Career opportunities

• A fantastic opportunity to lead the Institute’s program of research in Aboriginal health
• Great office located in Glebe (with a truly flexible and hybrid approach to work)
• Professional, friendly and supportive environment
• Not for profit sector with an opportunity to take advantage of great salary packaging benefits

About us

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 over 20 years’ experience in translating research findings into policy drawing on our own expertise as well as that of our more than 60 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 almost 90% of 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

This newly created leadership position has been established to lead the Institute’s program of research in Aboriginal health. Working collaboratively with the Director, Aboriginal Health (Research), this role will lead the development of a new centre for Aboriginal health within the Sax Institute, building on the work and existing partnerships established over the life of the program so far.

The Director will initially be responsible for finalising the strategy of the centre before implementing this new strategic plan – all focused on building capabilities in Aboriginal health research.

This role will work on a daily basis with our incredibly skilled and capable Aboriginal health research team and will be responsible for:

• Leading business development and ensure financial sustainability of the program
• Increasing the availability and accessibility of evidence from research to support the priorities and needs of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS), Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council (AHMRC) and communities
• Leading the development of approaches incorporating Indigenous knowledge to support evidence needs of decision makers
• Leading the development of new programs of research in partnership with Aboriginal people and ACCHSs
• Establishing and maintaining strong engagement with partner ACCHSs to support the development and implementation of culturally sensitive research
• Building and maintaining partnerships with researchers and research organisations in Indigenous health
• Building and maintaining partnerships with policy and practice agencies.

About you & next steps

Our new Director will have the following skills and experience:

• Aboriginality is essential
• PhD or relevant equivalent work experience
• Experience working with ACCHSs, healthcare practitioners, government officials and researchers
• Substantial experience in knowledge mobilisation activities and research
• Substantial experience in the conduct of research as it relates to policy and program development in health, health-related, or human services fields
• Substantial experience in, or a strong understanding of, the work of government, non-government and health service delivery organisations 
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve at a high level, develop, implement and evaluate innovative solutions
• Excellent interpersonal skills, verbal and written communication skills and proven ability to work effectively with a diverse range of people including researchers, clinicians and senior government officials.

If this sounds like the role you have been dreaming of next, please click here to read more about this great opportunity.

To apply please send your CV and a cover letter addressing the Selection Criteria to jobs@saxinstitute.org.au with the subject heading: Director, Aboriginal Health.

Please contact Sandra Bailey on Sandra.Bailey@saxinsitute.org.au or Sian Rudge at Sian.Rudge@saxinstitute.org.au if you have further questions about the role.

The Sax Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Sax Institute acknowledges the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation as the first peoples and traditional owners of this land. We pay our respects to Aboriginal Elders, past, present and emerging.

• Great office located in Glebe (with a truly flexible and hybrid approach to work)
• Professional, friendly and supportive environment
• Not for profit sector with an opportunity to take advantage of great salary packaging benefits
• Full time position, however, open to discussing part time hours with the right candidate

About us

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 over 20 years’ experience in translating research findings into policy drawing on our own expertise as well as that of our more than 60 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 seeking an Operations Manager to join the next-generation model of The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre (Prevention Centre). This position will coordinate and manage the core operations of the Prevention Centre’s program of work. With a focus on providing financial, contracting, reporting and project management support, this role will be pivotal in ensuring that the governance processes are well supported and that reporting requirements are met in a comprehensive and timely manner.  

This role will suit someone who thrives working in a collaborative policy and research environment and excels in all aspects of project management.

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

• Managing the Prevention Centre governance processes – including secretariat functions for the quarterly governance meetings
• Managing the Prevention Centre reporting requirements
• Managing the day to day business operations of the Centre
• Collaborating with the Finance team to manage Prevention Centre financials
• Managing the Prevention Centre contracting and contract management processes

About you & next steps

We are looking for an experienced and proactive manager who has the following experience and current skill set:

• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative policy and research environment with diverse stakeholders from research, policy and practice
• Substantial experience in tracking and reporting on project and organisational deliverables
• High level working knowledge of Excel
• Experience in financial management and contract management
• Excellent project management skills
• Highly organised with experience in managing multiple work streams and ability to work according to strict deadlines and manage various demands.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills with sound negotiation skills and a demonstrated level of tact and discretion in dealing with a variety of matters.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, taking initiative and exercising sound judgement in resolving and escalating matters as they arise.
• Familiarity with the health system in Australia.
• Experience in managing staff.

