Graduate Research Assistant: Qualitative Research

ORIMA; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

ORIMA Research invites applications for a 2027 intake Graduate Research Assistant in Qualitative Research based in Melbourne. The program develops high-potential graduates in research, data analytics and consulting, with clear progression and hands-on experience in public sector projects.

You will rotate across two teams for six months, collaborate across projects, and learn methods from design to reporting, building professional skills and a strong foundation for a career in commercial social

Qualifications

• Graduate-level qualification with research applications.
• Strong research design and reporting capabilities.
• Location Melbourne preferred; full-time office-based.

Responsibilities

• Design qualitative research methodologies.
• Analyse, interpret and report qualitative data.
• Moderate focus groups and interviews.
• Project management and coordination.
• Draw insights and evidence-based solutions for clients.

Skills

Research methods

Qualitative analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Project coordination

Attention to detail

Time management

Education

Graduate or postgraduate qualification in Psychology, Science or Social Science

HD average / WAM >80

Tools

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

Graduate Research Assistant: Qualitative Research

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.