• An exciting opportunity to collaborate with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to research culturally inclusive social and emotional wellbeing promotion in secondary schools
• Located at our renowned Matilda Centre on Camperdown Campus
• Full-time, 14-month fixed-term opportunity (with a strong possibility of extension)
• Level A Salary $105,314 - $116,679 OR Level B Salary $122,830 - $145,858 + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

This position is a Targeted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Position. Preference will be given to applicants of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent. This Exemption is claimed under Section 21 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.

If you identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, please include a copy of your Confirmation of Aboriginality to your application.

The Matilda Centre is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate / Postdoctoral Research Fellow to oversee a prevention-focused research program in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. You will design, implement, and evaluate culturally inclusive school-based drug prevention resources, while actively consulting with communities and supporting local Aboriginal educators in delivering the wellbeing program and research. This role offers a unique opportunity to work with a collaborative team of investigators, including prominent Aboriginal researchers, to make a meaningful impact on the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.

The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use provides 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 in broad fields to share skills, integrate data, and harness new technologies to develop and trial innovative prevention, early intervention and treatment programs for substance use and mental disorders. In this role you will work also closely with an Aboriginal Reference Group, chaired by co-investigator A/Prof Michael Doyle, who will oversee and guide all aspects of the project.

To be successful in this position, you will be able to use a high degree of initiative and judgment to coordinate multiple activities and teams. Part-time and/or flexible working arrangements will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Your key responsibilities as a Level A Research Associate will be to:

• Facilitate consultations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth, communities, and stakeholders to inform the development of a new module for the Strong and Deadly Futures program, focusing on preventing harm from e-cigarette use (vaping).
• Support the oversight of a pilot trial to evaluate the Strong & Deadly Futures program, including coordinating schools, assisting with data collection, and ensuring culturally safe program delivery.
• Work closely with the team leader, researchers, chief investigators, and key stakeholders to achieve project objectives.
• Work independently and as part of a team to undertake activities related to the conduct of quantitative research, including reviewing scientific literature and related documentation.
• Assist in all aspects of the research process, including reviewing and updating research protocols and coordinating data between different teams.
• Help build and maintain strategic relationships with internal and external collaborators, including partner agencies and community groups.
• Contribute to the growing body of prevention-focused research by preparing funding applications, analysing data, and sharing findings through publications and presentations.

For Level B Research Fellow (in addition to the above):

• Lead consultations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth, communities, and stakeholders to inform the development of a new module for the Strong and Deadly Futures program, focusing on preventing harm from e-cigarette use (vaping).
• Collaborate with Aboriginal creative partners and stakeholders to co-design engaging web-based content and culturally inclusive teaching resources that prioritise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and strengths.
• Co-ordinate a pilot trial to evaluate the Strong & Deadly Futures program, including supervising project staff, coordinating schools, managing data collection, and ensuring culturally safe program delivery.

In your application, please provide a statement systematically addressing each ‘About You’ points.

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 Associate or Research Fellow who can demonstrate the following key skills, qualifications and attributes:

For a Level A Research Associate:

• PhD or nearing completion in psychology, behavioural or social sciences, public health, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience developing and contributing to research evidence by producing original, high quality and independent research
• Have a strong interest in working in the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander health research field
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, and the ability to liaise effectively with all levels of staff and stakeholders
• Experience in the development of academic publications or report writing
• High-level organisational and time management skills, strong attention to detail, and a proven ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines
• Willingness to travel within or interstate (reimbursement available).

For a Level B Research Fellow (in addition to the above):

• Experience in health promotion, community consultation or research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• Knowledge of and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and an understanding of ethical considerations
• Experience in mental health and/or substance use prevention or treatment research with specific experience in the drug and alcohol field would be well regarded
• Proven experience in management, statistical analysis and reporting of research data (quantitative and qualitative) as evidenced by authorship of journal articles and / or government reports
• Previous experience managing school-based or clinical trials would be well regarded
• Demonstrated proficiency carrying out literature reviews within academic databases
• Willingness to travel within or interstate (reimbursement available).

The successful incumbent will also have excellent verbal and interpersonal communication skills and a proven ability to engage and collaborate with key stakeholders in a respectful and effective manner.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires valid work rights for Australia.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

This position is designated as involving 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.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.

How to Apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply Now button at the top of the page.