Senior Research Fellow, Open Door

Position Details 

• Three-year contract | Full time
• Academic Level C I AU$138,124- $158,885 pa | 17% Superannuation
• Location: Bedford Park / Kaurna Country
• View Position Description

About the Position:

Flinders University is seeking a Senior Research Fellow, Open Door to lead high-quality, collaborative research focused on improving the wellbeing of veterans, first responders and their families. This pivotal role sits at the heart of the Strategic Alliance between Open Door and Military and Emergency Services Health Australia (MESHA), strengthening national research capability and driving meaningful reform for service communities.

The Senior Research Fellow will provide strategic research leadership across the Alliance, advancing innovative programs of work, securing competitive funding and translating evidence into tangible policy and practice outcomes.

In this position, you will:

• Lead and deliver innovative research programs, including securing competitive external funding and major grants
• Develop and strengthen strategic partnerships with government, industry and community stakeholders
• Oversee complex research projects, mentor multidisciplinary teams and translate findings into policy and practice impact

About You
You are an established research leader with a strong track record in veteran, family wellbeing or social determinants of health research. You are collaborative, strategic and impact-focused, with demonstrated experience leading complex research programs and partnerships.

You will bring:

• A PhD (or equivalent) in sociology, psychology, public health, policy studies or a related field, with a strong publication and competitive grant record
• Demonstrated experience leading large, complex research programs and securing external funding, including Category 1 grants
• Expertise in qualitative and quantitative methods, with excellent communication, collaboration and research leadership skills
• Lived experience as a veteran, family member, or close connection to the veteran community (desirable)
• Experience working with government and ex-service organisations (desirable)
• Familiarity with policy translation, knowledge exchange and impact measurement (desirable)

About Open Door:

Open Door is a nationally and internationally recognised research hub dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of veterans, public safety personnel and their families. Through a holistic and co-designed approach, Open Door integrates social, psychological and physical wellbeing research to inform policy, practice and systemic reform across the life course.

Life at Flinders 

We are transforming and investing in our people and facilities to create contemporary, stimulating and rewarding learning and work environments that reflect our core values of excellence, innovation, courage and integrity. Guided by our bold ambition to Change 10 Million Lives by 2035, Flinders is sharpening its strategic focus to elevate performance, with the goal of being a top ten Australian university and among the top 1% globally.

Reaching beyond the limits of buildings, borders and backgrounds, ours is an inclusive culture that believes absolutely in equality and opportunity for all. We do not simply accommodate difference; we embrace and celebrate it.

 So, why work at Flinders? 

• 17% Superannuation + salary packaging options 
• Wide range of professional development activities, funds and services, such as Flinders University’s Researcher Development and Leadership Programs.
• We are the first university in South Australia to receive the prestigious SAGE Cygnet Award, recognising our outstanding commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.
• Join a multidisciplinary team that values collaboration, innovation, and provides strong mentorship to support both early career staff.
• Access to state-of-the-art advanced facilities, including an on-site gym, cafes and childcare centre.

Our Commitment to Reconciliation and Indigenous Employment 

Flinders University is proud to be an organisation that is committed to our Reconciliation Action Plan and Indigenous Workforce Strategy. Our vision is to be a preferred employer for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  We are committed to progressing Indigenous advancement in education, research, employment, and wellbeing, and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for all Flinders vacancies. 

• Please see here for our Reconciliation Action Plan  
• Please see here for our Indigenous Workforce Strategy 

Prescribed Conditions for Employment

• A current Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check which is satisfactory to the University will be required by Flinders University before the successful applicant can commence in this position. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration. Each case will be assessed on its individual merits and relevance to the inherent requirements of the role.

How to Apply and Information 

• You are required to submit a CV, along with a Suitability Statement of no more than 3 pages, addressing the below Key Position Capabilities of the position description.
• For more information regarding this position, please contact Professor Ben Wadham

Applications to be submitted before 10:00 pm (ACDT) on Monday, 30 March 2026.

Please note, late applications and applications sent via agencies will not be accepted. 

At Flinders we embrace and celebrate diversity and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities. 

Certification

Applications to be submitted before 10.00pm:

30 Mar 2026

At Flinders we embrace and celebrate diversity and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

Flinders. Fearless.