Research Associate A (Data Analyst)

Adelaide University; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 83,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

Adelaide University seeks a quantitative analyst and researcher to analyse deidentified linked data assets, assessing population characteristics, trends, and outcomes. You will generate high-quality evidence to inform planning and service delivery across South Australia, collaborating with researchers, policymakers, and providers.

You will work within the BetterStart Group in the School of Public Health, contributing to evidence-informed policy and practice and shaping outcomes for health and

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in the relevant area, and/or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience in applying research ethics and data governance regulations.
• Evidence of meticulous attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and consistency in data analysis and reporting.
• Experience in the use of statistical packages such as, Stata, R, SPSS and/or SAS.
• Demonstrated analytical capability, including data management, descriptive analysis of complex datasets, with interest in developing advanced analytical approaches.
• Demonstrated ability to organise and prioritise work with sometimes limited supervision.
• Experience interpreting results of data analysis.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience in drafting and delivering analytical reports for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience or interest in health, human and social services research with strong connections to policy and practice
• Experience in building and analysing complex linked datasets from government and non-government sources
• Experience in data visualisation and use of packages such as Power BI, Tableau
• Previous experience working in or with the community services sector

Responsibilities

• Analyse complex linked data to inform policy and practice.
• Translate research into meaningful insights for decision-making.
• Collaborate with researchers, policymakers, and service providers.
• Contribute to a diverse portfolio of projects and partnerships.
• Support evidence-based decision making and drive impact.

Skills

Data analysis

Data governance

Research ethics

Communication

Prioritisation

Policy relevance

Linked data

Team collaboration

Education

Tertiary qualifications in the relevant area

Tools

Stata

R

SPSS

SAS

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

• Based in BetterStart, School of Public Health, College of Health
• Full-time/Part-time (0.8-1.0 FTE), one-year fixed term contract with possibility of extension
• Salary Range: $82,838 - $111,384 per annum (pro-rata, plus 17% superannuation)

At Adelaide University, we create the opportunities you need to achieve your ambitions because when you thrive, we thrive.

We are transforming education for contemporary learners and global citizens. Building on a proud legacy and shaped by bold ambition, it’s a place of excellence and equity, where our vibrant community of staff are united by our purpose to inspire Australia’s future change-makers and create a better tomorrow.

Join an interdisciplinary team dedicated to using data to improve outcomes for South Australians. In this quantitative analyst and research role, you will gain hands‑on experience working with linked administrative data assets to analyse population characteristics, trends, and outcomes. You will generate high‑quality evidence that helps inform the planning and delivery of health and social services across South Australia, while collaborating with researchers, policymakers, and service providers. The role offers the opportunity to contribute to a diverse portfolio of projects and partnerships, applying analytical expertise to support evidence‑based decision making and drive meaningful community impact.

Work that matters

This role analyses complex, deidentified linked data and translates research evidence into meaningful insights that guide decision‑making and strengthen the University's research impact. Evidence produced informs policy, practice, service delivery and system improvement across South Australia.

The team

Reporting to the co‑directors, this role sits within the BetterStart Group in the School of Public Health. The team uses a world class de‑identified linked data platform called BEBOLD to produce evidence that informs policy, practice, service delivery and system improvement in South Australia.

Visit the AU website to learn more about BetterStart Group | Adelaide University

Our people

Our people are guided by purpose, curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning. We embrace authenticity, innovation and collaboration, and harness diverse thinking in our pursuit of excellence.

This is an opportunity to join a vibrant team as we launch Australia’s new university for the future, Adelaide University.

Learn more about our people, what we stand for and what we offer at Careers at AU.

Experience

To join our community and thrive in this role, you will have the following skills and experience:

• Tertiary qualifications in the relevant area, and/or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience in applying research ethics and data governance regulations.
• Evidence of meticulous attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and consistency in data analysis and reporting.
• Experience in the use of statistical packages such as, Stata, R, SPSS and/or SAS.
• Demonstrated analytical capability, including data management, descriptive analysis of complex datasets, with interest in developing advanced analytical approaches.
• Demonstrated ability to organise and prioritise work with sometimes limited supervision.
• Experience interpreting results of data analysis.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience in drafting and delivering analytical reports for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience or interest in health, human and social services research with strong connections to policy and practice
• Experience in building and analysing complex linked datasets from government and non-government sources
• Experience in data visualisation and use of packages such as Power BI, Tableau
• Previous experience working in or with the community services sector

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels respected and valued. Adelaide University is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and people of all ages, genders, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities. We are committed to supporting flexible working arrangements and providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

Applications welcomed from Australian or NZ citizens, Australian permanent residents and those who have the legal right to work in Australia for the term of appointment.

Pursuant to the Child Safety (Prohibited Persons) Act 2016 (the Act) and the Child Safety (Prohibited Persons) Regulations 2019 (the Regulations), this position has been deemed prescribed. This role will require the successful candidate to hold a current Working with Children Check.

Contact: [phone] | [e-mail]