CIHR Research Fellow Full-time NEW

CIHR Research Fellow

Role type: Full-time; Fixed-term (2 years). Anticipated commencement: Late January 2027 Faculty: Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences Department/School: Melbourne School of Public Health – Population Interventions Unit Salary: Level A: AUD $87,266 – $118,416 p.a. plus 17% super

Global tobacco control research across five countries / innovative SHINE health intervention modelling / strong coaching and mentoring within a growing team

Join a world-leading public health team and apply your analytical skills to shape global tobacco policy.

Investing in you – 17% superannuation, benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

Excellent opportunity to forge a career path at the intersection of epidemiology, economics, data science, tobacco control and other public health interventions.

You will contribute to cutting-edge tobacco control modelling, informing health and equity impacts across multiple countries.

You will also expand your expertise through SHINE projects spanning risk factors, cost-effectiveness, and health inequality analysis.

You will join a collaborative, internationally connected team, supported to build your research profile and future funding.

What you will deliver:

• Lead conceptualisation and specification of tobacco control and other prevention interventions across diverse country contexts.
• Conduct literature reviews, data synthesis, and curation of external datasets to inform simulation models and intervention design.
• Analyse survey and other data to generate model inputs, including smoothing estimates and forecasting epidemiological trends.
• Collaborate with international GPrev-Tobacco partners and SHINE colleagues, running Python models and checking outputs for accuracy.
• Lead and contribute to publications, grant applications, and stakeholder engagement that translate modelling insights into policy impact.

You may be a great fit if you:

• Hold a PhD or near completion in epidemiology, economics, demography, or a closely related quantitative discipline.
• Demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving ability, with experience conducting independent and collaborative research projects.
• Possess proficiency in at least one statistical or programming language, most importantly Python, but also R and STATA.
• Use Microsoft Excel confidently for data management, analysis, and preparation of inputs for simulation models.
• Bring experience or strong interest in tobacco control or other health risk factors, such as diet or obesity.
• Value working in multidisciplinary, international teams, building relationships with diverse collaborators and contributing to shared outputs.

For further information please refer to the attached PD.

What we offer you! We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfilment, including:

• Build future financial security with 17% superannuation
• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
• Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning
• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave
• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company
• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

Your new team – Melbourne School of Public Health You will join the Population Interventions Unit within the Melbourne School of Public Health, a global leader.

The team specialises in innovative modelling of prevention and its health, health inequality, and economic impacts to inform real-world policy decisions.

You will work closely with Professor Tony Blakely and colleagues in a supportive, collaborative research environment.

The Unit is deeply connected to international partners, offering rich exposure to global public health challenges.

The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.

We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff. Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team.

Application essentials:

• Visit “apply with us” to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs.
• You must have current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
• A Working with Children Check is required for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you.
• Please upload your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience as part of the application process.
• Please upload your responses to the Selection Criteria, found in the Position Description below.

Want to know more?

• For queries related to this specific position, contact Professor Tony Blakely
• For questions related to our recruitment process email Vanessa Phan at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au
• For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').

Apply today, and join a community that's shaping the future.

Applications close: 14 October 2026 at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.