Research Fellow or Senior Research Fellow

Summary

Shape the future of midwifery research where evidence meets practice. This is a unique opportunity to advance midwifery research within a long‑standing Deakin - Barwon Health partnership. You’ll lead and collaborate on high‑quality research, influence policy and practice, and build a growing national reputation in an environment committed to innovation, impact and collaboration.

• Based at Barwon health and our Geelong, Waterfront Campus + hybrid work arrangements
• Full-time and fixed-term till July 2029
• Level B $108,804 - $128,689 or Level C $143,490 - $165,001 + 17% Superannuation

Why work with us?

At Deakin you will have access to benefits such as a variety of leave options including generous parental leave and the ability to purchase additional leave; flexible working arrangements to help manage your work-life balance; ongoing learning and development opportunities to grow your career; an inclusive and supportive culture and environment to work in, both online and on campus.

As a Research Fellow, you will:

• Lead and collaborate on high‑quality midwifery research within a long‑standing Deakin University - Barwon Health partnership.
• Design, deliver and translate impactful, solution‑focused research that informs policy, practice and public discourse.
• Build a growing national research profile through publications, funding success, and engagement with industry and government partners.
• Initiate and lead interdisciplinary collaborations, innovation and translation into real‑world health outcomes.
• Contribute to researcher development by supervising HDR and honours students and fostering a culture of research excellence.

To be successful, you’ll have:

• PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline, with an emerging research profile demonstrated through publications and funding success.
• Demonstrated expertise in midwifery or a related health field, with a strong track record of planning and delivering high‑quality research.
• Ability to translate research into community benefit, contributing to policy, practice, leadership and research administration.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills, with the emotional intelligence to collaborate effectively and build strong partnerships.
• Willingness to meet role requirements, including travel, compliance checks (WWCC, police check), immunisation status and a Victorian driver’s licence.

As a Senior Research Fellow, you will:

• Lead and grow high‑quality, impactful midwifery and healthcare research within the Deakin - Barwon Health partnership, translating research into real‑world practice through industry and government collaboration.
• Secure external research funding and build a sustained national and emerging international research reputation through a focused, high‑impact body of work.
• Develop and lead intra‑ and inter‑disciplinary research and industry partnerships to deliver innovative solutions, policy influence, and commercialisation outcomes.
• Recruit, supervise, and mentor HDR students and early career researchers, fostering a strong culture of research excellence, innovation, and employability.
• Contribute to university citizenship and engagement by representing Deakin at academic and civic forums, supporting strategic initiatives, and leading community engagement activities.

To be successful, you’ll have:

• PhD in a relevant discipline with a nationally recognised research profile, demonstrated through high‑quality publications and a strong track record of securing and completing external research funding.
• Proven engagement with research, industry, community, and government partners to enhance the national standing and impact of the discipline.
• Demonstrated leadership capability in research and administration, supported by excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective, collaborative working relationships.
• Strong professional capabilities including emotional intelligence, collaboration, innovation, planning, and the ability to navigate complex issues to achieve shared outcomes.
• Willingness and capacity to meet special requirements, including domestic and international travel, and holding required checks and evidence (Victorian Driver’s Licence, immunisation status, Working with Children Check, and National Police Record Check).

Here's how to apply: 

Please submit your updated resume, a short cover letter and responses to the Key Selection Criteria.

For a confidential discussion regarding this role, please contact Cate Nagle - Chair in Midwifery (Barwon Health) • School of Nursing & Midwifery on cate.nagle@deakin.edu.au

For a copy of the position description, please see below:

 _PD, Level-B_Research Fellow_Barwon Health_17032026.pdf

 _PD, Level-C_Senior Research Fellow_Barwon Health-17032026.pdf

Applications for this position close on 31 March 2026.

Are You Ready?

Deakin is a Victorian university with a global impact. We are an agile, dynamic, and innovative university committed to making a positive impact through our excellence in education, research and innovation and the contributions we make to the wider community.

We understand that our reputation has been built on the dedication and expertise of our staff and we offer a dynamic and diverse working environment with opportunities to grow and develop careers. We believe that a progressive, thriving culture will ensure that people choose to come, and stay at Deakin and contribute to our ongoing success.

We value diversity and aim to build an inclusive environment that champions, embraces and respects differences. We support and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people of all abilities, cultures, sexual orientation, and genders.

Pre-employment safety and suitability checks: In accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence, appointment to this role is subject to successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, including Working With Children Checks and candidate gender-based violence declarations. 

Candidates may be asked to declare whether they have been investigated for an allegation of Gender‑based Violence, or determined to have engaged in conduct that constitutes Gender‑based Violence during the course of their previous employment, or otherwise in a legal process.  A declaration is not required from individuals who have experienced gender‑based violence.  A ‘Yes’ response does not automatically exclude a candidate from employment, and any information provided will be treated confidentially and considered only for relevance to the role and the University’s safety obligations.