Macquarie University
Senior Research Fellow - Applied Health Services Research
🇦🇺Macquarie Park, New South Wales, Australia10 days ago
A$151K – A$173KSeniorFull Time
The Role
The Centre for Health Systems and Safety Research (CHSSR) is expanding our program of applied health services research, with a strong focus on medication safety, quality, nursing and paediatrics. We are seeking a talented, innovative researcher, with strong health services research skills including experience in implementation and effectiveness trials.
This position will contribute to funded NHMRC and MRFF grants. These grants include a large-scale multi-site trial to enhance the safety of medication administration in paediatric hospitals, reduce low value nursing practices, and optimise nursing workflows and workloads, as well as strategies to optimise the use of technologies such as electronic health record systems and automated dispensing systems to deliver safer patient care.
The successful candidate will be a highly experienced researcher with a strong track record in attracting research funding and leading research teams, who has the vision and expertise to expand the Centre’s applied research program. Potential areas of research expertise include investigation of the impact of digital technologies, medication safety, nursing practice, de-implementation of low-value clinical practices, and management of clinical workforce demands. CHSSR's research program has tackled aspects of these challenges, and this position provides an opportunity to accelerate research in these areas.
About Us
The Centre for Health Systems and Safety Research (CHSSR), one of the core research centres within Australian Institute of Health Innovation, has a multi-stream program of research which focuses on investigating the outcomes and safety of health services. The Centre comprises a highly multi-disciplinary team of 50 staff. The Centre has particular expertise in assessing the impact of information technologies and investigating the role of electronic health records and decision support in supporting improved health care delivery and health outcomes. The Centre’s research team applies a broad range of research techniques, from RCT designs to direct observations of clinical work.
The Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences (FMHHS) is ambitiously pushing the boundaries of progressive thinking and challenging what’s possible to solve some of the big issues of our time, both nationally and on a global scale. Join leading researchers, passionate educators and internationally respected clinicians, united in a mission towards delivering the best patient care. We are a place of bold discoveries and distinctive educational programs that embolden the future leaders of healthcare.
To Apply
To be considered for this position, applicants are asked to submit a cover letter addressing the selection criteria and a CV/ resume (including the contact details of three referees) as part of the online application process. Applications without a cover letter addressing the selection criteria will not be considered.
If circumstances such as disability or remote location prevent you from accessing our online system, please contact the enquiries person listed in this advert for assistance.
Essential Criteria
A PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g. nursing, pharmacy, public health, epidemiology, health services research),
Strong track record of independent research which includes leading successful grants, managing a team of researchers and peer-reviewed publications,
Demonstrated skills and experience in senior project management and co-ordinating complex health care evaluation research projects, including effectiveness trials,
Demonstrated expertise in medication safety, particularly in relation to medication processes and practices in hospital, including knowledge of, and experience in the use of medication technologies,
Understanding of and experience working in Australian hospitals.
Demonstrable quantitative analytical skills using relevant data analysis software such as R, SAS, Stata,
Extensive experience communicating with health professionals and examples of leading change programs, and
Ability to understand and comply with the statutory privacy and ethical requirements for research and extensive experience in preparing and management of multi-site human research ethics applications.
Desirable Criteria
Experience in de-implementation of low value practices
Experience of research addressing nursing workflow and workload challenges
*** Note: Applicants must have valid working rights in Australia for the duration of the appointment.
Specific Role Enquiries: Professor Johanna Westbrook, Director, Centre for Health Systems and Safety Research, Australian Institute of Health Innovation at johanna.westbrook@mq.edu.au
Application Closing Date: Thursday 28 May 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (AEST)
***We reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date.
Why Join Us?
Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation in 1964, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today.
We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index, having recently earned a five-star rating in the QS World Rankings with the highest rating for employability. Take a look at the fabulous staff benefits on offer when you work at Macquarie University.
Flexible, hybrid work arrangements
17% Superannuation
Subsidised onsite parking options
Extensive training and professional development programs
Onsite childcare facilities to support working parents
Onsite vacation care during school holidays
Discounted health insurance
Subsidised membership at our Sport & Aquatic Centre
Access to an Employee Assistance Program for free and confidential support
Convenient onsite GP, imaging, and physiotherapy clinics
Pre-Employment Checks
Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.
Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University.
If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.
Applications Close:
28/05/2026 11:59 PM
A Place Where You Belong
At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework.
Flexible Work
At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, visit our Jobs at Macquarie page.
