Senior Research Officer

Senior Research OfficerAt the NSW Department of Education, we educate and inspire lifelong learners from early childhood, through schooling to vocational education and training. Ongoing Full-Time Located in Parramatta with flexible working arrangements availableClerk Grade 9/10 - $129,464 to $142,665 plus superannuation and leave loadingAbout the roleLead research and evaluation design and data analysis to inform evidence-based leadership development across NSW public schoolsTranslate complex qualitative and quantitative evidence and data into clear insights, briefs and high-impact advicePartner with stakeholders to drive research projects, share expertise and strengthen leadership outcomesThe Senior Research Officer co-designs and conducts research projects including the collection and analysis of data and evidence to inform the development of strategies that support the provision of world-class, evidence-informed, future-focused leadership development programs and initiatives in NSW public education.For further information please click here to view the role description.About you Bring strong research expertise across qualitative and quantitative methodsSynthesise and analyse complex evidence and communicate clear, practical insightsApply evidence and best practice to shape policy, strategy and program designCollaborate across teams and build trusted stakeholder partnershipsAgile under pressure and deliver quality work to deadlineKnowledge of and commitment to implementing the Department''s Aboriginal Education Policy and upholding the Department''s Partnership Agreement with the NSW AECG and to ensure quality outcomes for Aboriginal people.Essential requirements of the roleDoctorial qualification or near completion, preferably in education.Demonstrated experience with a range of research and evaluation methodologies in designing research and in mixed methods data collection and analysisDemonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of public education. BenefitsFlexible working arrangements35 hour working weekCompetitive salary sacrificing, employer''s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loadingFlex Leave entitlements, generous holidays & leave conditionsOpportunities for advancement and mobility across the Department to support your career growthHow to applyAttach a resume (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) and answer the following questions, with resume, cover letter and responses outlining how you meet the requirements and capabilities of this role.Describe an example of a research project or product you delivered that involved mixed-methods data collection and analysis. Briefly outline how you translated the findings to audiences with varying levels of research experience to inform policy, strategy or program decision. (300 words)Collaboration and partner engagement are key to this role. Describe an example of how you built and maintained productive relationships with internal or external partners to support a research or evaluation project. (300 words)Applicants are encouraged to prepare their application materials independently. The selection panel values authentic and personally written responses that reflect your own experience, insights and alignment with the Department''s values and priorities.Please refer to the Applicant''s Guide to Applying to assist you with your application.If you are an existing Education Support Staff (corporate staff) with the NSW Department of Education, click here for instructions on how to submit your application.All other applicants please submit your application by clicking ''Apply Now''.Note: the selection process will include a range of assessment techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role. Successful candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening for this role which includes a National Criminal History Check.As a condition of employment, successful candidates not currently employed by the Department must provide a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) clearance number. Renewal is not required after the WWCC expires, as long as you remain in a nonchild-related role. Employer obligations only apply while the WWCC is valid.Candidates must have Australian work rights (citizens, permanent residents, New Zealand citizens or a valid work visa). Ongoing (permanent) roles are open to Australian citizens and permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, while temporary roles welcome applicants with a visa.Closing date Sunday, 1st March at 11:59pmFor role enquiries please contact Leticia Anderson at and for recruitment process enquiries please contact Elaine Ordell at We welcome applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees and people with disability. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better enable you to shine, please contact the Diversity and Inclusion Team ) or visit NSW Department of Education Diversity and Inclusion.A recruitment pool may be created through this recruitment process. A recruitment pool is a group of applicants who have been assessed and identified as suitable for this role, and who may be considered for a range of similar roles, including temporary, term or ongoing roles, over the next 18 months.

Created: 2026-02-16