About the company:

The Social Research Centre is Australia’s largest dedicated social research and evaluation agency. We are a team of subject matter experts and multi-disciplinary practitioners and have championed best practice methods for more than 20 years. We have a mission and strategy to conduct impactful research and aim to create a legacy of projects that contribute to society in a positive way. View a selection of our current projects.

About the role:

We are seeking a bright, early-career (2-4 years) researcher to join our Education team in the QILT project. We value people who demonstrate curiosity, take initiative, think creatively, collaborate well in teams, and exhibit a robust desire to learn and enhance their skills. You’ll have a client service mindset and an ability to actively nurture and manage these relationships as part of a client facing team.

If you're passionate about making a difference, eager to learn, and ready to work with senior staff and clients on a project that has social impact and is of critical importance to the Australian higher education sector, we would love to have a conversation with you. Ideally, you’ll be wanting to develop as an ‘all-rounder’ and be able to work as part of business development right through to analytical reporting and presenting to clients.

What you’ll be doing:

- Managing project delivery: Take ownership of managing, executing, and delivering aspects of the QILT projects from start to finish.
- Project support: Work with subject matter experts on research methods, data management, analysis, and reporting. Support translation of findings into explicit and practical insights.
- Fostering stakeholder relationships: Build strong relationships with clients, project teams and other stakeholders through effective written and verbal communication.
- Problem solving: Address research methods, operational or logistical issues with creative solutions.
- Involved in continuous improvement:



Contribute ideas and suggestions to enhance project efficiency and quality.
- Upholding standards: Maintain our professional standards and corporate culture and values in all aspects of your work.

What we offer:

- Exposure: Work with a range of high profile and engaged clients across government and the higher education sector.
- Collaborative work environment: Work alongside subject matter experts and multidisciplinary teams across research, statistics and methods, Life in Australia™, data science, operations and corporate services.
- Learning and development: Develop your skills through hands-on project experience, guidance from experienced colleagues, and exposure to a range of research methods, sectors and areas of specialisation.
- Hybrid working arrangements: Enjoy hybrid working arrangements from our Melbourne CBO office, in line with SRC policy.
- Employee benefits: Access a range of employee benefits, including paid parental leave, profit-sharing program (where applicable), recruitment referral bonuses, annual flu vaccinations, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and regular company social events.

About you:

We are keen to hear from candidates who:

- Have 2-4 years of experience in social, government or policy research and/or evaluation, or a closely related field, with an interest in contributing to research that brings positive social impact.
- Have experience using quantitative and qualitative research methods and are keen to further develop their research and analytical skills.
- Communicate effectively and build positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.




- Have strong organisational skills and can manage competing priorities while maintaining a high standard of work.
- Take ownership of their work, demonstrate attention to detail, and are willing to learn and apply new concepts and approaches.
- Have knowledge of the Australian higher education sector, or an interest in developing their understanding of the sector.

This is a permanent full-time role based in our Melbourne office with hybrid working arrangements available. Employees are expected to attend the Melbourne office at least three days per week.

How to apply:

Please submit your resume with a one-page expression of interest addressing the key selection criteria.

Applications will be accepted until Wednesday 21 October 2026. Please note that shortlisting may begin before the closing date.

Work rights:

Applicants must have valid working rights in Australia for the expected duration of employment. We are not able to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

Accessibility and adjustments:

If you require an adjustment to participate in the recruitment process, or if you are unable to apply via the online portal or provide a written cover letter, please contact [email protected]. We will work with you to provide a reasonable adjustment or alternative application method.

Privacy:

The Social Research Centre handles applicant personal information in accordance with its Recruitment and Selection Policy. For questions about the role or recruitment process, please contact [email protected].

Diversity and inclusion:

The Social Research Centre values diversity and believes that an inclusive and fair work setting has a positive impact on employee wellbeing, job satisfaction and productivity.

We encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, and people with disability.

📌 Research Associate (QILT) (Melbourne)
🏢 The Social Research Centre
📍 Melbourne