TB Social science Research Associate-School of Public Health na University of Sydney

• Part time (0.80FTE) fixed term until 21 February 2028

• TB Social science Research Associate at the School of Public Health

• Base Salary $113,400 - $121,054 + 17% superannuation 

About the opportunity

Founded in 1930, the Sydney School of Public Health is Australia’s first and leading school in public health, dedicated to addressing the world's most pressing health challenges. Each day, our researchers and graduates are tackling global health issues and striving to improve equity in communities both locally and around the world.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease that exploits vulnerability and clusters in structurally disadvantaged groups, who are marginalised within society through economic and social exclusion. Efforts to redress these health inequities and poorer TB outcomes, requires a targeted focus on population groups who have historically been left out and left behind.  Reaching everyone through TB screening is a critical component of the logic for TB elimination. However, to successfully reduce incidence of TB, it must reach a critical community coverage threshold to ensure the effect of screening is detectable at a population level. 

There are two substantial research projects focused on community TB screening in Vietnam and Kiribati being undertaken by the TB Centre for Research Excellence in conjunction with USYD School of Public Health researchers. Understanding what it takes, within a specific community and health system context, to build screening and referral programs that are inclusive and trusted and engage those who are seldom reached is critical to achieving success.  The Post-Doctoral Research Associate will contribute to the development of an implementation science evidence-base to support the transferability of this learning for adaptation to other settings. 

The successful applicant would be working with Assoc Prof Sarah Bernays, Prof Thu Nguyen and Dr Graeme Hoddinott, as part of a growing team of social scientists connected with the CRE. They would be joining a supportive and multi-disciplinary academic, community-focused network, and play a valued role in collaboratively developing this social science agenda. If you would like to discuss this opportunity further, please email [email protected]

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• conduct research into TB screening and outcomes for varying communities

• contribute to the development of an implementation science evidence-base to support the transferability of this learning for adaptation to other settings

• develop and refine independent research skills under the supervision of more senior academic staff

• provide informal mentoring and advice to students within discipline and the TB CRE

• carry out administrative tasks and contribute to faculty/school meetings and to the success of the TB CRE

• contribute to a positive workplace culture in which diversity of thought, contribution, collaboration, excellence and achieving outcomes are valued and enabled

• understand and contribute to furthering the university and faculty/school strategic agenda

• undertake other duties and contribute to projects appropriate within the classification level as required

About you

• PhD in Public Heath or a relevant field

• strong understanding of health systems, ideally with a focus on TB research projects in resource-stretched settings

• demonstrated experience in conducting, analysing and publishing qualitative and quantitative research

• a developing network of academic, industry and professional partners and stakeholders

• strong experience in TB community engagement platforms (e.g. Community Advisory Boards)

• good understanding of government policy and impacts on public health

• experience in global health research including remote communities locally and internationally

• a developing research profile in public health

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.

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 Cecilia Blamey, Recruitment Operations by email to [email protected].

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

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