Research Assistant - Child Development and Mental Health chez University of Sydney

• Work on collaborative research projects as a Research Assistant to coordinate and support the projects associated with the Child Development and Mental Health Clinical Academic Group and the Australian Child Neurodevelopment Research Registry and contribute to the development of digital tools for the DIGI-KIDS hub in neurodevelopment and mental health.

• Fixed term position with University of Sydney for 12 months, 0.6 FTE.

• Salary will depend on skills and experience, at HEO 5 ($89,755-$100,495) pro rata+ 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 Assistant (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 and Dr Kelsie Boulton.

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 support for research activities as relevant to the team, including participant recruitment and assessment, and may be involved in the support of grant application processes. They will also collaborate with researchers and stakeholders to ensure a seamless flow of research documentation. The position will be largely based at Camperdown but will also require work at Westmead Children's Hospital and our Clinical Academic Group partners local health district 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. The 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 services and their consumers (families and children) and is co-developed with these end-users. This work is underpinned by the Australian Child Neurodevelopment Research Registry and 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)

• Research experience with digital tools is preferrable, including developing, working on and managing research projects, protocols and ethics.

• Experience in conducting research with paediatric populations.

• 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.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Work Rights: you must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

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 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

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 any documents in alternate formats, please contact, Ajaypal Singh, Recruitment Operations by email to [email protected].

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