Research Assistant

• Full-time, 12-month fixed-term contract, with possible extension

• Base Salary of $83,384 p.a., plus leave loading and 17% superannuation

• Passionate research assistant required to support a project for the Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, located on Camperdown Campus

About the opportunity 

The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use is seeking a Research Assistant to work on the Strong & Deadly Futures project.

The Strong & Deadly Futures project is a randomised controlled trial of an online school-based alcohol and drug prevention program, which has been developed to be culturally inclusive for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The program was developed in collaboration with Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous students and teachers, with trial funding provided by NHMRC.

You will join the project at an important and interesting stage and will be responsible for actively contributing to research activities including supporting the development of animations with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander creative agencies and supporting data collection and participant follow-up in schools. This will include logistical support, some interstate travel to conduct interviews with teachers, and supporting trial coordination. You will also collate and record research data, contribute to analyses, reporting, and publication of research data, and all other related administration.

This role will be suited to a research assistant with an interest in mental health and substance use prevention amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders young people.

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Research Assistant who has:

• an Honours degree and/or post-graduate qualifications in psychology, public health, or behavioural sciences or equivalent

• knowledge of and sensitivity to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and ethical considerations

• experience conducting research in the fields of mental health and/or substance use prevention or treatment, with specific experience in the drug and alcohol field being highly regarded

• proven previous experience in management and statistical analysis of research data, including familiarity with statistical software

• excellent written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated report writing skills

• outstanding interpersonal skills, and proven ability to liaise with key stakeholders

• previous experience managing school-based or clinical trials would be well regarded

• proven high level organisational skills and ability to manage and prioritise workload and to meet deadlines

• exceptional attention to detail, quality, and accuracy of completed tasks, with a strong ability to work within tight deadlines

• proven experience in engaging and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders

• previous experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please ensure a comprehensive Cover Letter relating to the points above is submitted within your application. Applications containing a comprehensive Cover Letter will be highly regarded.

About us

The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use provides a world-first synergy of leading prevention, early intervention and treatment research and translation programs in substance use and mental disorders. The Matilda Centre brings together researchers in broad fields to share skills, integrate data, and harness new technologies to develop and trial innovative prevention, early intervention and treatment programs for substance use and mental disorders.

The Matilda Centre houses several NHMRC Centres of Research Excellence and state, national and international programs in mental health and substance use research. The Centre develops and maintains partnerships and collaborations with government, philanthropy, local health districts and other agencies to drive world-class innovative research and translate evidence into public health policy and practice. The Centre has a strong growth trajectory with over 70 academic and professional staff, and over 50 ongoing projects. For more information on the Centre please go to: https://www.sydney.edu.au/matilda-centre/

Since our inception 160 years ago, the University of Sydney has led to improve the world around us. We believe in education for all and that effective leadership makes lives better. These same values are reflected in our approach to diversity and inclusion and underpin our long-term strategy for growth. We’re Australia's first university and have an outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence. Across our campuses, we employ over 8,100 academic and non-academic staff who support over 73,000 students.

We are undergoing significant transformative change which brings opportunity for innovation, progressive thinking, breaking with convention, challenging the status quo, and improving the world around us.

To keep our community safe, please be aware of our COVID safety precautions which form our conditions of entry for all staff, students and visitors coming to campus.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. For a continuing position, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

Australian Temporary Residents currently employed at the University of Sydney may be considered for a fixed term contract for the length of their visa, depending on the requirements of the hiring area and the position.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

This position is designated as involving child-related work. To undertake or remain in this position, you are required to apply for and obtain a Working with Children Check clearance in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community which reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People , women , people living with a disability , people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds , and those who identify as LGBTIQ . We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.  

If you are a current employee of the University or a contingent worker with access to Workday, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or support filling out this application, please contact Roshik Prasad, Recruitment Operations, by email to [email protected]

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Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Thursday 06 June 2024 11:59 PM