"Senior Research Fellow (Open Door)"

Position Details

• Three-year contract | Full time
• Academic Level C | AU$138,124 - $158,885 pa | 17% Superannuation
• Location: Bedford Park / Kaurna Country
• View Position Description

About the Position

Flinders University is seeking a Senior Research Fellow, Open Door to lead high-quality, collaborative research focused on improving the wellbeing of veterans, first responders and their families. This pivotal role sits at the heart of the Strategic Alliance between Open Door and Military and Emergency Services Health Australia (MESHA), strengthening national research capability and driving meaningful reform for service communities.

The Senior Research Fellow will provide strategic research leadership across the Alliance, advancing innovative programs of work, securing competitive funding and translating evidence into tangible policy and practice outcomes.

In this position, you will:

• Lead and deliver innovative research programs, including securing competitive external funding and major grants
• Develop and strengthen strategic partnerships with government, industry and community stakeholders
• Oversee complex research projects, mentor multidisciplinary teams and translate findings into policy and practice impact

About You

You are an established research leader with a strong track record in veteran, family wellbeing or social determinants of health research. You are collaborative, strategic and impact-focused, with demonstrated experience leading complex research programs and partnerships.

You will bring:

• A PhD (or equivalent) in sociology, psychology, public health, policy studies or a related field, with a strong publication and competitive grant record
• Demonstrated experience leading large, complex research programs and securing external funding, including Category 1 grants
• Expertise in qualitative and quantitative methods, with excellent communication, collaboration and research leadership skills
• Lived experience as a veteran, family member, or close connection to the veteran community (desirable)
• Experience working with government and ex-service organisations (desirable)
• Familiarity with policy translation, knowledge exchange and impact measurement (desirable)

About Open Door

Open Door is a nationally and internationally recognised research hub dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of veterans, public safety personnel and their families. Through a holistic and co-designed approach, Open Door integrates social, psychological and physical wellbeing research to inform policy, practice and systemic reform across the life course.

How to Apply

You are required to submit a CV, along with a Suitability Statement of no more than 3 pages, addressing the below Key Position Capabilities of the position description.

For more information regarding this position, please contact Professor Ben Wadham.

Applications to be submitted before 10:00 pm (ACDT) on Monday, 30 March 2026.

Please note, late applications and applications sent via agencies will not be accepted.