• 1.0 full-time for 3 years (part-time options may be considered).
• Exciting opportunity for a Research Officer to join the Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute and Sydney Nursing School of the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney.
• Base Salary $99,455 to 107,216 + 17% superannuation.

About the opportunity

We have exciting opportunities for Postdoctoral Research Officer to work with us in the development new evidence, guidance and standards for infection prevention and control programs and practice in residential aged care.

While considerable efforts for improving infection prevention and control (IPC) in residential aged care homes (RACHs) were made during the public health emergency of COVID-19, these efforts were largely reactive and

drawn from evidence developed in acute healthcare settings. Unlike hospitals, RACHs have lacked context-specific national and jurisdictional standards and guidelines for IPC, and this has led to considerable variation in its practice and evaluation. Currently, there is a dearth of evidence-based understanding of the specialized skills and practices required of the qualified IPC professional for the aged care setting.

Funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council, our 4-year research program meets this need. A collaborative initiative of aged care providers and consumers (Southern Cross Care, Hardi Aged Care, United Protestant Association of NSW Ltd, Aged & Community Care Providers Association - ACCPA, COTA), the peak national professional college for IPC (Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control - ACIPC), peak government bodies (Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care - ACSQHC, Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, ACQSC) and our team of multidisciplinary clinician researchers with expertise in aged cared, nursing, education and infection prevention and control. Our project will establish the governance requirements for, and elements of, infection prevention and control programs in residential aged care homes in Australia, and the minimum practice and competency standards for infection control professionals in residential aged care homes in Australia that lead them.

As a member of our award-winning team, you will be responsible for providing technical and operational leadership of the project under the direction and support of the Chief Investigator and the broader investigation team. You will develop, foster and maintain collaborative work relationships with range of key stakeholders aged care partners, infection prevention and control professionals, and a diverse team of researchers to complete a range of activities, such as survey development, data collection, interviews, qualitative data analysis and manuscript preparation.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Work closely with a team of researchers to develop new, evidence-based standards for infection prevention and control in the residential aged care sector.
• Provide operational and technical support for the research being undertaken, including assisting with activities such as literature reviews, survey development, participant recruitment, data collection, interviewing experts, and data cleaning and analysis.
• Establish positive and long-term relationships with the aged care partners, infection control professionals and other relevant stakeholders to facilitate the successful completion of the research design.
• Complete ad-hoc research activities, including reporting, preparation of manuscripts, ethics requirements, documentation and other administrative duties.

About you

• Hold a PhD or equivalent qualification.
• Hold tertiary qualifications in a relevant field. Individuals with a bachelor's in psychology (honours) or similar will be highly regarded.
• Have experience in research methodologies, particularly qualitative research methodologies such as surveys, interviews and focus groups.
• Have expertise and leadership skills in health settings, in particular aged care services and/or infection control, and an ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team of researchers, professionals and experts.
• Demonstrate highly developed verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrate an understanding of data collection and management for research, as well as basic knowledge of both quantitative and qualitative data analysis principles.
• Demonstrate high levels of computer literacy, including proficiency in learning new programs and skills.
• Implement changes and develop direction in clinical practice by the initiation, utilization, and review of evidence-based research.
• Have at least 5 years' full-time equivalent professional experience in relevant areas.

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. This role requires valid work rights for Australia.

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 are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by 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.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.

How to apply

Please note the University will be closed from 20/12/2024 and will reopen 06/01/2025. We will be interviewing for this role early January 2025

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

For employees of the University or contingent workers, 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, Recruitment Operations, 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

Monday 06 January 2025 11:59 PM