Research Fellow in Health Policy and Economics

• Utilise your exceptional research skills to work on projects regarding how genomics could be incorporated within newborn screening programs in ways that explicitly consider the ethical, legal and equity aspects of sequencing a child’s DNA at birth

• Part-time fixed-term position (22.5 hours per week) until December 2025

• Base Salary $113,184 - $134,403 (pro-rata) + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

Founded in 1930, Sydney School of Public Health is Australia’s first and leading school of public health. Each day, our researchers and graduates are tackling global health challenges and striving to improve equity in communities locally and around the world.

Our vision is for a global community in which everyone’s needs for good health and wellbeing are met. We actualise this vision by providing a wide range of education and research opportunities for students and academics.

Sarah Norris is an Associate Professor of Practice in Health Technology Assessment, at the Menzies Centre for Health Policy and Economics. A/Prof Norris collaborates with consumers, health professionals, industry, and government to develop and apply robust approaches to the translation of evidence for health policy and practice. A/Prof Norris has a particular interest in the methods used to assess and value advances in genomics and digital health – technological innovations that are challenging our established approaches to determining how our health system can make informed investment decisions.

This new role will be funded through a recently awarded Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) grant to explore how the use of genomics could be incorporated within newborn screening programs in ways that explicitly consider the ethical, legal and equity aspects of sequencing a child’s DNA at birth. The project has two streams: one focusing on the ethical, legal and social implications of using genomics for newborn screening, and one focusing on approaches to incorporating equity in health economic evaluations of genomics in newborn screening.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• contribute to research activities across the project

• provide exceptional program management for the research project, including establishing project organisation structures, and embedding project governance and controls, project plans, tracking systems, and reporting guidelines

• ensure that all human research ethics requirements are met in accordance with the University’s policies and government legislations.

About you

• extensive experience in developing and working on research projects, including expertise in using research protocols, experimental design (including experience with qualitative research studies, and knowledge of the use of research to inform health economic analyses), ethics submissions and grant applications

• excellent time and workload management skills with demonstrated ability to prioritise effectively, manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and achieve required outcomes

• both qualitative and quantitative research experience, coupled with health economics knowledge

• experience managing multiple projects with interrelated timelines and dependencies, and engaging with the public and consumers with tact and diplomacy

• exceptional stakeholder management skills, coupled with expertise managing a large, complex program of research projects

• an understanding of the Australian health care system, and an interest in health policy

• an MPH or PhD in a relevant research field.

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.

As this position is located on an NSW Health site, it is a regulatory requirement to complete compulsory employment checks prior to starting in this position. For more information and instructions, please visit: NSW Health employment requirements

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 Esra Yavuzcehre, Recruitment Consultant, by email to [email protected] .

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Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Wednesday 23 November 2022 11:59 PM