Research Assistant

• Seeking a passionate research assistant to support development of culturally inclusive social and emotional wellbeing promotion in collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

• Located on the Camperdown Campus within the Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use

• Full-time, 12-month fixed-term opportunity (with a strong possibility of extension)

• Base salary of $86,511- $96,863+ 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 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.

Strong and Deadly Futures is a school-based alcohol and drug prevention program, which has been developed to be culturally inclusive for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The program was developed in collaboration with Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous students and teachers.

The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use is seeking a Research Assistant to work on the Strong & Deadly Futures project. You will join the project at an important and interesting stage as we expand our work developing, implementing and evaluating culturally inclusive school-based drug prevention resources. You will  contribute to research activities including supporting co-design workshops with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth, communities and stakeholders to inform development of a new module of the Strong and Deadly Futures program, that focusses on preventing harm from e-cigarette use (vaping). The role will include logistical support, interstate travel, liaising with our partner Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander creative agencies, managing research data, and contributing to analyses, reporting, and publication of research data.

This role will be suited to someone with a strong interest in mental health and wellbeing promotion among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders young people.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Execute research protocols, ensuring timely activities and data quality

• assist with grant applications, ensuring compliance with regulations and research standards

• collaborate with researchers, stakeholders, and partners to share findings and improve relations

• assist with the documentation process for research publications and maintain comprehensive records

• oversee purchasing, invoice management, and compliance with university systems and safety protocols

• provide guidance on research policies and undertake additional duties as required

• complete any ad-hoc tasks, activities, or objectives as requested by your line manager

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

About you

• an Honours degree and/or post-graduate qualifications in psychology, public health, or behavioural sciences or equivalent training and experience

• knowledge of and sensitivity to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and ethical considerations

• experience conducting research in the fields of mental health and/or substance use prevention or treatment, (specific experience in the drug and alcohol field would be well regarded)

• proven previous experience in management and statistical analysis of research data, including familiarity with statistical software

• excellent written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated report writing skills

• outstanding interpersonal skills, and proven ability to liaise with key stakeholders

• previous experience ma