Career opportunities

• Provide senior research leadership in a nationally significant study shaping health and policy impact.

• High-impact not-for-profit with salary packaging and purpose-driven work.

• Flexible work options with a central Glebe, NSW office.

• 4.5 year maximum term contract

About the Sax Institute

The Sax Institute is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that improves health and wellbeing by driving better use of evidence in policies, programs and services.

We have an international reputation as an Evidence Specialist, and nearly 20 years’ experience in translating research findings into policy drawing on our own expertise as well as that of our more than 50 member organisations. We work with governments, health organisations, research organisations and a network of experts nationwide to analyse policy problems and find the best evidence-based solutions.

Building on the success of the flagship 45 and Up study, the Institute is now launching 18 and Up; a groundbreaking national effort to establish the largest multigenerational cohort in Australia to uncover the drivers of Australia’s declining mental health and rapidly translate findings to drive meaningful policy and practice change for current and future generations.

Funded by the NHMRC and delivered by the Sax Institute in collaboration with Australia’s leading mental health researchers and policy partners, the study is supported by dedicated governance and advisory structures to drive engagement, co-design and impact.

About the role

Joining 18 and Up at its very inception, the Scientific Director will provide the strategic and academic leadership that underpins this landmark national study. This is the most senior research role on the project – a unique opportunity to set the scientific direction and ensure excellence across all stages, from study design to the delivery of high-impact outputs.

Reporting directly to the Chief Investigator A (CEO of the Sax Institute), and working in collaboration with the broader Chief Investigator Group, the Scientific Director will drive the study’s research agenda, ensuring alignment with the project’s governance and strategic priorities.”

As leader of the Research Stream, you will drive innovation in mental health and population research, ensuring methodological rigour and shaping new approaches that will define the study’s success. You will work in close partnership with the Head of Programs and Operations Director to align research priorities with operational delivery and NHMRC milestones.

In this highly visible role, you will chair and contribute to governance committees, forge national and international research collaborations and secure additional funding to expand the scope and reach of the study. As an ambassador for 18 and Up, you will represent the study to government, funders, the mental health sector, and the wider community – ensuring its findings are translated into policy, practice, and public understanding.

About you

Working with a team of dedicated professionals, this exciting opportunity will suit an accomplished research leader with a national or international reputation in mental health, population health or related fields. You will bring strategic vision and deep methodological expertise, along with proven experience leading large-scale, multi-institutional studies. With a track record of securing competitive funding, you will also excel at building partnerships across government, academia, and the community, and have a passion for ensuring research makes a tangible difference.

This role will appeal to someone motivated by the opportunity to shape a landmark Australian research platform with the potential to influence health, policy and practice for decades.

Specifically, we are looking for an accomplished research leader with the following experience and current skill set:

• PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g. public health, epidemiology, mental health, social sciences) with a strong track record as a mid–senior career researcher.
• Demonstrated experience in the design, leadership, and management of large-scale, multi-institutional cohort or longitudinal studies.
• Evidence of success in leading multi-institutional research collaborations and partnerships.
• Proven ability to supervise and develop research staff and early-career researchers.
• Strong record of high-quality publications and demonstrated impact through research translation into policy and practice.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and collaboration skills, including experience working with policymakers, community groups, and sector partners.

Experience in mental health or intergenerational research and familiarity with NHMRC-funded research requirements would be highly regarded.

Further details

If this sounds interesting, please click here to read more about the position.

To apply please send your CV and a cover letter addressing the Selection Criteria to careers@saxinstitute.org.au with the subject heading: Scientific Director – 18 and Up.

Please contact Martin McNamara at Martin.McNamara@saxinstitute.org.au if you have further questions about the role.

Applications close on Sunday, 2 November 2025.

The Sax Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• High impact not-for-profit with great salary packaging benefits

• Office located in Glebe, NSW (with flexible work arrangements available)
• 24-month contract, hybrid opportunity

About the Sax Institute

The Sax Institute is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that improves health and wellbeing by driving better use of evidence in policies, programs and services.

The Sax Institute has an international reputation as an Evidence Specialist, and nearly 20 years’ experience in translating research findings into policy drawing on our own expertise as well as that of our more than 50 member organisations. We work with governments, health organisations, research organisations and a network of experts nationwide to analyse policy problems and find the best evidence-based solutions.

Our IT team is a pivotal part of our organisation and provides both technology solutions to our staff and support to one of our key business lines – the Secure Unified Research Environment (SURE). The SURE is a high-powered computing environment developed to help make best use of our national knowledge base and provides external researchers with secure remote access to virtual machines.