If this sounds like the role you have been dreaming of next, please click here read more about this great opportunity.

To apply please send your CV and a cover letter addressing the Selection Criteria to jobs@saxinstitute.org.au with the subject heading: Operations Manager, Prevention Centre by 8 October 2023.

Please contact Lucie Rychetnik at lucie.rychetnik@saxinstitute.org.au or Martin McNamara at martin.mcnamara@saxinstitute.org.au if you have further questions about the role.

The Sax Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• Not for profit sector with an opportunity to take advantage of great salary packaging benefits
• Great office located in Glebe (with a truly flexible and hybrid approach to work)
• Full time position, however, open to discussing part time hours with the right candidate

About us

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 over 20 years’ experience in translating research findings into policy drawing on our own expertise as well as that of our more than 60 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

Our Decision Analytics team uses dynamic simulation modelling to develop evidence-based decision-support tools that help decision makers solve complex problems. Our models provide a virtual representation of the real world, characterising detailed pathways and interactions within specific contexts.

As a senior member of the team, our newly appointed Deputy Director – Decision Analytics will provide operational and delivery expertise on the strategic direction of the team. This role will support decision making in public health through the engagement of stakeholders and effective project management. Working closely with our modelling experts, this role will lead a highly effective project and delivery team to produce innovative, high quality modelling and decision support tools.

Your knack for project management and collaboration will allow you to see how the work of the Decision Analytics team has a real impact in the public health space.

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

• Leading the delivery of decision support tools and dynamic simulation modelling projects for a diverse range of clients
• Leading a team of project delivery specialists
• Working collaboratively with our Simulation Modelling team to deliver projects
• Contributing to strategic planning and business development for the Program
• Representing the Institute and the Program at external functions

About you & next steps

We are looking for dynamic and dedicated leader who has the following experience and current skill set:

• An MPH or a relevant discipline, or equivalent work experience
• Experience in a health research or policy environment
• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative research environment with diverse stakeholders.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of the field of public health and health care in Australia.
• Extensive project management experience, including delivering projects on time and on budget.
• High-level organisational and time management skills with demonstrated expertise in managing input from multiple stakeholders
• Ability to take on a leadership role in the development and implementation of projects
• Proven high level skills in innovation and an understanding of innovation science.
• Excellent skills in collaboration and negotiation
• An understanding of and commitment to the work of the Institute
• A strong service orientation with proven ability to build successful working relationships with a variety of people, both internal and external, and to deliver on commitments made
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.

Knowledge or experience in dynamic simulation modelling methodologies, while not essential, would be highly regarded.

If this sounds like the role you have been dreaming of next, please click here to read more about this great opportunity.

To apply please send your CV and a cover letter addressing the Selection Criteria to jobs@saxinstitute.org.au with the subject heading: Deputy Director – Decision Analytics by 24 September 2023

Please contact Christine Whittall at christine.whittall@saxinstitute.org.au if you have further questions about the role.

The Sax Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• Collaborate with researchers, policy makers and practitioners
• Great office located in Glebe (with a truly flexible and hybrid approach to work)
• Opportunity to apply your research expertise to support public health policy and practice
• Not for profit sector with an opportunity to take advantage of great salary packaging benefits
• Full time position, however, open to discussing part time hours with the right candidate

About us

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 over 20 years’ experience in translating research findings into policy drawing on our own expertise as well as that of our more than 60 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

This newly created position has been established to lead, guide and support the application of systems approaches and systems science to the diverse work portfolio of The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre (Prevention Centre). Reporting to the new Head, Prevention, this position will also lead the development and implementation of the Prevention Centre’s Emerging Leaders Strategy and the activities of the Emerging Leaders Network, which brings together early and mid-career researchers, policy makers and practitioners. It will also play a key role in contributing advice and systems science expertise the Institute more broadly as it grows its strategy of addressing complex health problems with policy makers, practioners and researchers to improve Australians’ health and wellbeing.

