Lead Research Officer — Data-Driven Education Policy (Hybrid)

NSW Education Standards Authority; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 154,000 - 178,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangements

Flexible working arrangements

Salary packaging options

Fitness Passport access

Annual flu vaccinations

Job summary

NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) invites applications for a Lead Research Officer based in Sydney. The role supports evidence-based decision making through high-quality research, data management, and cross-agency collaboration, improving NSW educational outcomes.

You will lead a team, manage complex data requests, and influence policy via rigorous analyses. The role sits in Assessment Services, offers hybrid work (2–3 days in office), and requires a doctorate or substantial research

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading, delivering and advising on complex quantative research projects, preferably with doctoral qualifications and/or with recognised publications.
• Demonstrated experience managing stakeholder and partner relationships and expectations across state and Commonwealth government departments and/or other research bodies.
• Proven ability leading a team to achieve multiple project objectives within limited resources and tight deadlines, balancing competing priorities and driving continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Managing and conducting annual data exchange programs with Commonwealth and state agencies to comply with requirements within the agreements.
• Prioritising, evaluating, negotiating, and overseeing data delivery for applications from researchers for ad hoc access to NESA information and data.
• Negotiating and managing information sharing agreements for ad hoc data requests.
• Analyzing data sources, data collection processes and the use of data to improve data quality and usability for research.
• Leading, managing and conducting critical complex quantitative analyses to inform and evaluate NESA policy.
• Representing NESA on relevant committees.
• Identifying opportunities for process and customer service improvements and data integration projects.
• Preparing correspondence, written reports, publications, and briefs aligned with agency requirements.

Skills

Quantitative research

Data analysis

SQL

Python (pandas)

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Doctorate

Education

Doctorate / PhD in a relevant field

Tools

SQL

Python (pandas)

Job description

NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) invites applications for a Lead Research Officer based in Sydney. The role supports evidence-based decision making through high-quality research, data management, and cross-agency collaboration, improving NSW educational outcomes.

You will lead a team, manage complex data requests, and influence policy via rigorous analyses. The role sits in Assessment Services, offers hybrid work (2–3 days in office), and requires a doctorate or substantial research