Research Associate, Mental Health and Young People with Disability

• Part-time (15 hours pw-FTE 0.4)/ fixed term contract for 2 years
• Be a part of the NHMRC Synergy Research Program and partnering with young people with disability to develop new knowledge about the barriers and facilitators at key life transitions
• Base Salary $93,361- $100,717 plus 17 % Superannuation

About the opportunity

The Centre of Research Excellence in Disability and Health aims to identify cost-effective policies that improve the health of people with disability in Australia. An interdisciplinary group of researchers with stakeholders from the health and disability sectors, state and federal governments, and disability consumer representative groups - who are embedded in the research design and development, have been awarded the NHMRC-funded Synergy grant.

The NHMRC-funded Synergy research program is to identify policy and practice reforms that provide better opportunities for young people with disability to lead flourishing lives and have positive mental health across the life course. The research will advance knowledge of the lives of young people with disability across six interconnected life domains: education/training; employment; social relationships; community connectedness; personal safety; living situations; and examine the relationships of these domains with mental health.

This Synergy research program applies innovative methods to analyse data generated from the integration of administrative, text-based (e.g., media, policy documents) databases, longitudinal studies (e.g., Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey), and qualitative lived experience studies with young people with disability to provide a comprehensive picture of the diverse and interacting, social, economic and cultural factors impacting mental health for youth with disability aged 15 to late 20s.

The University of Sydney is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate in Mental Health and Young People with Disability to join the Centre for Disability Research and Policy, Faculty of Medicine and Health component of the cross-university, multi-disciplinary team responsible for the Synergy research program. This includes a Chief Investigator and Research Fellow on the Synergy program. The incumbent will be located at the Susan Wakil Health Building on the Camperdown Campus.

To learn more about the Centre for Disability Research and Policy click here. To learn more about the Centre of Research Excellence in Disability and Health click here. To learn more about the Sydney School of Health Sciences click here.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• undertake research activities as part of the Synergy work program being undertaken at the University of Sydney
• as part of the research team, participate in research using qualitative research designs and methods or mixed methods
• contribute to the research and administrative activities of the Sydney-based team
• maintain a research profile that meets University expectations and standards
• contribute to successful applications for competitive research grants and/ or funding to deliver research impact
• contribute to publications and other dissemination activities
• contribute to a positive workplace culture in which diversity of thought, contribution, collaboration, excellence, and achieving outcomes are valued and enabled.

About you

• Master or Honours level qualifications in social sciences, public health, health sciences or an analogous professional area such as social work, occupational therapy
• lived experience of disability, a chronic health condition or illness
• experience working with people with disability in inclusive or co-design research teams
• expertise and research experience in health and disability
• experience working in research teams under supervision
• a beginning track record in research publications
• good organisational and administrative skills with attention to detail; good written and verbal communication skills
• demonstrated experience with young people aged 15 to late 20s and familiar with issues concerning younger people in Australia today.

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 Cecilia Blamey by email to cecilia.blamey@sydney.edu.au.

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

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Tuesday 21 March 2023 11:59 PM