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

• Providing leadership and support for the application of systems science in prevention research, policy and practice
• Collaborating with prevention colleagues and partners to develop and implement the Emerging Leaders Strategy
• Partnering across teams, networks and agencies to build systems science capabilities and capacity 

About you & next steps

We are looking for proactive and experienced Senior Research Fellow who has the following experience and current skill set:

• PhD or equivalent in public health, chronic disease prevention or a relevant related field.
• Deep understanding of systems science, methods and tools, and demonstrated ability to apply systems thinking to support strategic systemic change in applied practice settings, and to use systems science to guide research questions and methods in prevention / public health.
• Strong track record of leading prevention / public health / health related research, preferably that involved applying systems science to the prevention of chronic diseases. A senior academic affiliation with an Australian university is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience of working in partnerships between research institutions, and government and non-government organisations (NGOs) to support policy and program delivery. 
• Proven ability to convene and lead dialogues, workshops and webinars relevant to population health research, policy and practice, and to support and mentor early and mid-career colleagues.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to develop persuasive and compelling funding proposals and negotiate complex agreements.
• Ability to effectively prioritise and manage complex projects, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively towards shared goals across research disciplines, and policy and practice in health and non-health sectors.

If this sounds like the role you have been dreaming of next, please click here to read more about this great opportunity.

To apply please send your CV and a cover letter addressing the Selection Criteria to jobs@saxinstitute.org.au with the subject heading: Senior Research Fellow – Systems Science by 23 September 2023.  

Please contact Lucie Rychetnik at lucie.rychetnik@saxinstitute.org.au or Martin McNamara at martin.mcnamara@saxinstitute.org.au if you have further questions about the role.

The Sax Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• A fantastic opportunity to lead the Prevention Centre and advise on other aspects of the Institute’s Prevention strategy
• Collaborate with researchers, policy makers and practitioners
• Great office located in Glebe (with a truly flexible and hybrid approach to work)
• Professional, friendly and supportive environment
• Not for profit sector with an opportunity to take advantage of great salary packaging benefits
• Full time position, however, open to discussing part time hours with the right candidate

About us

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 over 20 years’ experience in translating research findings into policy drawing on our own expertise as well as that of our more than 60 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 seeking a Head, Prevention to join the Executive Team and lead the next-generation model of The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre (Prevention Centre). This is a new position that will take over from the current Co-Directors who will be moving on at end of 2023.

The successful candidate to be appointed as the new Head will be an established leader in chronic disease prevention, who will guide and inspire the work of the next-generation Prevention Centre as an integral and embedded program of the Sax Institute. The ongoing body of work will continue to be co-designed with policy funding partners and the prevention research community; build on the innovations and developments to-date; and contribute to the Sax Institute’s mission and strategy to improve Australians’ health and wellbeing by driving the use of evidence in policies, programs and services.

This role will suit someone who has extensive experience building partnerships between research institutions, government and non-government organisations, applied experience in supporting prevention policy, or program support and/or delivery and a strong track record in leading collaborative, partnership-based public health research.

Leading a talented team, this is a diverse role that will see you able to apply systems thinking, methods and tools for chronic disease prevention research, policy and/or practice experience.  

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

• Building national prevention system leadership
• Convening and leading robust research, policy and practice dialogues
• Incubating and driving new knowledge
• Providing scientific and applied leadership on the use of systems thinking, methods and tools
• Contributing to the development and strategy of the Institute

About you & next steps

We are looking for an experienced and innovative leader who has the following experience and current skill set:

• PhD or equivalent in public health, chronic disease prevention or a relevant related field.
• Extensive experience of building partnerships between research institutions and government and non-government organisations.
• At least 10 years of experience in prevention policy or program delivery, or working in close partnership with government and NGOs to support policy and program delivery. 
• Strong track record of leading prevention / public health research. A senior academic affiliation with an Australian university is highly desirable.
• Sound understanding of system science, with demonstrated ability to apply systems thinking to support strategic systemic change in applied settings, and the use of systems science to inform and guide research questions and methods in prevention / public health.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing teams, particularly through periods of change, and with proven ability to support, develop, mentor and inspire effective multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to develop persuasive and compelling funding proposals and negotiate complex agreements.
• Ability to effectively prioritise and manage complex projects, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively across research disciplines, and policy and practice in health and non-health sectors.

