Senior/Principal Research Fellow (Rural Health Economist)

• Influence national health policy through high-impact research
• Drive economic evaluation of innovative healthcare solutions
• Join a growing institute focused on rural health equity outcomes

The role

• Full Time, Fixed Term (up to 2 years)
• Level C - $139,182 to $134,965 p.a. (plus 17% superannuation)
• Level D - $167,348 to $184,243 p.a. (plus 17% superannuation)
• Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, Port Macquarie or Wagga Wagga

The Rural Health Research Institute is seeking a Rural Health Economist to lead and contribute to impactful research that improves health outcomes for regional, rural and remote communities across Australia. Working at the intersection of health economics, policy and applied research, you will generate evidence that informs healthcare investment, service design and innovation, with a focus on understanding the cost of delivering healthcare, evaluating new models of care and improving health equity.

This is a unique opportunity to influence real-world decision-making through high-quality economic evaluation, cost-effectiveness analysis and health systems research. You will collaborate with researchers, government agencies, health services and community partners to deliver policy-relevant outcomes, while helping build Australia's rural health evidence base. Whether appointed at Senior Research Fellow (Level C) or Principal Research Fellow (Level D), you will play a key role in shaping research strategy, securing funding, fostering partnerships and translating research into meaningful improvements for rural communities.

This position may be located at any Charles Sturt University campus, with flexible and remote working arrangements considered.

About you

• PhD-qualified with expertise in rural health economics or applicable achievement in health economics more broadly
• Demonstrated experience in applying a range of economic methods such as economic evaluation, health technology assessment or health utilisation modelling Strong analytical skills and ability to build partnerships
• Track record of securing funding, publishing research and delivering impact
• Commitment to culturally respectful and community-informed research approaches

About us

We are a university of the land and people of our regions. True to the character of regional Australia we have gumption, we have soul and we collaborate with others. We develop holistic, far-sighted people who help their communities grow and flourish.

The Wiradjuri phrase yindyamarra winhanganha means the wisdom of respectfully knowing how to live well in a world worth living in. This phrase represents who we are at Charles Sturt University – our ethos. It comes from traditional Indigenous Australian knowledge, but it also speaks to the mission of universities – to develop and spread wisdom to make the world a better place.

Harnessing technology, we thrive as a distributed yet connected community, welcoming and engaging with people across Australia and the world.

The Rural Health Research Institute (RHRI) has been established to conduct research that addresses the rural health gap in communities across regional and remote Australia. The RHRI provides a critical pillar of research infrastructure that enhances the university’s existing expertise in health and medicine whilst providing pathways for building of research capability and capacity across our diverse regional footprint.

With a blend of dedicated world-class researchers working together, RHRI’s focus on research excellence and collaboration with community will ensure that research outcomes will have impact and can achieve sustainable change in areas related to First Nations health inequality, child development, ageing and aged care and health service provision.     

Visit our website to learn about our great range of employee benefits.

Charles Sturt University is committed to building a diverse workforce as shown through our Athena Swan Bronze Award, our Australian Workplace Equality Index Bronze Award and our membership of a range of diversity focused organisations including Diversity Council Australia and Pride in Diversity. We encourage applications from First Nations people, carers, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, neurodivergent people, and people of all age groups, genders and sexualities for all roles.

To apply

Click the Apply button and complete your application online, and address the selection criteria in the position description and upload your CV. If you experience difficulties applying online or for further information on completing the application process please visit our how to apply page or contact us.

This position is open to Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents; or applicants who hold a current valid work visa commensurate with this position.

Further information

Additional information is available in the position descriptions or by contacting:

Level C - Senior Research Fellow - position description

Level D - Principal Research Fellow - position description

Job specific enquiries: Professor Julian Grant | Executive Director, Rural Health Research Institute | jugrant@csu.edu.au

Closing Date: 11pm, 4 August 2026