• Full-time, 12-month fixed-term opportunity, with possibility of extension
• A great opportunity to work with the Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use on an Australian Government Department of Health-funded project with the aim of building the capacity of the alcohol and other drug workforce to respond to mental health conditions
• Base Salary $83,384 + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use provides a world-first synergy of leading prevention, early intervention, treatment research and translation programs in substance use and mental disorders. The Matilda Centre undertakes research and brings together researchers currently working across disorder silos (substance use, depression, suicide, anxiety, exercise physiology, dietetics, chronic disease) to share skills, synergise data, and harness new technologies to develop and trial innovative prevention and early intervention programs for substance use and mental disorders.

The Faculty of Medicine and Health is looking for a Research Assistant to join The Matilda Centre on a full-time, 12-month fixed-term basis, with a possibility of extension. This role will be required to undertake a mixture of administrative and research-related tasks such as developing an online community of practice, conducting literature and scoping reviews, organising meetings with stakeholders, and working on communications and promotions activities.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Assist with the development of an online community of practice
• conduct literature reviews, scope existing resources, and critically summarise information
• organise stakeholder consultations to inform the development of the online community of practice, including the collation of key themes and findings from consultations
• assist with the preparation of reports, publications and presentations, and assist with the analysis of online community performance
• assist with communications and promotional activities
• establish and maintain strong working relationships with the research team and other stakeholders
• provide administrative support for the project
• undertake other duties as requested by the supervisor

About you

• tertiary qualifications in psychology, public health, or behavioural or social sciences and/or a related field or equivalent combination of training and work experience
• demonstrated understanding of substance use and mental health issues in Australia (highly regarded)
• ability to work both independently and within a research team environment
• high levels of attention to detail and ability to manage and prioritise workload to meet deadlines, with strong skills in report writing
• strong computer literacy with experience using Microsoft Office Suite and statistical packages/software
• outstanding interpersonal skills and proven ability to liaise, engage, and collaborate with a diverse and broad range of stakeholders
• previous experience in undertaking or supporting research, including systematic reviews, epidemiological studies, controlled trials, or related projects, including collection, analysis and reporting of qualitative and quantitative research data
• previous experience with online data collection, individual interviews, and focus groups would be well-regarded.

To keep our community safe, please be aware of our COVID safety precautions which form our conditions of entry for all staff, students and visitors coming to campus.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. For a continuing position, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

Australian Temporary Residents currently employed at the University of Sydney may be considered for a fixed term contract for the length of their visa, depending on the requirements of the hiring area and the position.

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 include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community which reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through 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.