Senior Research and Data Analyst

NSW Department of Communities and Justice; Parramatta; On-site; AUD 133,000 - 147,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work environment

Health & wellbeing programs

Training and development

Competitive pay and conditions

Job summary

NSW Department of Communities and Justice – Parramatta NSW is seeking a researcher to design and deliver high-quality research and evaluations, analyse large datasets, and provide trusted insights into the operation of the criminal justice system. The role informs government decision-making and supports positive outcomes for NSW communities.

You will use quantitative and qualitative methods, publish influential studies, and engage with external stakeholders to shape policy.

Qualifications

• Honours degree with strong quantitative component.
• Academic excellence with transcript may be required.
• Experience conducting research and evaluation projects.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Publish independent research influencing policy.
• Be responsible for important criminal justice research in NSW.

Responsibilities

• Designing and preparing research and evaluation proposals.
• Cleaning, managing and analysing large administrative datasets.
• Applying advanced research methods (e.g., quasi-experimental models, prediction models).
• Producing high-quality reports and publications for independent peer review.
• Presenting findings to academic, government and industry audiences.
• Building and managing relationships with external stakeholders.
• Managing competing priorities and delivering projects on time.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Independent working

Quantitative data analysis

Written and verbal communication

Education

Honours degree with quantitative component

Academic excellence track record

Job description

NSW Department of Communities and Justice – Parramatta NSW

• Salary - $133,348 pa - $146,945 pa plus employers' contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading

Your role

Join a team that helps shape evidence-based criminal justice policy across NSW. In this role, you'll design and deliver high-quality research and evaluations, analyse complex data, and provide trusted insights into the operation of the criminal justice system. Your work will inform government decision-making, contribute to public understanding of crime and justice issues, and support positive outcomes for communities across NSW.

What you'll do

You'll play a key role in delivering impactful research by:

• Designing and preparing research and evaluation proposals
• Cleaning, managing and analysing large administrative datasets
• Applying advanced research methods (e.g., quasi-experimental models, prediction models)
• Producing high-quality reports and publications for independent peer review
• Presenting findings to academic, government and industry audiences
• Building and managing relationships with external stakeholders
• Managing competing priorities and delivering projects on time

Note: despite the emphasis on candidates with quantitative skills, we do need qualitative researchers. If you're a qualitative researcher interested in the position, please don't hesitate to apply. You can contact Steve for further information (email address below).

The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) provides independent advice to government and trusted crime and justice information to the public. As part of the research team, you'll contribute to influential studies and publications that help shape criminal justice policy and practice across NSW.

What we're looking for

We're seeking a curious and motivated researcher who can turn complex data into meaningful insights.

• Minimum of an honours degree in a discipline with a strong quantitative component (e.g., economics, statistics, psychology)
• A track record of academic excellence at university (note: you may be required to provide an academic transcript)
• Experience conducting research and evaluation projects
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and communicate complex findings (both in written format and verbally)
• Ability to work independently
• Publish independent research that actually influences criminal justice policy
• Be responsible for some of the most important criminal justice research in NSW
• Have the opportunity to present that work to senior government officials, and at academic conferences
• Join a team of people that enjoy using data to answer policy questions
• Access to large administrative datasets that can be used to answer interesting research questions

Download the role description.

What We Offer

We offer a variety of benefits, including:

• A challenging and rewarding career
• Flexible, autonomous work environment
• Competitive pay and conditions
• Training and development opportunities to build and maintain capabilities
• Health & Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs.

Want more information? Visit our website to see more information on Working for us.

We do work that really matters

Working for the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) provides lots of opportunities to make a real difference. We collaborate with other agencies and community partners, to improve lives and realise the potential of children, adults, families and communities. We're focused on breaking, rather than managing, disadvantage. It's work that really matters.

Are you ready to join us?

• A tailored cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and motivation for applying. Please address the targeted question below and ensure the cover letter reflects your own experience, writing style, and work.

Targeted Question

Tell us about a research project you are proud of. Describe your role, the research question, key challenges, outcomes, and why the project was meaningful to you. Include any collaborators and where the project can be accessed, if available.

Applications close Thursday, 22 October 2026 at 11:59pm AEST.

For more information about the role or what it's like to work for the Bureau, please contact the hiring manager Steve via email at ***********@dcj.nsw.gov.au

If you've got a question about applying or would benefit from an adjustment in the recruitment process to help you perform at your best (including an alternate method submission of the application), please call Poppy Sgro on 02 9765 3*** or via email at **********@dcj.nsw.gov.au

Visit Recruitment adjustments on the DCJ website to learn more.

Inclusion and Diversity lies at the heart of how we recruit

We continue to hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experience and backgrounds. This includes people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people identifying as LGBTIQ+, culturally and linguistically diverse people, carers and other diversity groups.

To find out what DCJ are doing to build an inclusive and diverse workforce, visit Inclusion and diversity on the DCJ website.

Other Information

A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months.

For more information visit Applying for DCJ jobs on the DCJ website.

Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.

The Welcome Experience

Thinking about moving to regional NSW? Get free, personalised support with housing, schools, jobs, and settling in. Learn more: www.nsw.gov.au/welcomeexperience

The careers site currently promotes this service on the ‘Discover roles with DCJ in regional NSW' page.