"Research Assistant"

Job no: 526548

Work type: part time

Location: Sydney, NSW

Categories: Clinical/Medical Research

• Employment Type: Part-time (0.6 FTE), Fixed Term 12-month contract
• Remuneration: Level 5 - starting at $85,717 (pro-rata FTE) plus 17% superannuation
• Location: Kensington, NSW (Hybrid working model)

About UNSW

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work. We aspire to be Australia’s global university, improving and transforming lives through excellence in research, outstanding education and a commitment to advancing a just society.

The Mindgardens partnership between UNSW, Black Dog Institute, Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) and South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD) aims to create new and connected models of mental health care to address the comorbidity and disease burden of mental health and brain disorders. 

Why your role matters

The Research Assistant (Lived Experience) will provide support to the Mindgardens Neuroscience Network projects team providing practical research and administrative support for key studies within the portfolio of Mindgardens Neuroscience Network. A key aspect of the role will be to draw upon personal lived experience of mental healthcare services and recovery using the principles of peer support. Among other projects, the role will provide support to the Keeping the Body In Mind – Primary program that offers lifestyle interventions for people living with severe mental illness.

About the Role

Reporting to the Senior Project Manager, Mindgardens and day-to-day reporting to the Translational Research Lead, Mindgardens, you will be required to undertake and have experience in the following areas of expertise:   

• Use peer support principles and personal experience of mental healthcare services and recovery to provide guidance for delivery of research projects and engagement with research participants.
• Provision of research and administrative support including attendance at meetings and training sessions, data entry, expense reimbursement processing and responding to enquiries and referrals with regards to research studies.
• Assist with the preparation of ethics applications, grant applications, abstracts, annual and
• progress reports and research outputs.
• Collaborate and maintain relationships with researchers and stakeholders associated with the projects and research groups, including participation in meetings as required.
• Perform data collection, management and analysis whilst maintaining accurate research database and records, statistical reporting, publication registers and research records.
• Assist with data analysis and interpretation, routine data verification and collection audits, research materials and liaise with researchers and the Chief Investigator.
• Coordinate and screen study participants for research studies including scheduling appointments, procedures, attendance follow up, and assist in coordinating participant recruitment.
• Assist with the development of resources (eg health coaching group activities and resources), provision of health coaching sessions (one on one and group consults).

About You

• A university degree in Public Health, Social Work or Psychology, (or a related/relevant discipline) or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through any other combination of education, training or experience.
• Obtainment or willingness to obtain a Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work (or a related/relevant discipline) or an equivalent level of knowledge and/or experience gained through any other combination of education, training or experience.
• Knowledge and/or experience working with people with lived experience of mental health.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and productively within a team, but also to take initiative and work independently while managing competing demands.
• Experience working with a range of computer systems and applications, including Microsoft 365.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of attention to detail and analytical abilities.

For further information on the role & responsibilities, please refer to the Position Description

How to Apply: Submit your CV & cover letter detailing your interest and suitability for the job (as per the skills & experience bullet points in the job description) before Wednesday 28 August by 11:55pm.

Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this role, valid Australian working rights are required on application.

UNSW Benefits and Culture: People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world. Our benefits include: 

• Flexible Working Options (work from home, flexible hours etc) 
• Additional 3 days leave during December festive period.
• Career development opportunities 
• Up to 50% discount on UNSW courses
• Flexible 17% Superannuation contributions, additional leave-loading payments and salary sacrifice.
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness passport)

Job queries contact: Tai James, Talent Acquisition Consultant

E: tai.james@unsw.edu.au (applications to the address cannot be accepted, please apply online)

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.

Position Description

Advertised: 15 Aug 2024 AUS Eastern Standard Time

Applications close: 28 Aug 2024 AUS Eastern Standard Time