"Research Fellow (Health Economics)"

Role Type: Fixed term for 2 years
Faculty: The Faculty of Business and Economics 
Department: Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research
Salary: Level B – $124,656 AUD – $148,023 AUD p.a. (pro rata for part-time) plus 17% super

• Conduct pioneering research in a stimulating and collaborative environment, fostering both academic excellence and professional growth.
• Join our team to support Australian’s health policy: generate robust evidence to inform health policies.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programmes, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne 
We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.
Your next career opportunity 
Join the Melbourne Institute and contribute to pioneering research in healthcare system designs and innovative health policy and economics. Working with leading health economist Professor Yuting Zhang and others, you will engage in high-profile projects related to how to improve the efficiency of the Australian healthcare system, through integrated care model, payment incentives, and Medicare and private health insurance benefit design.
You will be instrumental in supporting the Health Analytics, Leadership, and Economics (HALE) hub. This hub is a vital platform for fostering collaboration and translating research into real-world policy solutions. You'll help us advance our mission of using data-driven insights to improve health outcomes and inform national health policy.
The role encompasses both academic and contract research and communication of findings to scholarly, policy, and public audiences. 
Your responsibilities will include:

• Conducting and disseminating research, undertaking collaborative academic and contract research, analysing complex datasets, preparing reports and scholarly papers, and presenting findings to academic, government, industry, and community audiences.
• Advancing policy impact, contributing to outreach and engagement activities, drafting submissions, articles, and summaries, and ensuring research informs and influences policy and practice.
• Facilitate developing future projects and contributing to funding proposals, expanding research collaborations, and exploring opportunities in health policy related fields.
• Supporting initiatives and activities in the Health Analytics, Leadership, and Economics (HALE) hub, and fostering collaboration and translating research into real-world policy solutions.

You may be a great fit if:
you are an applied microeconomist or data scientist with demonstrated strong econometric/statistics skills, experience using large healthcare administrative data (PLIDA, NHDH) and/or other types of complex datasets, good communication and collaborative skills, excellent writing, and a passion for research to improve the efficiency of the Australian healthcare system, through integrated care delivery, payment incentives, and innovative health policy designs.
You will also:

• Hold a PhD or near completion of a PhD in empirical (applied) microeconomics, statistics, data science or related discipline;
• Can conduct independent economic research, and assume responsibility for the development and completion of research papers;
• Manage projects to ensure successful project outcomes; have ability and willingness to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams;
• Contribute to outreach activities that aim to maximise the impact of the team’s research, including drafting government inquiry submissions, and writing grants/contracts;

For further information please refer to the attached PD.
What we offer you! 
We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfillment, including:

• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance
• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance
• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

For more information check out our benefits page!
Your new team – The Melbourne Institute 
The Melbourne Institute stands at the forefront of economic and social policy research in Australia, renowned for its rigorous, cutting-edge analysis that informs public debate and shapes national policy. As part of the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Business and Economics, it offers a vibrant, research-focused environment where excellence and impact are paramount.
Joining the Institute means becoming part of a dynamic team of leading academics and dedicated professionals committed to advancing understanding of complex economic and social challenges. Here, you will have the opportunity to contribute to influential projects across diverse policy areas, collaborate on interdisciplinary research, and access strong support for securing external funding. The Institute values innovation, scholarly distinction, and a commitment to producing work that makes a tangible difference to society, providing an exceptional platform for career development and academic leadership.
Join Us and unlock your career potential! 
Is this the perfect opportunity for you? Apply today! Including the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
• The responses against the Selection Criteria^ (found in the Position Description)
• Writing sample and coding sample

^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria 
If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Petra Newton via email at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au, ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address. 
Applications close: Sunday 8th February 2026 at 11:55 PM Melbourne time zone. 
Position Description: Research Fellow Health Economics.docx