Full-time or Part-time (0.8 FTE), 12-month fixed-term opportunity to join The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use as a Research Assistant in Maternal Mental Health and Alcohol Use
Join a supportive research team and make a meaningful impact by advancing knowledge and support for mothers experiencing mental health challenges and alcohol use
Base Salary $89,755 - $100,495 (pro-rata for part-time) + 17% superannuation
About the opportunity
The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use provides a world-first synergy of leading epidemiological, 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 shed light on the nature and understanding of substance use and mental disorders, as well as develop and trial innovative prevention, early intervention and treatment programs.
This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a meaningful research project exploring mental health and alcohol use among mothers. As part of a collaborative research team, you will play a key role in coordinating a randomised controlled trial of a digital intervention for mothers with co-occurring alcohol use and mental health concerns, engaging directly with participants, and supporting the development of innovative recruitment strategies. You will assist with the preparation of study materials, ethics submissions and grant applications, as well as data collection, analysis and reporting. The position also involves developing and delivering social media campaigns to attract participants, and working closely with researchers, clinicians, administrative staff and web developers to ensure the smooth delivery of the project. This role will suit a highly organised and motivated individual with experience in clinical trials, a passion for mental health research, and the ability to engage sensitively with participants on complex issues.
Your key responsibilities will be to:
Coordinate the day-to-day operations of a randomised controlled trial, including participant recruitment, data collection, progress reporting, and liaison with participants, researchers, and clinical staff.
Prepare study materials, including research protocols, ethics applications, surveys, and study procedures to support timely research activities in mental health and alcohol use among mothers.
Develop, implement, and evaluate recruitment strategies across digital, social media, print, and broadcast channels to engage participants affected by mental health challenges and alcohol use.
regularly test the website and digital intervention for technical issues and coordinate refinements with web developers
Manage trial communications and stakeholder relationships, including research teams, administrative staff, and web developers, to support study delivery and website refinements.
Contribute to the dissemination of findings through reports, conference presentations, webinars, and peer-reviewed publications, as well as submissions to granting bodies.
Provide operational and administrative support, including invoice processing, purchasing, and escalation of complex matters to ensure smooth project delivery.
In your application, please provide a statement systematically addressing each of the selection criteria below
.
About you
Relevant tertiary qualifications with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Behavioural Science, Public Health, or a relevant field (an Honours degree is highly preferred).
Demonstrated experience in conducting and/or coordinating clinical trials, including data collection and management, data analysis, and interpretation of qualitative and quantitative data, ideally within mental health and/or alcohol use research.
Previous experience interacting with trial participants, such as provision of telephone support and answering participant queries via phone or email
previous experience and skills in reporting on, and disseminating, research findings to the public (e.g., peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations)
Strong organisational, planning and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing tasks, establish priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail.
Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to engage sensitively with participants, while maintaining confidentiality.
Proficiency in computer systems, databases, and online tools, with experience using social media and digital platforms to design and deliver recruitment campaigns.
Experience conducting statistical analyses using statistical packages such as SPSS, Stata or R
Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively, exercising initiative, sound judgement, and positive stakeholder engagement across diverse teams and partners.
Sponsorship / work rights for Australia
You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.
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 ****.
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 LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.
We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum 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
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For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your
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For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Roshik Prasad, Recruitment Operations by email to
The University of Sydney
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Applications Close
Monday 20 October :59 PM