Career opportunities

• 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 Cindy Peng on cindy.peng@saxinstitute.org.au if you have further questions about the role.

Applications close: ongoing

The Sax Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• Not for profit sector
• Part time opportunity (28 hours per week preferred, however, would consider 21 hours per week for the right candidate)
• 12-month contract with possibility of extension
• Office located in Glebe, NSW (with flexible work arrangements available)

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.

The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre (the Prevention Centre) is administered and hosted by the Sax Institute. Through our partnerships, the Prevention Centre aims to better inform policy and program decision making about what works in preventing chronic disease and in more effective implementation of prevention programs.

About the role

With brilliant work happening through the Prevention Centre, a fantastic opportunity exists for a Digital Communications Officer to join our team. This newly created position has been established to lead the implementation of the Centre’s digital strategy, ensuring that the Centre’s reputation is maintained and its research is promoted to target audiences.

This is a great role for someone who has excellent writing and editing skills who is looking to bring innovative ideas around online communication to a dedicated and focused team.

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

• Developing and maintaining content for multiple audiences and channels (including creating social media content, managing the Centre’s website and preparing electronic direct messages)
• Creating and upkeeping content (ensuring all digital content is relevant and in line with guidelines)
• Sourcing images to complement messaging (ensuring there is a library of appropriate images to use to support public health messages)
• Monitoring and evaluating channels and campaigns (using data from Google Analytics and Google Search Console to collect insights)
• Overseeing supplier relationships (including web developers and graphic designers)

Selection Criteria

Essential

Our new Digital Communications Officer will be able to show the following skills and experience:

• Tertiary qualifications in communications
• At least five years’ experience in a communications role
• Demonstrated high-level writing and editing skills, with proven ability to communicate
  complex ideas in an engaging and readable way
• Proven ability to implement, monitor and evaluate a social media strategy
• Highly proficient with WordPress, Windows 10, Adobe Creative Cloud, EDM programs such as Campaign Monitor, and social monitoring apps, such as Hootsuite
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to develop productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability and resilience to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances
• Passion and energy for a busy communications team environment
• Identify with the Centre’s values of collaboration, independence, innovation and respect

Although experience in health writing and the public health space more broadly would be ideal, we understand that experience gained in other industries would be relevant too. Experience in leading social media strategy or video production would also be seen in a positive light.

Further details

If this sounds interesting, please click on this link Position Description to read more about the role.

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

Please contact the Prevention Centre’s Communications Manager, Ainsley Burgess at ainsley.burgess@saxinstitute.org.au if you have further questions about the role.

Applications close: 5pm, 28 February 2021.

The Sax Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• Not for profit sector
• Full time opportunity, however, part time hours would be considered
• 12-month contract with possibility of extension
• Office located in Glebe, NSW (with flexible work arrangements available)

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.

The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre (the Prevention Centre) is administered and hosted by the Sax Institute. Through our partnerships, the Prevention Centre aims to better inform policy and program decision making about what works in preventing chronic disease and in more effective implementation of prevention programs.

About the role

With brilliant work happening through the Prevention Centre, a fantastic opportunity exists for a Senior Communications Officer to join our team. Working to the Communications Manager, this collaborative role will manage, write, edit and produce high-quality communications about the Prevention Centre, its work and people.

This is a great role for someone who is truly passionate about writing and has an ability to quickly and efficiently turn complex concepts into targeted messages for diverse audiences.

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

• Leading the development, writing and production of content for the Centre’s research programs
• Leading the production of the Centre’s external e-newsletter, The Chronicle
• Collaborating on website administration, maintenance, content development and strategy
• Providing writing and editorial support
• Contributing to communication for events and social media
• Building communication capacity within the Centre and its networks.

Selection Criteria

Essential

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

• Tertiary qualifications in Journalism, Communications or related area
• At least ten years’ experience in a writing or editing role
• Highly effective writing skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, interesting and relevant content for a variety of audiences
• Excellent organisational skills, including the ability to problem-solve, manage a publication schedule and prioritise multiple concurrent tasks
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to develop productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Proven proofreading skills and experience in editing copy for digital platforms
• Motivation and ability to complete projects independently and have the energy for a busy communications team environment
• Flexible approach and aptitude for technology and learning new skills
• Willingness to brainstorm and pitch fresh ideas and solutions
• Ability and resilience to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances
• Identify with the Centre’s values of collaboration, independence, innovation and respect.Although experience in health writing and the public health space more broadly would be ideal, we understand that experience gained in other industries would be relevant too.

Further details

If this sounds interesting, please on this link Position Description to read more about the role.

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

Please contact the Prevention Centre’s Communications Manager, Ainsley Burgess at ainsley.burgess@saxinstitute.org.au if you have further questions about the role.

Applications close: 5pm, 28 February 2021.

The Sax Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• Not for profit sector
• Full time preferred, however part time hours considered
• 2-year contract
• Great office located in Glebe, NSW (with flexible work arrangements available)

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.

About the role

A fantastic opportunity exists for a Senior Researcher to join our Research Assets Division. This role will be responsible for managing and implementing some of the key internal research projects using the Institute’s 45 and Up Study (the largest ongoing study of health and ageing in Australia).

