Graduate Research Assistant: Qualitative Research

ORIMA Research; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

ORIMA Research in Melbourne is offering a Graduate Research Assistant position in Qualitative Research. The role focuses on designing and executing qualitative studies within a collaborative, cross-functional team, aligned with a strong evidence-based approach.

You will work within the Qualitative division with a six-month rotation across two teams, contributing to public sector projects and broadening your research skillset and professional growth in a high-performance environment.

Qualifications

• Graduate or postgraduate qualification in a relevant area with applications of research work.
• Studies in research methods would be well regarded but not essential.
• HD average in graduate/ postgraduate course (WAM of over 80)

Responsibilities

• Design qualitative research methodologies.
• Analyse, interpret and report on qualitative data.
• Note-taking and moderating for focus groups and interviews with diverse participants.
• Project management and coordination.
• Problem solving and extracting evidence-based insights for clients.

Skills

Qualitative research

Data analysis

Research methodologies

Excel

Verbal and written communication

Presentation

Team collaboration

Education

Graduate or postgraduate qualification in Psychology/Science/Social Science

HD average / WAM >80

Studies in research methods

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Graduate Research Assistant: Qualitative Research

Do you have an analytical mind? Are you curious?

Do you enjoy problem solving using evidence?

Are you interested in understanding and measuring how people think, feel and behave?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, our Graduate Program could be the perfect fit for you. We are looking for a high-performing graduate who takes pride in producing quality work, is eager to learn and be intellectually challenged, wants to build a strong professional foundation and is motivated to thrive in their workplace.

ORIMA Research is a private Australian-owned professional services firm that provides market and social research, data analytics, organisational performance improvement and related advisory services. We are a genuine public sector research specialist, whereby over 90% of our clients are in the government sector.

ORIMA is a values-based organisation and we pride ourselves on our service ethos, high performance culture, innovation, integrity and focus on helping our staff to thrive. We are:

• People who believe in the value of evidence-based approaches to inform government decision making;
• Lateral thinkers and problem solvers – we find the best solutions for our clients; and
• From a diverse range of qualifications and professional backgrounds.

ORIMA Research is committed to training and developing young professionals. Our formal graduate program provides high-potential graduates with a pathway to a rewarding career in research, data analytics and consulting, through transparent and clear career progression during the graduate program and beyond.

This is a career growth opportunity to be part of an expanding, high-performance, award-winning private research consultancy firm with a supportive and strengths-based culture, underpinned by positive psychology principles, with a strong focus on scientific and intellectual rigour, and collaboration and development.

Our graduate program is underpinned by a Competency Framework and a clear progression pathway. The program provides the opportunity and support to learn and develop quantitative and/or qualitative research skills, as well as the technical and non-technical skills required for a successful career in the private sector and the market and social research industry.

The successful applicant will work primarily within the Qualitative division with a 6-month rotation across two teams. You will have the opportunity to collaborate across a variety of public sector projects and research disciplines to develop and hone your technical and professional skills, as well as take part in a graduate project with peers. We have a very strong, collaborative culture that is enhanced by our staff being co-located in our offices.

Graduates in the professional stream will be exposed to a broad range of research and consulting skills including:

• Understanding and designing qualitative research methodologies
• Analysing, interpreting and reporting on qualitative data
• Note-taking and moderating for focus groups and interviews with people from all parts of the community on a range of topics – from education to the environment, healthcare to employment.
• Project management and co-ordination
• Problem solving, drawing insights from findings and finding evidence-based solutions for our clients.

We have1 Qualitative graduate position available for our early 2027 intake of Qualitative Graduates in Melbourne.

Positive Police check and Working with Children checks required. Must be able to work full-time at the office as we have a collegiate, supportive office based working culture.

Residency Status

• Australian Citizen/New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident

Qualifications

• Graduate or postgraduate qualification/s in a relevant area with applications of research work, including but not limited to Psychology, Science or Social Science, Advanced Social Work, Behavioural Science, Law, Commerce, Communications etc
• Studies in research methods would be well regarded but not essential
• HD average in graduate/ postgraduate course (WAM of over 80)

General Technical Skills

• Knowledge of research methodologies
• Experience with Excel, Word and Powerpoint

Additional specific Technical Skills/ Experience/ Requirements

• Experience interacting professionally with stakeholders, clients or the general public, both in person and over the phone;
• Flexibility to travel across Australia and work evenings regularly, sometimes at short notice; and
• A scientific, objective, logical and team-oriented approach.

Professional Skills

• Strong skills and mindset for professional success – attention to detail, problem-solving, time management and organisation skills, combined with a positive, resilient and ‘can do’ attitude;
• Effective communication and interpersonal abilities – advanced verbal and written communication skills (including clear spoken English),strong interpersonal skills to build relationships and collaborate effectively, and an understanding, approachable nature towards research participants and clients;
• Adaptability and teamwork – ability to work autonomously and as part of a team, remaining humble, versatile and willing to contribute wherever needed to support projects, clients and team goals;
• Thrives under pressure – capable of working constructively under pressure, meeting short timeframes and maintaining a helpful and professional approach; and
• Motivated by growth and purpose – driven by excellence, continual learning and intellectual rigour, with an interest in the public sector environment and a focus on building a career in commercial social research/consulting.