Principal Research Officer

Principal Research Officer

At the NSW Department of Education, we educate and inspire lifelong learners – from early childhood, through schooling to vocational education and training.

• Ongoing Full-Time
• Located in Parramatta with flexible working arrangements available
• $196,293 Package includes salary ($149,739 - $173,174), employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading.

About the role

The Principal Research Officer leads and manages a team to deliver a key program under the NSW Disability Strategy and Our Plan for NSW Public Education (rollout of the ‘My Say My Way’ inclusive voice platform for complex learners initiative.

For further information please click here to view the role description

About you

• Experience in leading and undertaking research, analysis and review of complex policy issues, identifying emerging issues, and developing evidence-based options and strategies, to ensure problems are resolved and risks are mitigated.
• Capable of developing and implementing strategies for measuring wellbeing and students’ attitudes and perceptions of their schooling through student voice initiatives, especially for students with complex learning needs.   
• Identify risks and issues associated with these strategies and ensure the achievement of desired outcomes.
• Prepare accurate, timely and well-analysed research project plans, reports and advice to senior officers and stakeholders, and report regularly on progress and achievements against key milestones.
• Knowledge of and commitment to implementing the Department’s Aboriginal Education Policy and upholding the Department’s Partnership Agreement with the NSW AECG and to ensure quality outcomes for Aboriginal people.

Essential requirements of the role

• Working with Children Check for paid employment  
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of public education.

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements
• 35 hour working week
• Competitive, salary sacrificing, employer’s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading
• Flex Leave entitlements, generous holidays & leave conditions
• Opportunities for advancement and mobility across the Department to support your career growth

How to apply

Attach a resume (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements and capabilities of this role as well as providing an answer to the pre-screening question below:

Pre-screening Question

Choose a project or piece of work you have done and describe how you allocated the resources that were needed to complete this work and what was the outcome. (maximum 500 words)

Please refer to the Applicant’s Guide to Applying to assist you with your application.

If you are an existing Education Support Staff (corporate staff) with the NSW Department of Education, click here for instructions on how to submit your application.

All other applicants please submit your application by clicking ‘Apply Now’.

Note: the selection process will include a range of assessment techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role. Successful candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening for this role which includes a National Criminal History Check.

This is a child-related role. As a condition of employment you will be required to provide a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) Clearance number (for paid employment). Visit the website for more information.

Closing date 3 August 2025 at 11:59pm.

For role enquiries please contact Ian McCarthy, Director, Strategic Analysis and Research, CESE Policy and Evidence, at ian.mccarthy4@det.nsw.edu.au

We welcome applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees and people with disability. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better enable you to shine, please contact the Diversity and Inclusion Team (dandi@det.nsw.edu.au) or visit NSW Department of Education Diversity and Inclusion.

A recruitment pool may be created through this recruitment process. A recruitment pool is a group of applicants who have been assessed and identified as suitable for this role, and who may be considered for a range of similar roles, including temporary, term or ongoing roles, over the next 18 months.