Research Assistant

• Full-time
• Primary Location (Campus): Gold Coast
• Employment Type: Full Time
• Department ID: School of Applied Psychology - PSY
• Appointment Type: Fixed Term

Company Description

Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why. 

Griffith was created to be a different type of university. As a Research Assistant, you’ll find we’re about leading health research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you’ll achieve them. 

Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence. 

First Peoples employment at Griffith 

Griffith University is committed to increasing First Peoples employment across all areas and levels of the University, with a dedicated First Peoples Employment Action Plan and Reconciliation Statement in place. We are also committed to ensuring that First Peoples staff employed at Griffith feel a sense of community, connection, and collaboration. 

By becoming a staff member at Griffith, whether in an Academic or Professional role, you can opt in to our First Peoples Staff Network enabling you to attend regular events across all campuses where you can network with other First Peoples staff at Griffith, and also be notified of career development and progression opportunities allowing First Peoples staff to grow into more senior roles. 

Job Description

Griffith University’s School of Applied Psychology is seeking a motivated Research Assistant specialising in Traffic Psychology & Road Safety, particularly within the motorcycle safely area to support applied research activities within the MAIC–Griffith University Road Safety Research Collaboration as part of a successful grant.

Working under the guidance of the Principal Research Fellow, you will contribute to field-based and laboratory research focused on traffic psychology and road safety behaviours relating to motorcycles.

This role offers hands-on research experience in a collaborative and applied research environment, supporting projects with real-world impact on road safety policy and practice.

As a Research Assistant you will be responsible for;

• Assisting with laboratory and field-based research in traffic psychology and road safety.
• Supporting data collection, storage, and preliminary analysis.
• Undertaking literature searches, interviews, and routine testing activities.
• Assisting with the preparation of reports and scholarly outputs.
• Coordinating meetings with researchers and external participants.
• Providing general administrative and research support to the research team.
• Supporting compliance with research ethics, health and safety, and university policies.

Qualifications

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated interest in applied research or behavioural science.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a research team.
• Well-developed communication skills.
• Experience in motorcycle safety or road safety research (highly regarded).

What we can offer 

This is a fixed term 12 month, full time position primarily based at either Griffith University Gold Coast or Brisbane South (Nathan) campus. As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations. Griffith University’s campuses are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples._ 

Salary Range

The full time equivalent base salary will be Research Assistant Grade 1 range $75,627 - $79,984 per annum + 17% superannuation. The total FTE package will be in the range $88,483 - $93,582 per annum.

Additional Information

Why Griffith? 

As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer: 

• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts 
• Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading 
• Opportunities for internal mobility 
• Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives – on campus Gym facilities 

How to apply

At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience. 

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Our University is committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive community for all. In alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence (2025), Griffith University includes a declaration as part of the recruitment journey to uphold the values and standards of our community. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s Modern Slavery Policy. 

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following: 

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role (please refer to the About You section above and the position description) 
• Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details 

_Applicants must have unrestricted working rights. VISA sponsorship is not available for this position._ 

For further information specifically about this role, please contact Principal Research Fellow Dr Darren Wishart via darren.wishart@griffith.edu.au.

For application and recruitment advice, please contact Maria Mahon, Talent Acquisition Partner at maria.mahon@griffith.edu.au.

Closing date: Wednesday 1st April 2026 at 11:59pm AEST. All applications must be submitted online.  

_Please allow at least 1 – 2 weeks from the closing date to expect an application update._