Research Fellow

Position overview

The Research Fellow 1 (RF1) is a research professional responsible for working collaboratively with both internal and external project stakeholders to enable the delivery of quality research and project outcomes. The Research Fellow 2 (RF2) will also assume responsibility for managing projects including the supervision of project team members. 

Position context

The Specialist Professional Education and Research (SPEAR) team, within ACER’s Tertiary and Professional Education Research (TaPER) program, applies highly specialised knowledge and skills to enhance assessment quality across a diverse range of medical, health and other professions. To support its continued growth, SPEAR is seeking a Research Fellow on a 12-month fixed-term contract, with the potential for extension, to contribute their specialised expertise.

This position will work directly with clients, including colleges in the medical, health and other professions, and will support senior researchers to manage and deliver projects within the program.

Job responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with both internal and external project stakeholders to enable the delivery of project outcomes to agreed objectives, standards, timelines and budgets
• Conduct and deliver components of high quality research to meet project objectives
• Contribute to design and construct components of survey and assessment instruments, and learning materials
• Undertake data collection and analysis
• Prepare components of reports and other forms of project dissemination and communication
• Contribute to preparing responses to EOIs, tenders, invitations to quote, and other applications for new business
• Actively contribute to and participate in continuous improvement activities
• Develop and build professional collegiality through participation in events, forums, workshops and conferences at ACER and in the broader research community

The Research Fellow 2 (RF2) is more senior, with client-facing responsibilities, leadership in research, and project management (including team supervision). 

Decision making authority

The RF1 has no or only very minor people management/supervisory responsibilities. Decisions that may impact project work and/or responsibilities are made with reference to the relevant Project Director and/or Senior Manager. In addition to this, the RF2 position has project management responsibilities and supervises team members.

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

Competencies

Skills, knowledge and experience

• Demonstrated experience undertaking and/or contributing to quality educational research and/or practice.
• Experience working on collaborative research projects
• Ability to communicate research approaches, concepts and outcomes both verbally and in writing
• Excellent planning and organisational skills with the ability to manage a range of tasks with conflicting priorities
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines while maintaining high attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to foster and develop effective working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders from culturally diverse backgrounds
• 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
• At RF2 you are expected to bring leadership, financial oversight, and advanced project management

Education