Uniting’s Research and Social Policy team is looking for a Principal Researcher to join us on a Full-Time Permanent basis in North Parramatta.

Applications Close 11 July 2025, Friday

About the Role

• Full-time Permanent (38 hours per week)
• Hybrid work model: 3 days in the office, 2 days work from home – Based in North Parramatta
• Attractive remuneration: Base salary + salary packaging benefits up to $18,550 (pay less tax) + 12% superannuation

About the Role:

Uniting’s Research and Social Policy team is recruiting a Principal Researcher to join us on a full-time ongoing basis. The team sits within Uniting’s Social Impact and Advocacy directorate, alongside the Advocacy/Government Relations team and the Innovation team. We work to disrupt entrenched disadvantage by informing practice improvement, innovation and advocacy.

This is a broad and varied role, with a focus on aged care and interactions with programs, practitioners, university partners, and government agencies. On any given day, the Principal Researcher may be surveying the contemporary research landscape and identifying strategic issues, gathering the voices and experience of our staff and clients, analysing administrative data, or presenting findings to colleagues, academics or policymakers.

About You

This role would suit an experienced researcher looking to lead a strategic body of research designed to influence practice and policy. We are particularly interested applicants with knowledge of aged care, deep expertise in either qualitative or quantitative methods and enough experience in the other to lead mixed methods research projects, and experience disseminating results to diverse audiences and translating them into practice.

Your skill set will include:

• Knowledge of a range of research methodologies/approaches relevant to program evaluation, practice improvement and innovation
• An ability to translate research findings into proposals which can drive reform of practice improvement, innovation, and policy change
• An ability to consult and cultivate productive working relationships with practitioners, policy makers and academics
• A firm commitment to social justice and interest in the research and policy areas covered by Uniting’s services

Your Qualifications and Experience:

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline (e.g. social science, public health or social work)
• Three to five years’ experience in conducting high-level qualitative or quantitative social research in applied contexts, with sufficient expertise in the other methodological tradition to manage mixed-methods projects.

Even Better:

• Higher degree qualification in a relevant discipline and a focus on research.
• Demonstrated knowledge of social policy relating to aged care.
• Demonstrated experience and skills in engaging with stakeholders on the full cycle of knowledge translation.
• Experience in the preparation of successful research ethics applications

What we offer:

• Maximum allowable up to $18,550 salary packaging available (visit https://accesspay.com.au/ for more information).
• Flexible work arrangements (2 days WFH per week)
• $500 referral bonus can be generously rewarded for referring a friend who joins Uniting.
• Extensive opportunities for professional growth across Uniting.
• Affordable access to Fitness Passport— discounted gym memberships to support your best life.
• Corporate discounts and cash-back programs with major retailers
• A supportive and inclusive and collaborative work environment.

Ready to apply?

We’d love to hear what drew you to Uniting and this opportunity.

Please include a cover letter with your CV and apply through the job portals.

For any recruitment or confidential discussion about this vacancy, please email Sarah from Uniting’s Talent Acquisition Team at [email protected] for more information.

For more specific details about this role, please feel free to contact Tom McClean, Head of Research and Social Policy, at [email protected].

Employment with Uniting is subject to satisfactory background checks, which include National Police Checks, WWCC and Reference Checks.

Who is Uniting?
When you’re part of Uniting NSW.ACT, you’re part of a diverse, purpose-led team of people who are really making a difference to the world around them.

We contribute to the work and mission of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT through social justice advocacy, community services and spiritual care. We provide care and support for people through all ages and stages of life, with a focus on people experiencing disadvantage and vulnerability. Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice.

Uniting leaders and employees work together to create a culture that is safe, inclusive and person-centred. We bring this to life every day through our values: compassionate, respectful, imaginative and bold.

Uniting acknowledges the continuing sovereignty and rich cultural diversity of Australia’s First Peoples. We pay our respects to all Elders – past, present, and emerging – and to all First Peoples on whose lands we live and work.

Uniting is a Child Safe Organisation committed to promoting the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of children and young people.