Senior Principal Research Fellow, Autism Research

The Opportunity The Senior Principal Research Fellow will play a pivotal leadership role, driving world‑class autism research at The Kids Research Institute Australia. Working closely with the Head of Autism Research, you will lead a transformative program integrating advanced analytical methods, large‑scale multimodal datasets, and innovative assessment development to redefine how autism is understood and assessed across clinical and research settings. Your work will directly influence national research direction, strengthen the CliniKids research ecosystem, and deliver meaningful benefits for autistic children and their families. Key responsibilities include: Leading the development of a cutting‑edge, multidimensional assessment protocol using adaptive testing and item response theory frameworks. Driving digital infrastructure design to support deployment across clinical and research environments. Leveraging large, multimodal datasets to identify meaningful autism subgroups and treatment‑relevant profiles. Building and sustaining a high‑performing research team, including mentoring early‑career researchers. Fostering strategic collaborations nationally and internationally to expand the Institute’s research reach. This full‑time role will be based at The Kids Research Institute Australia, conveniently based at Perth Children's Hospital in Nedlands Western Australia and will be an ongoing role. About You You are an exceptional research leader with a passion for transforming scientific insights into real‑world impact. You bring deep expertise in developmental science, a strong strategic mindset, and a commitment to shaping a supportive, high‑performing research culture. You will hold a PhD in Developmental Psychopathology or an equivalent discipline. Along with that, you will bring: Extensive experience leading scientific programs and driving complex research initiatives. Strong capability in strategy, research translation and identifying future scientific opportunities. Leadership experience that fosters collaboration, innovation, and high‑quality research culture. Exceptional relationship‑building skills across internal teams, partners, and external stakeholders. Proven ability to secure national and international competitive research funding and deliver high‑impact scientific outputs. Expertise in analysing complex datasets and applying advanced analytical or computational methods. At The Kids Research Institute Australia, we are committed to building a workplace culture that reflects the communities we serve. We actively recruit, support and welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ people, people of all ages, and those with diverse lived experiences. We also provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in how we: Support staff‑led inclusion and allyship groups. Offer flexible work practices that recognise different needs and life stages. Provide training, development and mentoring opportunities to increase inclusive leadership and create an environment where all staff can thrive. Partner with communities to strengthen cultural awareness and belonging. Ensure adjustments and accessible practices are available for diverse community groups. We continually strive to measure our progress and improve where we can. Alongside our inclusive culture, you’ll enjoy: Extra annual leave at Christmas and Easter. Salary packaging and entertainment benefits. Health and wellbeing programs with weekly events. Flexible and hybrid working options. Recognition and professional development opportunities, including LinkedIn Learning. Modern offices with sit‑to‑stand desks and end‑of‑trip facilities. Staff discounts on travel, IT, stationery, and access to corporate health insurance. How to apply If this role feels like the right fit and an exciting new opportunity for you, please click on 'Apply Now' to visit our Career Site, view the Job Description, and submit your application. Please include a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) that specifically addresses the skills and experience outlined in the “About You” section. Applications will only be accepted through our career portal. If you are experiencing technical difficulties or require reasonable accommodations in completing your application, please contact Job Description Contact Name: Aarti Saiganesh Contact Email: ,au Closing Date: Applications are open between 1st December 2025 to 31st December 2025 at 11:59pm (30‑day period) – We reserve the right to hire (prior to the closing date. The Kids Research Institute Australia is committed to being champions of gender equity, diversity, and inclusivity. We actively encourage applications from people of all ages, nationalities, abilities, and cultures, including: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with diverse genders, sexes and sexualities and people living with disability. As such we are a proud Bronze award recipient of the first Australian Athena Swan Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) pilot program. We acknowledge that when working in environments which contribute to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people, it is imperative that Aboriginal people are at the forefront of this work. We have launched the Aboriginal Employment and Career Development Strategy to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students and researchers employed in the Institute who provide guidance and support in our work in Aboriginal health. #J-18808-Ljbffr