Employment Opportunities - Researcher (Quantitative)

If you wish to be considered for both the Researcher and Senior Researcher position, please address only the criteria for the Senior Researcher position.

Applications should systematically address the selection criteria, include a curriculum vitae and be received by Monday 16 April 2007 by email to or post to:

The Director
Law and Justice Foundation of NSW
GPO Box 4264
Sydney NSW 2001

Job description

Overview and purpose of position

Researchers work in teams conducting socio-legal research projects in the Foundation’s Research program, participating in research design, data collection and analysis, and report writing. Research projects are usually led by the Principal Researcher or a Senior Researcher. However, depending on level of experience, Researchers may contribute to the leadership and management of projects, under the supervision of the Principal Researcher or a Senior Researcher.

Responsible to: Principal Researcher, a Senior Researcher and/or Project Team Leader as required

Salary range: $45,500 to 54,900 pa full-time plus super

Duties

• Contribute to the design of research studies and the development of research plans in collaboration with the Principal Researcher or a Senior Researcher
• Conduct literature reviews, collect and analyse research data, and draft research reports in collaboration with the Principal Researcher or a Senior Researcher
• Participate as a team member in projects as required, and, if appropriate, contribute to the leadership or management of projects under the supervision of the Principal Researcher or a Senior Researcher
• Participate in the ongoing review of research plans and reports
• Write, proofread and/or edit written reports and other materials to a high standard
• Communicate research findings via oral presentations and in writing, as required
• Keep up-to-date with issues and trends in the justice area and in the area of research techniques, and exchange relevant information with other members of staff
• Comply with Law and Justice Foundation procedures and policies
• Carry out such other tasks as may be required from time to time to assist in the operation of the Foundation

Skills/Selection Criteria

Essential

1. Tertiary qualifications in the social sciences or other relevant discipline with an honours research degree or equivalent research experience
2. Demonstrated experience undertaking quantitative research
3. Demonstrated experience in the statistical analysis, interpretation and presentation of data
4. Demonstrated experience in using statistical packages such as SPSS and spreadsheet packages such as Excel
5. Demonstrated understanding of data quality issues
6. Ability to choose appropriate research and statistical methods to address specific research questions
7. Ability to design, conduct and write-up policy relevant research
8. Ability to communicate at a high level - both in writing and speaking
9. Ability to work harmoniously with others and be a highly effective team player
10. Ability to work under pressure
11. Ability to operate within project timelines and meet deadlines

Desirable

1. Post-graduate research degree in the social sciences or other relevant discipline (or currently undertaking such a degree)
2. Legal qualification and/or sound knowledge of the justice system