Senior Academic Research Officer

The Role

An exciting opportunity exists within the Directorate of Health Research for an Academic Research Officer to support research in the area of mental health. The successful applicant will:

• Contribute to strategic planning, program and project management of mental health research projects, including those incorporated in the five year program of research in mental health and wellbeing.
• Review statistical analysis and methodology of research projects and identify issues and problems and work to resolve them.
• Build and sustain effective relationships with stakeholders across Defence.
• Use experience and understanding of Defence context to review methodology of research projects, assess feasibility, identify issues and problems and work to resolve them.
• Communicate and report on emerging themes and findings from designated research.

About our Team

The Directorate of Health Research is responsible for strategic Defence health research, including supporting the five year program of research in mental health and wellbeing (2023-2027). The program of research in mental health is being led by the Professor of Military Mental Health and aims to reduce rates and burden of mental health problems among the Australian Defence Force by delivering prevention and improving recovery. Multiple studies are outlined in the five year program, including the development of precise and effective interventions to target risk factors and trialing evidence-based interventions for the prevention and treatment of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Our Ideal Candidate

Our ideal candidate will have expert knowledge of health research design and methodology, psychology, statistical methods and project management. 

To be successful in the role, you will have:

• Considerable level of stakeholder engagement and understanding of military structure and function.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate and report on emerging themes and findings from designated research.
• Experience in supporting or managing the conduct and delivery of mental health research including: research design methodology, project management, data analysis and reporting.
• Knowledge of and compliance with legislative frameworks, government decision-making and Defence’s mission and policy requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and complex tasks within tight timeframes.

Application Closing Date: Thursday 8 May 2025

For further information please review the job information pack, reference DPG/03011/25 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=783B4306-5379-2F82-A377-E3BD8481F565