Our office is based in Glebe and we offer excellent flexible and remote working arrangements. Our staff employee engagement survey showed our staff are proud to work here at the Institute and would recommend it as a great place to work – so read on and see how you can join the team!

About the role

A great opportunity exists for an experienced and hands-on System Engineer to join the Sax Institute – an organisation making a real difference to the health of all Australians.

In this role, you’ll play a key part in managing and maintaining the Institute’s secure research platform (SURE), helping to ensure its reliability, performance and security. You’ll bring strong experience across Linux, networking, storage and virtualisation, along with excellent problem-solving skills and a passion for driving continuous improvement and innovation.

The position offers the chance to apply and grow your automation expertise, streamlining tasks and processes through scripting and modern DevOps practices. With a focus on tools such as Ansible, you’ll be central in shaping the scalability, efficiency, and security of one of Australia’s leading research platforms.

Although no two days will be the same, responsibilities will include:

• User Support & Service Delivery – Provide high-level technical support, configure secure workspaces and ensure the smooth delivery of IT services to internal and external users.
• Infrastructure Operations – Manage and monitor network, compute, storage, and virtualisation systems, maintain backups and ensure system performance meets security and availability requirements.
• Automation & DevOps – Streamline operations through scripting and automation, supporting ongoing efficiency and scalability.
• Technical Advice – Act as an escalation point for complex issues, liaise with vendors, and provide expert guidance across infrastructure and service delivery.
• Information Security – Maintain and enhance security controls, compliance, and awareness in line with ISO27001 and ASD/ISM requirements, including identity management and SSL lifecycle.
• Documentation & Process Improvement – Maintain accurate technical documentation, SOPs, and service workflows to support ongoing operations.
• Project Delivery – Contribute to infrastructure upgrades, new technology implementations, and other IT projects that drive innovation and continuous improvement across the Institute.

About You

Our new IT Senior Systems Administrator will be able to show the following skills and experience:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience providing 2nd and 3rd level technical support across complex, multi-technology environments, ideally within a Managed Services Provider (MSP) or IT services context.

• Proven ability to deploy, configure, and manage virtualised infrastructure and systems, including both Windows and Linux virtual machines.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft technologies, including Active Directory, Windows Server, and Group Policy management.
• Hands-on experience with virtualisation platforms such as VMware and KVM.
• Solid understanding of core infrastructure components, including switches, routers, and firewalls.
• Expertise in securing and hardening Linux systems, as well as managing vulnerabilities.
• Familiarity with containerisation tools such as Docker and Kubernetes.
• Strong technical expertise in backup solutions, particularly Veeam.
• Proficiency with version control tools such as Git.
• Experience with desktop virtualisation (VDI) solutions.
• Scripting and automation skills using Bash, PowerShell, or Ansible.
• Advanced technical troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of ITIL principles and practical experience in incident, request, and change management processes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with internal stakeholders, external clients, and contractors.

• Must be an Australian Citizen, eligible to obtain and maintain Security Clearance.

Further Details

If this sounds interesting, please click here to read more about the position.

To apply please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience against the selection criteria to careers@saxinstitute.org.au with the subject heading: Senior Systems Administrator.

Please contact Phil Shead at phil.shead@saxinstitute.org.au if you have further questions about the role.

The Sax Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• High impact not-for-profit with great salary packaging benefits

• Great opportunity to contribute to meaningful work with excellent and family-friendly work-life balance

• Office located in Glebe, NSW (with flexible work arrangements available)

• Full time role – 2 year contract

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identified position

About the Sax Institute

The Sax Institute is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that improves health and wellbeing by driving better use of evidence in policies, programs and services.

The Sax Institute has an international reputation as an Evidence Specialist, and nearly 20 years’ experience in translating research findings into policy drawing on our own expertise as well as that of our more than 50 member organisations. We work with governments, health organisations, research organisations and a network of experts nationwide to analyse policy problems and find the best evidence-based solutions.

Our office is based in Glebe, however, we offer great flexible and remote working arrangements (we come to the office for a purpose – to connect and to collaborate – with flexibility to choose your location of work outside these times). Our staff employee engagement survey showed our staff are proud to work here at the Institute and would recommend it as a great place to work – so read on and see how you can join the team!

About the role

The Sax Institute is deeply committed to advancing the health and wellbeing of First Nations peoples and has a proud history of collaborating with the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs) sector and other key stakeholders in research, evaluation and policy.

Working as part of our Aboriginal Health team, the Senior Research Officer will play a key role in shaping the future direction of the Aboriginal Health Division. This newly created role will contribute to strategic planning by bringing innovative ideas and supporting the design and implementation of research focused on health systems and healthy ageing.

