Senior Navy Psychologist Research

Australian Department of Defence; Canberra; On-site; AUD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Australian Department of Defence – Navy Psychology in Canberra seeks a civilian Senior Navy Psychologist Research to conduct mental health surveillance and data reporting, and to lead discrete research projects. You will coordinate surveillance and research requests, plan data collection, data analysis and reporting to stakeholders.

You will communicate mental health trends effectively with stakeholders and provide recommendations based on research outcomes.

Qualifications

• Experience conducting research and data analysis.
• High-level written and oral communication skills.
• Critical thinking and ability to translate mental health data into recommendations.
• Initiative and ability to work independently within a larger organisation.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate mental health surveillance and research requests.
• Plan data collection, analysis and reporting to stakeholders.
• Provide high-level technical advice to Navy stakeholders and support mental health programs.

Job description

Australian Department of Defence – Canberra ACT

This is a civilian (non-uniformed) role, as part of the Australian Public Service (APS) workforce within Navy. You will be responsible for conducting mental health surveillance and data reporting, in addition to conducting discrete research projects. This includes coordinating surveillance and research requests, planning data collection, data analysis and reporting back to stakeholders.

You will be able to communicate about psychological trends and research outcomes effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. You will also be responsible for providing meaningful recommendations for action based on the research outcomes. The position supports mental health programs in Navy, conducts governance and quality assurance activities, and provides high-level technical advice to Navy stakeholders.

The position also supports discrete organisational psychology services in location, including specialist selection and psychological assessments.

About our Team

Navy Psychology provides psychological support to Navy’s uniformed workforce and contributes directly to Navy’s capability and national security. The Navy Psychology organisation comprises high-performing civilian and uniformed psychologists, and is a valued element of the overall Navy team.

The Senior Navy Psychologist Research role strengthens the Navy workforce through mental health research and psychological services. You will work alongside the Navy Psychology team in Canberra, who provide a range of individual services and mental health programs to support the wellbeing of Navy members.

Navy Psychology benefits include:

• Financial support and paid time off for Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
• Reimbursement for Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registration fees.
• Negotiable flexible working opportunities.
• Positive and supportive work environment.
• Generous public service conditions (e.g. leave, superannuation).

Our Ideal Candidate

This role suits a psychologist who wants to combine their psychology knowledge and research skills outside of an academic environment.

Key attributes:

• Experience conducting research and data analysis.
• High-level written and oral communication skills.
• Critical thinking skills and ability to translate mental health data into useful recommendations.
• Initiative and capacity to work independently within a larger organisation.
• Experience conducting psychological assessments.

Application Closing Date: Thursday 19 November, 2026