Although no two days will be the same, responsibilities for this position will include:
• Leading the development, management and delivery of some of the key research projects using the 45 and Up Study and linked administrative data
• Providing expert, operational, methodological advice and analyses for the implementation of the projects
• Data analysis and presentation of research outputs to external clients
• Preparing Ethics and data custodian submissions, Ethics annual reports for their projects and providing advice on Ethics matters
• Assessing grant opportunities and preparing grant submissions
• Contributing to the implementation of 45 and Up Study strategy and development of annual work plans

Selection Criteria

Essential
To be successful, the Senior Researcher should demonstrate the following technical and behavioural competencies:
• A PhD in epidemiology, population health, biostatistics, health services research or relevant Master’s degree with sound experience in a similar role
• Demonstrated experience and results: designing methods and delivering health research projects; developing research protocols and ethics applications
• Experience working with administrative health data – MBS, PBS, Hospital and Emergency Department data
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience writing reports, briefs, ethics applications and/or academic manuscripts and grant applications
• Excellent organisational skills and experience in managing projects, with a demonstrated capacity to meet deliverables on time, and manage complexities and stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to recognise and harness information and opportunities, to consistently show judgement, intelligence and common sense
• Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to work as part of a team. Ability to build successful working relationships with a variety of people, both internal and external (researchers, policy makers, other organisations); to negotiate persuasively; and to deliver on commitments
• Ability to contribute ideas and innovations, develop and implement initiatives.

Experience in data science and modelling, large-scale data collection and publication in peer-reviewed journals would also be viewed positively.

Further details
If this sounds interesting, please click on this link Position Description to read more about the role.

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

Please contact Kerrin Bleicher at kerrin.bleicher@saxinstitute.org.au if you have further questions about the role.

Applications close: 5pm, 2 March 2021.

The Sax Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• Not for profit sector
• Part-time position (0.6 FTE) – 1 year contract
• Professional and friendly environment
• Great office located in Glebe, NSW (with flexible work arrangements available)

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.

About Innovation at the Sax Institute

The Sax Institute has a strong track record of developing innovative tools, services and research assets designed to support the use of evidence in policy and practice. The Institute has recently funded a dedicated Innovation Division in order to support and strengthen our capacity to innovate. The Innovation Division has a diverse portfolio which will change frequently as innovations mature and are moved into other parts of the Institute for ongoing implementation.

About the role

A great opportunity exists for a Postdoc Research Fellow to work with the Head, Innovation to scope, develop and implement new streams of work within the Institute. This role will play a pivotal role in helping to enhance the Institute’s culture of innovation.

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

• Contributing to idea generation and development
• Assisting in the identification and development of innovative workstreams – including liaising with stakeholders, conducting background research and assisting with the development of related documentation
• Liaising with internal and external stakeholders
• Drafting protocols and measures
• Contributing to drafting funding applications, research papers and reports.
• Conducting qualitative interviews and analysis
• Contributing to and co-ordinating the implementation of new projects and services

Selection Criteria

We are looking for a dynamic and dedicated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to fill this position who has the following experience and current skill set:

• A PhD in public or population health, health services research, psychology or epidemiology or relevant Master’s degree with strong interest and experience health policy or practice
• Excellent organisational skills and experience in managing projects, with a demonstrated capacity to manage complexities and diverse stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement initiatives
• Demonstrated experience with writing research protocols, reports, findings briefs, ethics applications and academic manuscripts
• 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
• Proven ability to successfully manage projects and juggle competing priorities

Experience with Design Thinking and experience in facilitating groups and mixed methods research skills would also be viewed positively.

Further details

If this sounds interesting, please click on this link Position Description to read more about the role.

To apply please send your CV and a cover letter addressing the Selection Criteria to jobs@saxinstitute.org.au with the subject heading: Postdoctoral Research Fellow– Innovation

Please contact Dr Anna Williamson on 0431 213 609 or email anna.williamson@saxinstitute.org.au if you have further questions about the role.

Applications close: 5pm, Tuesday 9 March 2021

The Sax Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• Not for profit sector
• Part time (0.8 FTE) position – 24-month contract
• Great office located in Glebe, NSW (with flexible work arrangements available)
• Professional and friendly environment

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.

About the role

A great opportunity exists for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the Study of Environment on Aboriginal Resilience and Child Health (SEARCH) at the Sax Institute. Working within the team that was established to improve the health of Aboriginal children living in urban areas, this newly created position will be pivotal in the delivery of two new projects under Aboriginal Health:

• Project one – testing Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) nominated strategies for supporting the social and emotional wellbeing of their staff throughout the COVID 19 Pandemic
• Project two – evaluating an Aboriginal cultural adaptation of an early intervention program for social and emotional wellbeing that is delivered through primary-schools.

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

• Drafting study protocols, tools and methods
• Overseeing the implementation of relevant projects including co-ordination of intervention delivery and associated qualitative and quantitative data collection
• Leading and conducting qualitative interviews and focus groups as required (generally in partnership with Aboriginal researchers)
• Preparing ethics applications and reports, reports to partners and funders and annual stakeholder reports
• Preparing data summaries for ACCHSs partners and communication resources (findings briefs, infographics) from data generated for use by ACCHSs and policy partners
• Drafting papers and presentations arising from the research and supporting the team in delivering the findings in stakeholder meetings.

About you – Selection Criteria

We are looking for a flexible and dedicated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to fill this position who has the following experience and current skill set:

• A PhD in public or population health, health services research, psychology or epidemiology or relevant Master’s degree with strong interest and experience in Aboriginal health research
• Excellent organisational skills and experience in managing projects, with a demonstrated capacity to manage complexities and diverse stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement initiatives
• Demonstrated experience with writing research protocols, reports, findings briefs, ethics applications and academic manuscripts
• 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

Aboriginality would be highly regarded, however, is not necessary for the position.

Further details

If this sounds interesting, please click on this link Position Description to read more about the role.

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

Please contact Sumithra Muthayya at Sumithra.muthayya@saxinstitute.org.au if you have further questions about the role.

Applications close: 5pm, 9 March 2021.

The Sax Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.