Research Assistant (Part time 0.80 FTE fixed term until 31 March 2027)

• Part time (0.80 FTE) fixed term until 31 March 2027
• Research Assistant opportunity supporting public health projects examining AI tools in healthcare
• Base Salary $89,755 (pro rata for 0.80 FTE) + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Assistant to join the Sydney Health Literacy Lab within the School of Public Health at the University of Sydney. This role will support Dr Julie Ayre, NHMRC Emerging Leader Research Fellow, whose research focuses on using digital technology to support health literacy initiatives and improve health equity in our health services.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to impactful public health communication projects exploring the use of AI tools - including chatbots and digital scribes - to support more equitable healthcare delivery. The projects use mixed methods including surveys, quantitative analysis, interviews/focus groups, and co-design workshops. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a collaborative and impactful research environment that informs healthcare policy and practice.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• contribute to the design and development of research protocols and ensure timely execution of research activities
• coordinate and submit ethics and grant applications, ensuring compliance with ethical and funding requirements
• provide guidance on research regulations, policies, and procedures
• assist with quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, ensuring data quality and accuracy
• support a number of health literacy and digital health projects including those exploring the use of AI enabled tools such as chatbots, digital scribes, and automated communication systems
• collaborate with researchers, clinical specialists, and affiliated partners to share findings and progress
• manage documentation for research publications and maintain comprehensive research records
• facilitate communication with stakeholders and support continuous improvement in stakeholder relations
• produce quality reports, verify data accuracy within university systems, and support compliance initiatives
• process purchasing and payment activities, ensuring timely and accurate invoice management
• undertake other duties appropriate to the classification level as required.

About you

• Bachelor's Honours degree in psychology or equivalent experience in public health communication
• strong qualitative and quantitative research skills
• proficiency with SPSS
• advanced skills in Microsoft Excel
• experience using Qualtrics for survey design and data collection
• experience in research support, including protocol development and grant coordination
• sound understanding of research ethics, governance, and compliance requirements
• excellent organisational and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders
• ability to work independently and prioritise tasks to meet deadlines
• a keen interest in healthcare, digital health, and the emerging role of AI in improving health equity and patient experience
• familiarity with university systems and financial processes is desirable.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible 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 LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum 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 cecilia.blamey@sydney.edu.au.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Tuesday 21 April 2026 11:59 PM