• To work on collaborative research projects as a Research Assistant by supporting and coordinating projects associated with the Child Development and Mental Health Clinical Academic Group of Sydney Health Partners. You will also support the projects associated with the Australian Child Neurodevelopment Registry and, in particular, the development of digital tools for DIGI-KIDS hub in neurodevelopment and mental health.
• Fixed term position with University of Sydney for 12 months, with potential for extension.
• Salary will depend on skills and experience, at HEO 5 ($86,511-96,863) + 17% superannuation 
• Located at the Brain and Mind Centre Camperdown Campus and The Children's Hospital at Westmead campus.

About the opportunity

The Faculty of Medicine and Health is home to the largest and most comprehensive assembly of health and medical education research in the Asia Pacific. It conducts cutting-edge education and research across the full spectrum of health and medical knowledge, from the medical sciences through to clinical medicine, public health, and medical education.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Research Officer (HEO 5) interested in studies that support assessment and treatment of young children, adolescents and adults with mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions.

The appointee will work across multiple projects led by Professor Adam Guastella.

The position has two key responsibilities.

First, the position will support the functions of the Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Clinical Academic Group, to assist in coordinating activities for the Clinical Academic Group, including supports for meetings and ongoing research activities of the group. The candidate will provide research support for research activities as relevant to the team and may be involved in the support of research and grant application processes. They will also collaborate with researchers and stakeholders to ensure a seamless flow of research documentation. The position will be based at Camperdown but will also require work at Westmead Children's Hospital and our Clinical Academic Group local health district partner sites around the greater Sydney area.

The second responsibility is to support the development and implementation of DIGI-KIDS hub for the University of Sydney. DIGI-KIDS hub is a digital hub of tools and supports that enhances the automation of assessment processes for clinical services. DIGI-KIDS hub is directed at clinical services and their consumers (families and children), and is co-developed with these end-users. This work requires close engagement with stakeholders to ensure developed tools are appropriate and fit for purpose for the setting in which they will be applied.

The suitable appointee will require a degree in a relevant discipline (Psychology, nursing, allied health, Neurology, public health, biomedical or other relevant degree), in conjunction with quantitative and qualitative research skills (research design, conduct, analysis, reporting). Ideally, they will have some experience in a health-related discipline and preferably also in research settings. However, candidates with a keen interest in developing research skills after an initial relevant degree will be considered.

Key responsibilities of the position

• conduct and support research work for child development and mental health research projects and programs as needed, under the direction of senior researchers
• Assist in the development of digital tools and supports, including using programs and coding methods (e.g., R, SPSS, REDCAP) to enable automation of processes.
• carry out administrative research activities as needed
• collect and appropriately manage research data
• carry out literature searches
• contribute to the design and development of research protocols, ensuring timely execution of research activities.
• coordinate and submit grant applications, ensuring compliance with all requirements
• conduct data analysis, prepare reports and presentations, and draft articles for publication
• maintain records and documentation of research activity
• follow appropriate research procedures in accordance with relevant research protocols and ethical approvals
• ensure that standards and work health and safety requirements are met in the work area.

About you

• tertiary qualifications in appropriate discipline and/or relevant experience in related field. (Psychology, IT, nursing, allied health, Neurology, public health, biomedical or other relevant degree)
• considerable research experience with digital tools is preferrable -including developing, working on and managing research projects, protocols and ethics.
• skills in data preparation, data analysis, and reporting on research findings
• skills in literature searching, and reporting on research findings
• skills in project management
• excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• sound negotiating and conflict resolution skills and a demonstrated level of tact and discretion in dealing with day to day operational matters
• 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
• strong problem-solving skills and the ability to prioritise workload during busy periods.

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.

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 can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page. Your application should include a cover letter, a detailed response to the selection criteria (see 'About you'), your CV, and any additional supporting documentation.

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 Faiza Khan at Faiza.khan@sydney.edu.au

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.

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.

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 to be submitted before 10:00 pm:

20 Sept 2024