Research Assistant

Research Assistant - Identified (National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre)

• Employment Type: Full - time (35 hours a week)
• Duration: Fixed term until 30th June 2026
• Remuneration: $88,717 base (+ 17% Superannuation, leave loading)
• UNSW offers up to 10 days paid culture leave annually for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff members
• Location: based at Randwick, Sydney offering hybrid work options with 1-2 days in office & 3-4 days WFH. Remote working arrangements considered for suitable candidates.

This position is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants only. UNSW has obtained an exemption under section 126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) to designate and recruit professional and academic positions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons only, to fulfil UNSW's goal of an Indigenous workforce.

Who are we:

The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) is a world-leader in research that positively impacts alcohol and other drug use and related harms. The Centre, based at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Faculty of Medicine and Health, was established in 1986 in response to an emerging crisis of heroin use. For over 35 years NDARC has been Australia's leading research centre in the sector.

NDARC has a holistic view of the complex challenges associated with the determinants of alcohol and other drug use and associated harms. Using research to address real-world problems, NDARC generates high-quality evidence across an array of fields that directly influences harm reduction in diverse populations.

Why this role matters

A Research Assistant (Identified) role plays a key role in supporting the implementation and successful execution of projects in the Tobacco Research Group within the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre. The Research Assistant will conduct and assist with the management and on-going implementation of clinical trials, including contact with participants, data quality checking and clinical evaluation.

As a Research Assistant, you will assist with and contribute to providing support to reduce tobacco smoking rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The role of Research Assistant (Identified) reports to Tobacco Research Group, Program Lead, Associate Professor and has no direct reports.

Accountabilities:

• This is an identified position, and applicants must be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. Confirmation of Aboriginality will be required prior to an offer being made.
• Degree in behavioural sciences or other related field in public health and/or demonstrated experience with intervening and supporting First Nations people to achieve improved health outcomes.
• Assist with project coordination and monitoring of on-going clinical trials.
• Proactively assist with participant data collection, progress tracking, research reports, peer-reviewed publications and presentations.
• Provide effective administrative project support and ensure day-to-day scheduling and priorities are set to ensure high completion of trial-related activities.
• Liaise with various internal and external stakeholders and data custodians to ensure timely and successful implementation of project.
• Demonstrated experience in data management and progress tracking and reporting.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, including the ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills including the ability to contribute to research outputs and reports for diverse audiences.

Please refer to the position description for full details.

UNSW Benefits and Culture: 

UNSW offer a competitive salary and access to a plethora of UNSW-perks including:​ 

• 17% Superannuation and leave loading​ 
• Up to 10 days paid culture leave annually for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff members
• Indigenous Employee Network
• Flexible working ​ 
• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period​ 
• Access to lifelong learning and career development ​ 
• Progressive HR practices​ 

More information on the great staff benefits and culture can be found here.  

Application instructions:

Please click on Apply now to apply online. Applications should not be sent to the contact listed below.

Please provide a resume and a cover letter briefly addressing the skills and experience listed in the position description. A copy of the Position Description can be found on .

Contact

For more information on how UNSW contributes to Indigenous initiatives, please contact Nat Chenhall, Manager of Indigenous Employment on Email: 

For more information on UNSW's recruitment process please contact Frank McHenry, Talent Acquisition Associate on Email: 

Applications close: Sunday 11th January before 11.30pm Sydney time

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.