Role type: Part-time (0.8FTE); Fixed Term for 12 months Fa c ulty: Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences Department / School: Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences Salary: $ 87,266 - $102,218 p.a. plus 17% super (pro rata for part-time) Unique niche in contemplative and meditation research / Broad applied mental health and wellbeing focus / Warm, diverse, international team culture Join us as a Research Assistant and help shape evidence-based contemplative approaches that support mental health and wellbeing. Investing in you – 17% superannuation, benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities. The University of Melbourne We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website. Your next career opportunity In this Research Assistant role, you will drive innovative contemplative and mental health research at the Contemplative Studies Centre. You will develop broad research skills while collaborating with diverse scholars, practitioners and communities worldwide. You will gain rare exposure to meditation traditions, stakeholder consultation and longitudinal contemplative science projects. What you will deliver : Design and program surveys and study materials, and manage accurate, secure research data and project documentation. Coordinate day-to-day management of research, including participant enrolment, communication and timely resolution of technical issues. Support data analysis using appropriate data cleaning and statistical techniques, contributing to interpretation and reporting of findings. Liaise with meditation tradition representatives, contractors and collaborators to support co-designed, culturally informed research activities. Contribute to plain-language summaries, manuscripts and other outputs that share research insights with academic and public audiences. You may be a great fit if : Hold an Honours degree in behavioural or social sciences, or a closely related discipline. Bring experience conducting or assisting with quantitative research, including data collection, management, communication with participants, and basic statistical testing. Demonstrate strong organisational skills, managing multiple tasks, deadlines and stakeholders with careful attention to detail. Use Microsoft Word and Excel confidently, and quickly learn new digital tools and research platforms. Ideally offer experience with qualitative research, R, Python or Javascript, and survey platforms such as Qualtrics. Show curiosity about contemplative practices and their applications to mental health, wellbeing and human flourishing. Please note: this position is targeted at candidates whose highest qualification is an Honours degree in behavioural or social sciences, or a closely related discipline, or a Master’s degree. For further information please refer to the attached PD. What we offer you! We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfilment, including: Build future financial security with 17% superannuation Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to un ique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program For more information check out our benefits page! Your new team – Contemplative Studies Centre You will join the Contemplative Studies Centre, embedded within the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences. Our lively, international team brings together researchers, students and practitioners to investigate contemplative practices and wellbeing. Working in a collaborative open-plan space, you will enjoy rich cross-disciplinary interactions, support and social connection. Be Yourself The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb. We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff. Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at oied-hr@unimelb.edu.au. Application essentials: Visit "apply with us" to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs. You must have current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role. A Working with Children Check is for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you. Please upload your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience as part of the application process. Please upload your responses to th e Selection Criteria, found in the Position Description. Want to know more? For queries related to this specific position, contact Dr Julieta Galante. Email: julieta.galante@unimelb.edu.au For questions related to our recruitment process email Vanessa Phan at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on 61 3 9035 3218 or at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments'). Apply today and join a community that’s shaping the future. Applications close: 24 March 2026 11:55 PM ; Melbourne time zone. Shortlisting and interviews are expected to take place after the Easter break, from 9 April 2026 onwards. Position Description: PD_0057707_Research Assistant_MSPS.docx PD_0057707_Research Assistant_MSPS.pdf