"Research Assistant"

Job Description:

• Fixed Term for up to 2 years
• Based at La Trobe University’s Melbourne (Bundoora) campus
• Full time opportunity
• Level A Academic Research only
• 17% superannuation contribution
• Work with inspiring people who are driven to make a difference

About the position

The Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC) was established in 2008 and has established itself as one of Australia’s leading autism research centres. The centre was made possible by the extraordinary generosity of the late Mrs Olga Tennison AO, who through her personal philanthropy, has ensured OTARC will continue and expand upon its work in perpetuity, for the benefit of the Autistic and Autism communities.

The project will evaluate effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and potential integration into existing service systems of Inklings. Inklings is an early supports program for parents and caregivers of infants aged 6 to 18 months who are showing early signs of social and communication differences.

The evaluation will include a comparison of two groups of infants (i) who have completed the Inklings program in Western Australian and (ii) who have not completed Inklings and received usual care only. Reporting to the Project Manager, the Research Assistant will support the day-to-day coordination of this project with a focus on recruitment of participants from the Usual Care group for follow-up data collection.

Skills and Experience

To be considered for this position, you will have

• A bachelor’s degree in in health sciences, public health, allied health, psychology, or other health related discipline and equivalent relevant experience.
• Evidence of an ability to work effectively under limited supervision or independently.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team in a supportive, inclusive and collegial manner.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to interact effectively with people from a diverse range of backgrounds.
• Proven computer literacy and proficiency in using various research and administrative software applications e.g. Microsoft Suite, REDCap, SPSS, NVivo or other relevant software.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to use initiative and exercise sound judgement.
• High level organisational skills: including database management, time management, the ability to prioritise workload during busy periods, initiate and follow-up actions, all with minimal supervision.

Highly Desirable:

• Understanding of the Australian autism landscape, spanning practice, policy, research, and other relevant domains.
• Autistic and/or other neurodivergent lived experience and/or relevant workplace experience in a neurodiverse workplace.
• Evidence of experience in research and evaluation, such as contributing to publications, conference presentations or reports, ideally with some experience submitting ethics applications in health organisations.
• Experience working with families of young children under 3 years of age, in child development or experience of administering standardised assessments with families or children.
• Evidence of participation in higher level study or an honours degree that included a thesis or working in the higher education sector.
• Experience in data analysis, including the capacity to integrate data from a range of sources (qualitative and quantitative).

Benefits:

• 17% employer contributed superannuation
• On site childcare facilities
• Flexible work arrangements
• Discounts for staff and their family members to study a range of La Trobe courses

How to apply

Closing date: By 11:55pm Sunday 11 January 2026

Position Enquiries: Samantha Wright, Research Project Manager

Email: Samantha.Wright@latrobe.edu.au

Recruitment Enquiries: Talent Acquisition Operations Officer, Yola El-hassanieh;

Email: Y.El-hassanieh@latrobe.edu.au

Please refer to the Position Description for other duties, skills and experience required for this position.

Only candidates with Full Working Rights in Australia may apply for this position.

Please submit an online application ONLY and must include the following documents to be considered for this position:

• A Cover letter;
• An up-to-date resume;
• Reponses to the Key Selection Criteria under Essential Criteria located in the PD.

Please scroll down to apply.

We’d love to stay connected! If you would like to find out more about this School, please follow us on LinkedIn:
School of Psychology and Public Health: https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-of-psychology-and-public-health-la-trobe-university/

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We welcome and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

La Trobe University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We take an intersectional approach by actively supporting and encouraging people of all backgrounds and abilities to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. Flexibility in interview format will be offered to shortlisted candidates.

All La Trobe University employees are bound by the Working with Children Act 2005. If you are successful, you will be required to hold a valid Victorian Employee Working with Children Check prior to commencement.

Why La Trobe:

• Develop your career at an innovative, global university where you’ll collaborate with community and industry to create impact.
• Enjoy working on our inspiring and stunning campuses – the perfect hub for industry, students and academics
• Help transform the lives of students, partners and communities now and in the future