This role will suit someone with strong research skills, excellent communication abilities and a commitment to ethical and culturally appropriate research. Flexibility, initiative and the ability to work across diverse teams, including with leading researchers and community partners, are essential.

As we work with ACHHSs across NSW this role may require some travel to regional and remote centres.

Although no two days will be the same, responsibilities will include:

• Supporting Aboriginal Health Division through operational coordination and innovative solutions.
• Designing evaluations including protocols, tools, and frameworks for complex programs.
• Preparing ethics and reporting for stakeholders, funders, and ethics committees.
• Coordinating and conducting data collection and analysis using quantitative methods and project management.
• Translating findings into reports, briefs, and presentations for ACCHSs and partners.

About You

Our new Senior Research Officer will be able to show the following skills and experience:

• Aboriginality is a genuine occupational requirement of this position
• A PhD in epidemiology, population health, health services research or relevant Master’s degree or relevant experience
• Strong background in Aboriginal health research and policy
• Excellent organisational skills and experience in managing projects, with a demonstrated capacity to manage complexities and diverse stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to contribute ideas and innovations, develop and implement initiatives
• Demonstrated experience with writing research protocols, reports, findings briefs, ethics applications and/or academic manuscripts and grant applications
• Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to work as part of a team, and build successful working relationships with a variety of people and to deliver on commitments

Further details

If this sounds interesting, please click here to read more about the position.

To apply please send your CV and a cover letter addressing the Selection Criteria to careers@saxinstitute.org.au with the subject heading: Senior Research Officer – Aboriginal Health.

Please contact Scott Winch at scott.winch@saxinstitute.org.au if you have further questions about the role.

The Sax Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• The Sax Institute is inviting experienced simulation modellers to be on a shortlist of candidates for casual employment and consultant contracts
• Make a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of Australians
• Competitive salary and consultancy rates

About the Sax Institute

The Sax Institute is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that improves health and wellbeing by driving better use of evidence in policies, programs and services.

The Institute has an international reputation as an Evidence Specialist, and nearly 20 years’ experience in translating research findings into policy drawing on our own expertise as well as that of our more than 50 member organisations. We work with governments, health organisations, research organisations and a network of experts nationwide to analyse policy problems and find the best evidence-based solutions.

The Sax Institute’s Decision Analytics team uses simulation modelling and other analytical methods to develop adaptable decision support tools. These tools are developed in partnership with government departments, policy agencies and program planners in health and social sectors, providing them with a low-risk virtual environment to test potential impacts of different decisions before they are implemented in the real world.

About the role

This role will provide a unique opportunity to build simulation models to solve real-world problems and have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of Australians. Examples include strategic investments to reduce suicide deaths, planning and resource allocation optimisation to improve the efficiency and outcomes of hospital systems, managing and planning for infectious disease pandemic such as COVID-19, and studying the dynamic relationships between human activities and the physical and social environment.

They will have a primary responsibility in the technical development of high-standard dynamic simulation models, as part of a collaborative and supportive team with diverse expertise in public health policy and planning, participatory and consensus building approaches, and evidence synthesis. They are likely to be involved in participatory model-building workshops with policy makers, researchers, clinicians, and people with lived experience. The role may also include contributing to model documentation and dissemination of findings, and driving methodological innovations.

About the talent pool

The talent pool will be comprised of a small number of experienced simulation modellers. Applicants will first be assessed by their CVs and cover letters. Those considered eligible will be contacted within 10 business days to arrange a brief interview. When an opportunity emerges we will contact the person in the talent pool with the most relevant experience to determine their current availability. The terms and conditions of the work will be agreed for each project.

 About you – Selection Criteria

Essential

• PhD qualification or equivalent professional experience in one or more dynamic simulation modelling methods, i.e. system dynamics, discrete event, or agent-based modelling
• A demonstrated track record of developing dynamic simulation models for research or real world applications
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team and balance inputs from diverse stakeholders
• Strong critical thinking, analytical, and problem solving skills
• A healthy drive for excellence
• Strong time management skills to deliver models in short time frames

Preferred

• Experience with Stella Architect or AnyLogic software
• Knowledge of public health and policy, social and environmental determinants of health, and government policy decision-making
• Experience in participatory modelling and co-design process
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team and balance inputs from diverse stakeholders
• Ability to communicate technical details to lay audience
• Proficient in statistical software applications (e.g., SPSS, Stata, SAS, R)
• Commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of Australians

Further details

To apply please send your CV to decision.analytics@saxinstitute.org.au with the subject heading: Simulation modeller. A cover letter addressing the Selection Criteria is strongly encouraged.

Please contact Ani Goswami on ani.goswami@saxinstitute.org.au if you have further questions about the role.

Applications close: ongoing

The Sax Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.