively – building highly effective internal and external relationships

• Actively work to create an equitable, fair and harmonious work environment which is free from harassment, bullying and discrimination by demonstrating respectful and courteous behaviour towards others
• Proactively foster an inclusive and diverse work environment which encourages and respects different experiences and perspectives, and values diversity of thought
• Comply with all occupational health and safety requirements, including following safe work practices for self and others
• Comply with all information security requirements, including completing regular security training and abiding by the standards and procedures laid out in ACER’s Information Security Management System
• Work in accordance with ACER’s policies and procedures

Skills, knowledge and experience

• Demonstrated experience undertaking quality educational research
• Experience working on collaborative research projects
• Ability to communicate research approaches, concepts and outcomes both verbally and in writing
• Ability to provide leadership in research, including supervision of project team members
• High-level organisational and project management skills, with the proven ability to manage varied and conflicting demands to deliver to quality standards, deadlines and budgets
• Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to foster and develop effective working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders from culturally diverse backgrounds
• Financial management skills
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
• Computer literacy, particularly with general business software and relevant analytical software
• Willingness to learn and demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and professional development

Education

Master Degree in relevant discipline