Research Assistant - Psychology

Research Assistant - Psychology

Apply now

Job no: 539476
Work type: Full Time
Location: Sydney, NSW
Categories: Research Administration support

• One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities
• Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion
• Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.

The Research Assistant provides technical and research assistance to the research team working on a CogCOACH-Health Trial, funded by the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF). Led by Professor Kaarin Anstey, the study will trial the effectiveness of an online program to reduce risk factors for chronic disease in older adults experiencing Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).

This role works closely with the Trial Coordinator and is responsible for conducting participant screening and recruitment, scheduling assessments and supporting data collection.

NOTE: THERE ARE X2 ROLES AVAILABLE.

About the role

• $88k - $100k plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 20 months
• Full time (35 hours)

The role reports Professor Kaarin Anstey and has no direct reports.

Specific responsibilities for this role include:

• Recruit trial participants, manage consent, schedule appointments, and maintain study communications with participants, including technical support.
• With training, conduct structured interviews and standardised cognitive assessments with older adults with cognitive impairment.
• Manage recording and collection of sensitive data in line with Good Clinical Practice and NHMRC research ethics guidelines.
• With training, manage participant enquiries and wellbeing, and adhere to study protocols for escalation to Trial Manager and Medical Officer where relevant.
• Attend research meetings and training sessions and take minutes if required.
• Respond to routine enquiries relating to research and the trial.
• Undertake other unsupervised research support tasks consistent with established methodologies.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values.
• Cooperate with all health and safety policy and procedures of the University and take all reasonable care to ensure your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself and others.

About the successful applicant
(Selection Criteria)

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A tertiary degree in Psychology with honours or equivalent four year qualification in psychology.
• Experience or training in the assessment of research participants including experience in administering standardised questionnaires and cognitive assessment.
• Knowledge of human research ethics with a demonstrated interest in working with older adults.
• Knowledge of research protocols and experimental design.
• Advanced time management, organisational and problem-solving skills, including the ability to meet deadlines.
• Well-developed interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated computing skills including word processing (MS word), spreadsheet (MS Excel). Experience with survey management software (e.g., REDCap, Qualtrics) desirable.
• Demonstrated experience supporting and contributing to projects and initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience working with vulnerable populations.
• Ability to make sound judgements and work both independently and as part of a team.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

You should systematically address the selection criteria listed within the position description in your application.

Please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed.

Contact: Kaarin Anstey E: k.anstey@unsw.edu.au
Applications close: May 4th, 2026