Research Assistant, ASQ STEPS

Job no: 0061341
Location: Parkville 
Role type: Part-time (0.6FTE); Fixed-term for 12 months
Faculty: Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Department: Paediatrics
Salary: Level A – $80,258 - $108,906 p.a. (pro rata) plus 17% super.

• Contribute to an innovative research team, led by experienced professionals, gaining practical experience in applied research to enhance early childhood programs.
• Validate the ASQ-STEPS developmental measure to enhance equity in developmental services for Indigenous children.
• Salary packaging, subsidised health and wellbeing services, fitness and cultural clubs, Myki discounts, and a 25% discount on graduate courses to our staff and their immediate families!

About the Role
The Research Assistant at The University of Melbourne's Department of Paediatrics will join the STRONG kids, STRONG future team to support the validation of the ASQ-STEPS developmental outcome measure, aiming to enhance equity in developmental services for Indigenous children. Working with a growing team, the role involves developing a new measurement tool and evaluating early childhood program impacts, reporting to Associate Professor Anita D’Aprano.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting research administration, implementation and knowledge translation activities
• Contributing ideas to the development of engagement, recruitment and data collection protocols and resources.
• Assisting with data collection, including the administration of the ASQ-STEPS with caregivers and children and supporting data analysis and interpretation
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Who We Are Looking For
The ideal candidate brings demonstrated experience in early childhood learning or child development, coupled with excellent interpersonal skills, flexibility, and strong analytical abilities. Proficiency in communication, organization, and computer literacy, as well as your understanding of research administration, will contribute to successful collaboration within a dynamic team. Previous experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contexts is highly desirable.

You will also have:

• Tertiary qualification in Early Childhood Education or allied fields, including Special Education, Psychology, Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, Nursing or similar. 
• Demonstrated experience in early childhood learning and/or child development in an educational, clinical or community setting. 
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport and communicate effectively with adults and children.
• Sound analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to practically apply theoretical principles and techniques to solve problems.

For further information regarding responsibilities and requirements, please refer to the attached PD.

This role requires that the successful candidate must undergo and maintain an up-to-date Working with Children Check. This is essential to guarantee a secure environment for all individuals at the University. In the case the selected candidate doesn't have a valid Working with Children Check, they will be able to apply for the WWCC as part of the initial onboarding procedures.

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires current valid work rights for Australia.

Your New Team – Department of Paediatrics
The Department of Paediatrics, a flagship representation of the University's partnership with the Royal Children's Hospital, offers a unique opportunity for impactful work in child and adolescent health. With a diverse team of academic and professional staff, the department is dedicated to delivering high-quality teaching and research. As a member of this department, you will contribute to shaping child and youth health policy at a national and state level, making a significant difference in the lives of children, adolescents, and their families.

What We Offer You!
In addition, we offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a range of benefits, including generous leave provisions, salary packaging, health and well-being services and discounts on graduate courses. For more information, check out our benefits  page!

About the University of Melbourne
We’re tightly connected with the community, both at home and abroad. We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website  and stay connected with our stories and people on LinkedIn .   

Be Yourself
The University of Melbourne values the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and welcomes and celebrates diversity.  First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page.

We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require reasonable adjustments, please contact Kim Groizard at [email protected] , with an email containing your name and contact details for a confidential discussion. Please ensure your email is titled "Reasonable Adjustments Request".

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.

For further information, including our 2023-2027 Indigenous strategy please visit -https://about.unimelb.edu.au/reconciliation/murmuk-djerring

Join Us!
If you feel this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents: 

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
• The responses against the Selection Criteria^ (found in the Position Description)

^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Brett Verity via email at [email protected] , ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.

If you have any particular questions regarding the job please follow the details listed on the Position Description.

Position Description