• Contribute to meaningful research outcomes for the Fostering Lifelong Connections study
• Located at our Camperdown / Darlington campus
• 3 year fixed-term position (with possibility of 12 month extension), base salary $74,962 - $101,018 p.a. plus superannuation

About the opportunity 

The Research Associate contributes to the research and learning efforts in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, while working with the support and guidance of more senior academic staff to develop their research profile and education proficiency. The position is based in Research Centre for Children and Families. The Research Associate position is a full­time, fixed term position of up-to three years.

The Centre was recently awarded an ARC Linkage Project grant for the Fostering Lifelong Connections study. The aim of the three-year study is to co-design, trial, and evaluate practices in the out-of-home-care sector to build relationships between birth families and permanent carers and promote a trauma-informed approach to contact. Over the next three years we will work with our eight agency partners and consultants with personal experience of the care system at four sites across New South Wales.

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 Associate who possesses:

• a PhD, submitted or near submission (within 12 months of completion) within a relevant discipline
• experience in conducting original research and/or engaging in scholarly activity
• an understanding of the subject-matter within the discipline
• excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills with sound negotiating and conflict resolution skills and a demonstrated level of tact and discretion in dealing with day to day operational matters
• the ability to organise and prioritise work, with competing priorities and sometimes limited supervision
• the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, taking initiative and exercising sound judgement in resolving matters that may arise as part of normal daily work
• experience in developing and working on research projects, including expertise in using research protocols, ethics submissions and grant applications
• knowledge of the Higher Education Research Data Collection and ethics reporting requirements
• experience with applied research and engagement with vulnerable families, including Aboriginal and culturally and linguistically diverse families

About us

The Research Centre for Children and Families in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences draws together an internationally renowned community of scholars, staff and students committed to building the evidence to support practice development focused on vulnerable children and families. The timely and effective translation of research to inform policy and practice for the out-of-home care sector is central to the Centre's approach. Through extensive engagement, the Centre has identified some of the most pressing issues for the sector and is prioritising research efforts towards the evidence needed to support practice.

The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences is consistently ranked among the leading faculties of its kind, nationally and internationally. Its mission is to conduct research and teaching across the breadth of the humanities and social sciences to make a difference in the lives of its students, staff and the broader community

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 7600 academic and non-academic staff who support over 60,000 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.

How to apply

For more information on the position and University, please view the position description available from the job’s listing on the University of Sydney careers website.

This position is designated as 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.

All applications must be submitted via the University of Sydney careers website. Visit sydney.edu.au/recruitment and search by the reference number 2339/1119C to apply.

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Closing date: 11:30pm, Thursday 5 December 2019

The University of Sydney is committed to diversity and social inclusion. Applications from people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; equity target groups including women, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTIQ; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged.

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.