"Research Fellow in Hearing Health Policy"

Job Description

PRIMARY DETAIL

We are seeking a dynamic and motivated Research Fellow in Hearing Health Policy to join our growing multidisciplinary team working at the forefront of public health research in hearing care. This role supports a high-impact research program focused on addressing the unmet needs of adults with hearing loss through data-driven policy, service innovation, and community-based intervention and supports.

Salary Package: Research Fellow (Level B / C) from $123,435 – $173,323 per annum (commensurate with skills & experience), plus 17% employer's superannuation and annual leave loading. Pro-rata rates apply for part-time appointments.

Appointment type: Full-time, fixed-term position for 2 years with the possibility of extension

Location: Macquarie University (Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde)

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Despite the high prevalence of adult-onset hearing loss, ear and hearing care remains poorly integrated into health systems in Australia and globally. Untreated hearing loss significantly affects communication, cognitive function, mental health, social participation, and quality of life. These impacts are particularly pronounced in older adults, those in rural and remote regions, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and other underserved communities. Current health systems are not adequately structured to address this challenge in a coordinated, equitable, and evidence-based way.

This position sits within the Public Health and Policy Pillar of Macquarie University Hearing, a strategic and growing research program led by Professor Bamini Gopinath, whose work applies a public health lens to addressing hearing loss in adults. This program aims to reshape how hearing care is viewed and delivered—shifting from a specialist-driven, clinic-based model to a more accessible, integrated, and preventative public health approach.

THE ROLE

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape future hearing health policy and promote equity, inclusion, and innovation in care delivery for adults with hearing loss, and will work with world-renowned researchers to:

• Lead and contribute to health policy analysis and development related to hearing loss in adults in Australia and globally.
• Translate research findings into policy-relevant reports, submissions, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Support the design, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based guidelines and care pathways for hearing loss, contributing to national and global frameworks.
• Collaborate with government bodies, NGOs, industry and community stakeholders to advocate for improved public health messaging and systems-level responses to hearing loss.
• Participate in stakeholder workshops, project meetings, and policy forums to help embed research findings into practice and strengthen multisectoral partnerships.
• Develop grant proposals to internal and external grant funding bodies.
• Supervise undergraduate and postgraduate students, and mentor junior researchers.

ABOUT US

Macquarie University Hearing is a pan-university initiative and community, which aims to be a world-leading research centre in hearing health using a multidisciplinary and community-engaged approach to solving major hearing health problems that translate into measurable and impactful change.

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered for this position, applicants must submit a cover letter addressing the selection criteria listed below along with a curriculum vitae (including contact details for three referees) as part of the application process.

Required Qualification and Experience

• You must have a PhD in public health, health policy, or a related field, with a demonstrated track record of research focused on health systems, equity, and/or sensory impairment.
• Demonstrated experience conducting and leading health policy or public health research, ideally in areas related to health systems, ageing, sensory impairment, and/or non-communicable diseases.
• Strong knowledge of health policy development and implementation processes in Australia or comparable health systems.
• Experience with both qualitative and quantitative research methods, including data analysis, interpretation, and translation of findings into policy and practice.
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs, or government reports.
• Experience engaging with government, non-government, and/or community stakeholders, and contributing to research impact and/or advocacy efforts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences.

Desirable Experience

• Experience with program evaluation, implementation science, and/or guideline development and implementation.
• Familiarity with co-design or participatory research methodologies, particularly with older adults or underserved populations.
• Knowledge of current hearing health policy and services in Australia or globally.

Note: This position is subject to Macquarie University's pre-employment screening requirements, which include the successful completion of an academic qualification check as well as a criminal record check. We welcome applications from international candidates.

Role Enquiries: Professor Bamini Gopinath, Macquarie University Hearing, bamini.gopinath@mq.edu.au.

General Recruitment Enquiries: Mirna Alaaiddin, Talent Acquisition Officer, mirna.alaaiddin@mq.edu.au

Applications close: Thursday 21st of August 2025 at 11:59 p.m. (AEST)