Reference: 1679644

About the Role:

The Research Design Lead will steward ACSES’s national program of trials, quasi-experimental designs (QEDs) and other rigorous research studies focused on student equity in higher education. This role will translate nationally significant equity questions into a prioritised and adaptive research program, delivered through ACSES-led work and externally commissioned projects via a competitive process.

You will provide specialist advice on trial and QED methodology, help ensure commissioned studies are well designed and fit for purpose, and maintain oversight of the design, delivery and assessment of funded work. The role also supports capability building across the sector by helping equity practitioners design and conduct rigorous evaluations in response to their local priorities.

Working under the supervision of the Director, Research and Policy Program, you will collaborate with ACSES colleagues, policy and sector partners, university leaders, researchers, trial and QED experts, equity practitioners and commissioned project teams.

Your responsibilities will include:

- Support the Program Director to develop and maintain a prioritised, adaptive national research program focused on higher education student equity.
- Work with ACSES colleagues, policy partners and sector stakeholders to align research activity with national priorities and sector needs.
- Monitor emerging evidence, policy priorities and sector developments to ensure the research program remains current and responsive.
- Provide specialist methodological advice on randomised controlled trials, QEDs and related evaluation approaches to commissioned study teams.
- Oversee externally commissioned trials and QEDs by monitoring progress, methodological integrity, quality assurance and delivery against funding agreements.
- Maintain accurate records of research activity, methodologies and findings, including through ACSES’s public-facing trials and evaluation registry.
- Prepare reports and communicate research progress, findings and insights to ACSES, partners and the broader equity sector.
- Build sector-wide capability in trial and QED methodology by helping equity practitioners design and conduct rigorous evaluations in response to local priorities.
- Undertake other duties reasonably consistent with the role.





Who we are looking for/Selection Criteria:

- Demonstrated expertise in trial and/or quasi-experimental design methodology, including experience in applied or real-world settings.
- Experience providing methodological advice to research teams, including through governance, oversight or quality assurance processes.
- Experience developing, contributing to or coordinating a strategic research program involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
- Experience with, or strong understanding of, competitive grant or commissioning processes in a research or evaluation context.
- Understanding of higher education student equity, education evaluation, public policy or applied social research contexts.
- Demonstrated ability to build capability in others, including supporting non-specialist practitioners to design and conduct rigorous evaluations.
- High-level communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build collaborative relationships across policy, university and sector stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with external partners, commissioned project teams and diverse sector stakeholders to support high-quality research or evaluation outcomes.
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and oversight relationships.
- Ability to work independently and contribute effectively within a small, high-performing team.

Role Requirements:

1. As this is a fixed-term contract, you will require current work rights in Australia that match the tenure of this role.
2. While the preferred location for this role is Perth, Western Australia, remote-based arrangements may be considered for the right candidate.
3. Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity and reference checks to Curtin’s satisfaction.

About Curtin University Curtin University proudly stands among the top one percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2025 rankings. We are an energetic,



dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life.

First

Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information, please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page - https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-at-curtin/

What We Offer You:

This Fixed Term G09 level role attracts a remuneration of $142,841 - $150,891 + 17% superannuation.

Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and endless food options including a supermarket. Aside from the vibrant campus life, we offer more than just a job. Curtin offers a wide range of generous benefits, including additional leave, salary packaging, health and wellbeing services and an array of discounts for retail, travel and much more.

For more reasons to work at Curtin, please visit https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/

Join Us!

If this sounds like your next role, please click APPLY NOW ensuring to attach the following documents:

- Up-to-date Resume
- Cover Letter outlining your interest (one page)
- A statement addressing the selection criteria – 2 -3 pages max

If you have any queries in relation to this chance or the application process, please contact our careers team on [email protected] or [08 9266 9000](tel:08 9266 9000) (option 3,1), quoting the reference number. Applications will not be accepted via this email address, and late applications will not be accepted. Applications close: 8pm (AWST) Tuesday 20th of October

Please note we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at this time.

Curtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, remove the advert, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time.

📌 Research Design Lead (Bentley)
🏢 Curtin University
📍 Bentley