• Exciting opportunity for an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Research Assistant to be a part in an innovative research project for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities at the newly established Matilda Centre
• Located at Camperdown/Darlington Campus within a unit which encourages progressive thinking
• Fixed Term, full-time, until June 2020 with possibility of extension depending on funding and base salary $73K p.a plus superannuation

About the opportunity 

This position has been designated for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People only under the provisions of Section 126 of the Anti-discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).

We are in a period of exciting and significant investment in our Faculty of Medicine and Health and in order to deliver on the University’s ambitious strategic plan, we are looking for a passionate, research driven and experienced Research Assistant to play an integral part in dissemination of research into practice.

You will assist with the adaptation, development, evaluation and dissemination of culturally-appropriate evidence-based information and resources about crystal methamphetamine (“ice”) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

For more information on the Matilda Centre please read https://sydney.edu.au/research/centres/matilda-centre.html

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Research Assistant who possesses the below:

• must identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, evidence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent must be provided with application.
• knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and ethical considerations
• experience working on research projects, including using research protocols, study design, ethics submissions and grant applications
• experience in carrying out scientific literary searches, and preparing literary reviews for further analysis
• demonstrated ability to use computer software including word processing, spreadsheets and statistical packages
• demonstrated project management experience in the fields of mental health and substance use will be highly regarded
• Honours degree in psychology, behavioural or social sciences, public health or a related field (or near completion) will be highly advantageous

The successful candidate will have exceptional communication skills with sound interpersonal, negotiating and conflict resolution skills. They will also be a team player with ability to take initiative and exercise sound judgement. They will have previous experience working with dissemination of health messages through the use of online technologies.

About us

As one of the Asia Pacific region's most highly rated education and research institutions, Sydney Medical School is dedicated to improving health through excellence in research, creating new knowledge and fostering innovation and research at the highest level, across the disciplines of basic science, clinical medicine and public health. Research is focused on both discovery and translating discoveries into improved healthcare, with major programs of research into diseases and health challenges of national and international significance.

Established at the University of Sydney in 2018, The Matilda Centre will provide a world-first synergy of leading prevention, early intervention and treatment research and translation programs in substance use and mental disorders. The Matilda Centre brings together researchers currently working across disorder silos (substance use, mental health, suicide, exercise physiology, dietetics, chronic disease) to share skills, synergise data, and harness new technologies to develop and trial innovative prevention, early intervention and treatment programs for substance use and mental disorders. 

The Matilda Centre houses several NHMRC Centres of Research Excellence and state, national and international programs in mental health and substance use research.  The Matilda Centre develops and maintains partnerships and collaborations with government, philanthropy, local health districts and other agencies to drive world-class innovative research and  translate evidence into public health policy and practice.

The Centre has over 55 academic and professional staff and over 50 ongoing projects and a strong growth trajectory. 

Since our inception 160 years ago, the University of Sydney has led to improve the world around us. We believe in education for all and that effective leadership makes lives better. These same values are reflected in our approach to diversity and inclusion, and underpin our long-term strategy for growth. We’re Australia's first university and have an outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence. Across our campuses, we employ over 7600 academic and non-academic staff who support over 60,000 students.

We are undergoing significant transformative change which brings opportunity for innovation, progressive thinking, breaking with convention, challenging the status quo, and improving the world around us.

How to apply

For more information on the position and University, please view the candidate information pack available from the job’s listing on the University of Sydney careers website.

All applications must be submitted via the University of Sydney careers website.  Visit sydney.edu.au/recruitment and search by the reference number 1272/0619F to apply.

To be considered for this position it is essential that you address the online selection criteria. For guidance on how to apply visit: How to apply for an advertised position.

Other:

This position is designated as child-related work. To undertake or remain in this position, you are required to apply for and obtain a Working With Children Check clearance in accordance with the Child Protection (Working With Children) Act 2012.

It is a regulatory requirement to complete compulsory employment checks prior to starting in this position. For more information and instructions, please visit:NSW Health employment requirements and request a Police check.

Closing date: 11:30pm, Monday 29 July 2019

The University of Sydney is committed to diversity and social inclusion. Applications from people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; equity target groups including women, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTIQ; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged.

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.