Research Fellow (Participatory Research)

Research Fellow (Participatory Research)

Job no: 0063723

Location: Parkville

Role type: Part-time (0.6 FTE); Fixed-term for 3 Years

Faculty: Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences

Department/School: Department of General Practice, Melbourne Medical School

Salary: Academic Level B – $119,231 - $141,581 p.a. plus 17% super (pro rata part time)

Lead the evaluation and analysis of experience-based co-design processes within the 'Better Conversations' project at the University of Melbourne, focusing on improving communicative interventions in aged care settings through participatory research methods.

Engage directly in a pioneering project that collaborates with multiple institutions and sector organisations, offering the opportunity to impact aged care communication strategies significantly and improve health outcomes through co-designed solutions.

Salary packaging, subsidised health and wellbeing services, fitness and cultural clubs, Myki discounts, and a 25% discount on graduate courses to our staff and their immediate families!

About the Role

The Research Fellow (Participatory Research) role at the University of Melbourne, situated within the Primary Care Mental Health (PCMH) research program, is pivotal in advancing the "Better Conversations" project.

This initiative, funded by the MRFF Dementia Ageing and Aged Care Mission grant, focuses on enhancing communication in aged care through a co-designed, interdisciplinary intervention.

The Research Fellow will engage in the evaluation of co-design processes, collaborate with national and international partners, and contribute to the implementation and testing of the intervention within aged care settings, ensuring culturally responsive and effective communication strategies.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Design and conduct qualitative, participatory research and co-design activities as a member of a large, multidisciplinary, national research team.


• Design protocols, obtain ethics, conduct and analyse study interviews or participatory observation.


• Organise and convene co-design activities following best practice approaches from within sectors for diverse participants.

Who We Are Looking For

You will be a Research Fellow with a PhD in health services research, implementation science, or related fields, experienced in participatory and co-design methodologies, or bring equivalent industry and practice experiences.

Skilled in both in-person and online facilitation, you excel at applying qualitative research methods and managing multidisciplinary teams in large health projects.

Your role will involve travel as part of a nationally focused project led by the University of Queensland, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to engage effectively with diverse communities and stakeholders.

You will also have:

• A PhD in health services research, implementation science, co-design and/or participatory methods or qualitative and mixed-method research, or equivalent industry or practice experience.


• A demonstrated ability to make an independent contribution through undertaking research resulting in refereed journal publications.


• A knowledge of participatory design and co-design methods.


• An ability to create co-design materials and data visualisations for presentation of results and activities.

For further information regarding responsibilities and requirements, please refer to the attached PD.

This role requires that the successful candidate must undergo and maintain an up-to-date Working with Children Check. This is essential to guarantee a secure environment for all individuals at the University. In the case the selected candidate doesn't have a valid Working with Children Check, they will be able to apply for the WWCC as part of the initial onboarding procedures.

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires current valid work rights for Australia.

Your New Team – “Department of General Practice and Primary Care”

Joining the Department of General Practice and Primary Care means becoming part of a leading institution dedicated to advancing primary care through research, training, and community engagement. Established in 2001 as a separate department within the School of Medicine, it evolved from a unit within Community Medicine dating back to 1977. With 68 staff members and an impressive annual budget of $7 million and research income of $11 million, the Department is at the forefront of primary care innovation.

You’ll work alongside a vibrant network of general practitioners and primary health care providers, supporting high-quality community-based medical education and postgraduate training. Our Primary Care Research Unit (PCRU) is renowned for its excellence in research and training, including the General Practice academic registrar program that integrates research and teaching. The Department’s Primary Care Trials Unit, featuring practice-based research networks and the Data for Decisions (D4D) program, leverages extensive electronic medical record data to drive research and policy advocacy. Key research themes include clinical biostatistics, implementation science, and health services research, with a focus on co-design and patient experience. By joining us, you’ll contribute to cutting-edge projects in areas such as cancer, mental health, and digital health innovations, shaping the future of primary care.

What We Offer You!

In addition, we offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a range of benefits, including generous leave provisions, salary packaging, health and well-being services and discounts on graduate courses. For more information, check out our benefits page!

About the University of Melbourne

We’re tightly connected with the community, both at home and abroad. We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website and stay connected with our stories and people on LinkedIn.

Be Yourself

The University of Melbourne values the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and welcomes and celebrates diversity. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page.

We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require reasonable adjustments, please contact the employee listed on the first page of the Position Description found below, with an email containing your name and contact details for a confidential discussion. Please ensure your email is titled "Reasonable Adjustments Request".

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.

For further information, including our 2023-2027 Indigenous strategy please visit -https://about.unimelb.edu.au/reconciliation/murmuk-djerring

Join Us!

If you feel this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents:

• Resume


• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience


• The responses against the Selection Criteria (found in the Position Description)

For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria

Please ensure that you apply through the Apply Now button at the bottom of this advertisement. However, if you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Lachlan Bryce via email at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au, ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.

If you have any particular questions regarding the job please follow the details listed on the Position Description.

Position Description

Advertised: 10 Sep 2024 12:05 AM AUS Eastern Standard Time

Applications close: 24 Sep 2024 11:55 PM AUS Eastern Standard Time

Apply now

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Work type: Fixed Term

Campus: Parkville

Category: Academic

Academic Research Focussed (Academic)

Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (Academic)

Salary: $119,231 - $141,581 (Level B)

We acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Owners of the lands upon which our campuses are situated.

Read about our commitment to reconciliation.