If this sounds like the role you have been dreaming of next, please click here to read more about this great opportunity.

To apply please send your CV and a cover letter addressing the Selection Criteria to jobs@saxinstitute.org.au with the subject heading: Head, Prevention.

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

The Sax Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Scholarship:  The scholarship includes a stipend of $32,000 per annum (tax-exempt) plus $2000 per annum for professional development and research costs. Fee waivers will be considered for the successful candidate.

Contact: Professor Paul Kennedy

Duration: 3 years, with the option to extend for 6 months.

School: School of Computer Science

Closing date: When filled

Overview:

The combination of AI techniques such as machine learning and dynamic simulation modelling towards a hybrid modelling approach is a relatively new area of research. This combination of data-based and knowledge-based modelling lends itself to modelling complex systems that are partly based on causal relationships, but with outcomes also partly resulting from hidden dependencies that are represented in huge amounts of data.

Despite the integration of machine learning and other AI techniques into dynamic simulation modelling presenting a potentially valuable avenue for innovation within the field of simulation modelling, several questions remain, such as:

• Can simulation modelling generate data or information that can be used to train machine learning models in cases where data is unavailable or imperfect?
• How can AI improve the insights or outputs of simulation models?
• Can a hybrid machine learning/dynamic simulation model be applied in a real-world healthcare context to support health-related decision making and/or to improve systems of care?

The Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at the Children’s Hospital Westmead (CHW) is a data rich environment which is subject to rapid change. High quality, long term clinical data sets and registries covering staffing and resourcing, treatment, and patient outcomes are available in this setting. Making the best use of the available data is critical for optimising processes and outcomes, responding to change, and for future planning including to help evolve effective models of care for future built environments.

Working closely with the Decision Analytics team at the Sax Institute (a team focused on using advanced dynamic simulation modelling methods as well as research and visualisation technologies to develop timely, accessible decision support tools for policy and practice), this PhD scholarship will support a candidate to develop a research project to harness the available data to answer critical questions relevant to the delivery of services in the CHW PICU. The project will be centred around utilising and developing cutting edge methodologies tying together Discrete Event Simulation modelling with machine learning to make best use of the available data to inform service delivery in this setting. The research will address the questions posed above regarding the integration of these two techniques.

Who is Eligible

• Master’s degree by research or Bachelor’s degree with strong academic record which is equivalent to First-Class Honours
• Domestic students currently residing in Australia.
• Hold a valid working with children check to enable working on site at CHW

Selection Criteria     

• Demonstrated self-motivation and commitment to work on research topics.
• Demonstrated experience in the areas of machine learning and/or dynamic simulation modelling.
• Demonstrated experience in programming in Python, Java or related languages.
• Excellent written skills evidenced by scientific journal papers, conference papers, or technical reports.
• Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills

Applicants must meet the eligibility and address all the selection criteria. In addition to the above eligibility criteria for the scholarship, students should meet the UTS admission requirements to UTS PhD program. The minimum eligibility requirements for admission are available at https://www.uts.edu.au/future-students/postgraduate/essential-info/admission-requirements.

Other Information

The position will be supported by supervisors:

• Dr Danielle Currie, Senior Simulation Modeller, Decision Analytics, Sax Institute
• Dr Marino Festa, Medical Co-Lead Paediatric Intensive Care and Medical Lead Kids Critical Care Research, Children’s Hospital at Westmead
• Prof Paul Kennedy – Head, School of Computer Science, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology

This position will work closely with the Sax Institute and will have the opportunity to work in conjunction with the Decision Analytics team onsite in their Glebe office.

How to Apply       

In the first instance, interested applicants should send their CV, brief (maximum one page) supporting statement, three referees and publications (if applicable) to Prof Paul Kennedy at paul.kennedy@uts.edu.au.

Following the initial endorsement by the supervisor, applicants will go through the UTS online application process.

• 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 Christine Whittall on christine.whittall@saxinstitute.org.au if you have further questions about the role.

Applications close: ongoing

The Sax Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.