Who Are We?

At MCRI we share a powerful vision to re-imagine the future of child health. We are the home to many life-changing scientific discoveries. Our success is founded on a philosophy of collaboration through a multi-disciplinary approach to solving the toughest questions in child health.

MCRI is a proud member of the Australian Network on Disability. We are committed to creating a positive working environment which values all backgrounds and experiences. We strive to foster an inclusive culture that is underpinned by equal opportunity for all and a culture based on respect, consideration and dignity. Don’t take our word for it, check what our employees are saying!

The Opportunity

MCRI’s Aboriginal Health Program was established to address gaps in evidence by working with Aboriginal communities to co-design, implement and evaluate strategies to promote health, wellbeing and equity for Aboriginal children, young people and families.

Our first priority is to prevent and reduce impacts of intergenerational trauma and reverse upward trends in rates of mental health disorders, self-harm and suicide among Aboriginal children and young people.

The Aboriginal Health Program also aims to build capacity and capability at MCRI and the Melbourne Children’s campus supporting the expansion of collaborative research working with Aboriginal communities. Historically, Aboriginal health research has largely focused on people living in remote communities. There are major gaps in knowledge and understanding of factors influencing the health Aboriginal children living in urban environments and the southern states.To address these gaps, the Aboriginal Health Program is spearheading a range of initiatives to expand the number of Aboriginal researchers on campus and foster stronger, collaborative engagement with Aboriginal communities in Victoria and South Australia.

Building on existing relationships with Aboriginal community organisations and communities, the Intergenerational Health team is taking a lead role in this initiative. Leveraging the multidisciplinary expertise on campus and support of the Royal Children’s Foundation, and working in partnership with Aboriginal communities, we are building the expertise needed to break intergenerational cycles of trauma and social adversity, and ultimately reduce health disparities.

The Research Assistant will contribute to the Intergenerational Health Research Group’s program of collaborative Aboriginal health research.

The position will involve working with Dr Graham Gee, Emily Munro-Harrison and other members of the Aboriginal Health Program to support evaluation of the Wellah Together project (a Victorian Aboriginal designed on-line healthy lifestyles and empowerment program for adults, carers and kin).

Your responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Work with other members of the Aboriginal Health Program to support the development and implementation of the Wellah Together evaluation framework, including survey measures, yarning circles and interviews.
• Co-ordinate and support development of co-designed resources to support program translation
• Undertake descriptive analysis of qualitative and quantitative data (depending on skills and experience)
• Prepare summary reports and presentations for a variety of audiences
• Contribute to writing up of study findings for publication in refereed journals.
• Participate in the research culture and activities of the Intergenerational Health Group and Aboriginal Health Program, including monthly work-in-progress seminars and workshops co-ordinated by the Stronger Futures Centre of Research Excellence.
• Conduct ethical research at the highest level of integrity and in line with the Australian Code for Responsible
• Conduct of Research, MCRI policies and NHMRC Guidelines for Ethical Conduct in research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Communities

You Demonstrate:

Essential:

• Experience undertaking community-based participatory research working with Aboriginal families and communities
• Understanding of the social, cultural and historical determinants of Aboriginal social and emotional wellbeing
• Demonstrated capacity to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Excellent time management, organisational and analytical problem-solving skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience writing up research findings in a variety of formats, including research snapshots, community reports, and academic publications
• High level computer skills, including competence in Microsoft Office and Outlook platforms
• Undergraduate or Masters degree in public health, psychology or other appropriate discipline and/or equivalent relevant experience in work environment

Desirable:

• Experience using a database platform (e.g. RedCAP) to store and retrieve information
• Experience undertaking analysis of qualitative and/or quantitative data

On Offer:

• Part Time (0.4 FTE) 6 Month Contract Available
• Salary Range $84,348- $92,190 per annum (pro rata) + super + salary packaging
• On-site facilities include: car parking, childcare, Employee Assistance Program, mindfulness, gym, and bike storage… to highlight a few

Apply Now

For a full list of responsibilities and the key selection criteria download the position description.

Only applicants who address the key selection criteria will be considered. In one document please place your cover letter, key selection criteria, and resume. Applications will only be considered when submitted via the MCRI website.

For specific questions not answered in the PD please contact Graham Gee [email protected], using the subject line: Research Assistant - Aboriginal Health Program enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Position Reference: 27413

MCRI is a proud member of the Australian Network on Disability. Should you require any specific support or adjustments please talk to us and we will be happy to accommodate.

Please note: Applications via recruitment agencies will not be accepted for this position

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are encouraged to apply.