Research Assistant in Child Development and Mental Health

• To work on collaborative research projects as a Research Assistant by supporting and coordinating projects associated with the Child Development and Mental Health Clinical Academic Group of Sydney Health Partners. You will also support the projects associated with the Australian Child Neurodevelopment Registry and, in particular, the development of digital tools for DIGI-KIDS hub in neurodevelopment and mental health.

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• Fixed term position with University of Sydney for 12 months, with potential for extension.

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• Salary will depend on skills and experience, at HEO 5 ($86,511-96,863) + 17% superannuation

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• Located at the Brain and Mind Centre Camperdown Campus and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead campus.

About the opportunity

The Faculty of Medicine and Health is home to the largest and most comprehensive assembly of health and medical education research in the Asia Pacific. It conducts cutting-edge education and research across the full spectrum of health and medical knowledge, from the medical sciences through to clinical medicine, public health, and medical education.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Research Officer (HEO 5 ) interested in studies that support assessment and treatment of young children, adolescents and adults with mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions.

The appointee will work across multiple projects led by Professor Adam Guastella.

The position has two key responsibilities.

First, the position will support the functions of the Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Clinical Academic Group, to assist in coordinating activities for the Clinical Academic Group, including supports for meetings and ongoing research activities of the group. The candidate will provide research support for research activities as relevant to the team and may be involved in the support of research and grant application processes. They will also collaborate with researchers and stakeholders to ensure a seamless flow of research documentation. The position will be based at Camperdown but will also require work at Westmead Children's Hospital and our Clinical Academic Group local health district partner sites around the greater Sydney area.

The second responsibility is to support the development and implementation of DIGI-KIDS hub for the University of Sydney. DIGI-KIDS hub is a digital hub of tools and supports that enhances the automation of assessment processes for clinical services. DIGI-KIDS hub is directed at clinical services and their consumers (families and children), and is co-developed with these end-users. This work requires close engagement with stakeholders to ensure developed tools are appropriate and fit for purpose for the setting in which they will be applied.

The suitable appointee will require a degree in a relevant discipline (Psychology, nursing, allied health, Neurology, public health, biomedical or other relevant degree), in conjunction with quantitative and qualitative research skills (research design, conduct, analysis, reporting). Ideally, they will have some experience in a health-related discipline and preferably also in research settings. However, candidates with a keen interest in developing research skills after an initial relevant degree will be considered.

Key responsibilities of the position

• conduct and support research work for child development and mental health research projects and programs as needed, under the direction of senior researchers

• Assist in the development of digital tools and supports, including using programs and coding methods (e.g., R, SPSS, REDCAP) to enable automation of processes.

• carry out administrative research activities as needed

• collect and appropriately manage research data

• carry out literature searches

• contribute to the design and development of research protocols, ensuring timely execution of research activities.

• coordinate and submit grant applications, ensuring compliance with all requirements

• conduct data analysis, prepare reports and presentations, and draft articles for publication

• maintain records and documentation of research activity

• follow appropriate research procedures in accordance with relevant research protocols and ethical approvals

• ensure that standards and work he