Research Associate in Criminology

Position Details

• Fixed-Term until 30 June 2030 | Full-Time
• Academic Level A I $90,930 - $110,197 pa | 17% Super
• Location: NSW or SA (Bedford Park)
• View Position Description

About the Position

The College of Business, Government and Law is seeking a Research Associate in Criminology to join the Australian Research Council funded Industry Laureate project Breaking the Prison-Reoffending Cycle: A Desistance From Crime Approach. This nationally significant research program focuses on transforming offender rehabilitation practices and reducing reoffending across NSW public prisons through a strengths-based desistance approach.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful, real-world criminology research while working alongside leading researchers, correctional agencies, and industry partners.

As a Research Associate in Criminology, you will:

• Contribute to innovative research focused on offender rehabilitation and reducing reoffending.
• Lead qualitative and longitudinal research activities across correctional settings.
• Work closely with correctional agencies, industry partners, and academic collaborators.
• Support data analysis, literature reviews, publications, and research reporting.
• Assist in mentoring and supporting postgraduate research students.
• Undertake fieldwork and stakeholder engagement across NSW, including rural locations as required.

About You:

You are a motivated and collaborative researcher with a passion for criminology, offender rehabilitation, and reducing reoffending. You thrive in dynamic research environments, enjoy working with diverse stakeholders, and are eager to contribute to research that delivers meaningful real-world impact across the justice system.

You will bring:

• A PhD (or near completion) in Criminology or equivalent field, ideally in prisons, corrections, or rehabilitation.
• Experience in qualitative and longitudinal research methods.
• A growing track record of publications and research presentations.
• The ability to build effective partnerships across research and industry.
• Experience supporting collaborative and postgraduate research activities.

Life at Flinders

We're transforming and investing in people and facilities to create contemporary, stimulating, and satisfying learning and work environments that reflect our core values of excellence, innovation, courage, and integrity. Flinders is refocusing its strategic priorities with the aim of elevating its performance to be a top ten Australian university, and amongst the top 1% in the world.

Flinders is also located in Adelaide, one of Australia’s most liveable and affordable cities. Adelaide offers a Mediterranean climate, world-class food and wine, pristine beaches, and vibrant cultural festivals. With short commutes, a welcoming community, and excellent work-life balance, Adelaide is an ideal place to build your career and lifestyle.

Reaching beyond the limits of buildings, borders, and backgrounds, ours is an inclusive culture that believes absolutely in equality and opportunity for all. We don't just accommodate differences; we embrace and celebrate them. So, why work at Flinders?

• 17% Superannuation + salary packaging options
• Wide range of professional development activities, funds and services.
• Wellbeing Initiatives via Thriving@Flinders.
• We embrace diversity and promote equity and inclusion for all students and staff
• Vibrant campus life and amenities including on campus health care services, gym and childcare centre (Bedford Park, South Australia).

Our Commitment to Reconciliation and Indigenous Employment

Flinders University is proud to be an organisation that is committed to our Reconciliation Action Plan and Indigenous Workforce Strategy. Our vision is to be a preferred employer for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  We are committed to progressing Indigenous advancement in education, research, employment, and wellbeing, and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for all Flinders vacancies.

• Please see here for our Reconciliation Action Plan
• Please see here for our Indigenous Workforce Strategy

Prescribed Conditions for Employment

• Flinders University is committed to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive environment, free from gender‑based violence. Appointment to this role is conditional on the completion of required pre‑employment checks and declarations, each of which must be satisfactory to the University. This includes a Gender‑Based Violence declaration, in accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender‑Based Violence (2025), and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration. Each case will be assessed on its individual merits and relevance to the inherent requirements of the role.
• In addition, it is a requirement of this position that the incumbent maintain a current Working With Children Check which is satisfactory to the University in accordance with the Child Safety (Prohibited Persons) Act 2016 (SA).

How to Apply and Information

• You are required to submit a CV and a Suitability Statement of no more than 3 pages, addressing the Key Position Capabilities of the position description.
• For more information regarding this position, please contact Professor Mark Halsey.

Applications to be submitted before 10:00 pm (ACST) on Wednesday, 3 June 2026.

Please note, late applications and applications sent via agencies will not be accepted.

At Flinders we embrace and celebrate diversity and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

Certification

Applications to be submitted before 10.00pm:

At Flinders we embrace and celebrate diversity and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

Flinders. Fearless.