Research Assistant

• Full-time / 24 month fixed term contract
• Opportunity to work alongside an accomplished strategic leader in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and research with national and international networks in the field of public health
• Base Salary starting from $73,751 + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The School of Public Health is Australia's first and leading school of public health with a community of academics, educators, staff, research groups and centres that offer a wide range of education and research opportunities for students. We are ranked #1 for public health in the Asia-Pacific region and #18 globally. Today, the School has more than 330 staff and over 1500 students.

The school's vision is for a global community where everyone's needs for good health and wellbeing are met. This vision extends to those with the greatest need, who would benefit most from improved health and reduced inequalities. The school actualises this vision by providing high quality, accessible education; conducting outstanding, high impact research; and by working in partnership to translate knowledge into policy, action and evaluation.

School staff have an outstanding reputation and are leaders in their field - including in areas such as tobacco control, chronic disease prevention, healthy ageing, infectious disease, population health metrics and physical activity.

The University is seeking a Research Assistant to work across a research program funded by NHMRC investigator grants led by Professor Maree Toombs, an emerging leader in suicide intervention training among indigenous people. Professor Toombs is leading the research program I- ASIST (https://www.livingworks.com.au/programs/i-asist/), a co-designed with Indigenous leadership and consultation to develop suicide intervention training specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

This research is leading to the development of key infrastructure/ methodologies in mental health, trauma, and suicide knowledge and skills and contributed to knowledge gain otherwise unknown in the indigenous community.

In collaboration with Professor Toombs, Indigenous youth, and experts in the field, including traditional healers the aim of this research is to reduce the rates of inter-generational trauma leading to mental illness and suicide/self-harm in young Indigenous Australians

This position is an identified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander position under the provisions of section 126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Under the guidance of the Chief Investigator assist in all aspects of the research process, including planning, coordination, recruitment, data collection, data entry and analysis
• assist in all activities related to support for research including, reviewing of research protocols and related documents
• undertake planning and preliminary analysis to investigate and support the scoping of research programs/projects
• administration task - preparing documents, maintaining records, data entry, updating and collating materials, responding to trial participants queries, exploring, and sourcing solutions for the research team, managers, and collaborative groups, as required
• responsible for the implementation of systems and databases and developing work procedures for implementation under the general direction of the research team leads
• effectively communicate, negotiate, and liaise with internal and external stakeholders, including study participants
• undertake literature searches and writing of summary reports.

About you

• A bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience
• an Honours or equivalent in a relevant field for Research Assistant
• demonstrated ability to generate reproducible, high-quality research results
• demonstrated understanding of First Nation's Knowledge
• your own personal lived experience of community that you can draw
• demonstrated ability to develop new techniques and use the latest technology in research projects
• strong understanding of GCP guidelines and protocol requirements for clinical trials
• demonstrated experience assisting with the preparation and submission of grant applications or of manuscripts to high-quality peer-reviewed journals or of human research ethics applications
• excellent attention to detail with the demonstrated ability to work with a high level of accuracy
• well-developed computer skills, particularly Microsoft Office suite, managing and filing electronic documentation and creation of spreadsheets, website and on-line content development and video editing

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. Sydney Local Health District conditions of employment, including 2 doses of COVID vaccination, also apply.

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.

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 Rachel Ann Yazigi, Recruitment Operations, by email to Rachel.yazigi@sydney.edu.au.

Copyright The University of Sydney

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

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Sunday 24 September 2023 11:59 PM