Research Associate- Translational Research, Youth Mental Health

• Employment Type: Full Time, 35 hours per week
• Duration: 12 months fixed term
• Remuneration: Level A Academic $113,911 per annum+ 17% Super
• Location: Kensington, Sydney
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must hold unrestricted work rights to be considered for this position.

About UNSW:

UNSW isn't like other places you've worked. Yes, we're a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. Taking this combined approach is what makes our work matter. It's the reason we're one of the top 20 universities in the world (QS top 20) and a member of Australia's prestigious Group of Eight. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you're in the right place.

Why Your Role Matters:

The Research Associate will work within the Population Child Health Clinical Research Group in the School of Clinical Medicine at UNSW, contributing to translational research that improves the mental health, wellbeing, and development of children and young people at local, national, and international levels.

The role has a strong focus on delivering a mixed-methods evaluation of the NSW Ministry of Health Youth Mental Health Initiative, supporting efforts to strengthen the youth mental health system and improve outcomes for young people. Working in partnership with key stakeholders—including the NSW Ministry of Health, Mindgardens Neuroscience Network, headspace National, and Macquarie University—the Research Associate will manage all aspects of the evaluation, including effectiveness, implementation, and cost–benefit analysis.

Reporting to the Head of the Research Group (Professor), the role involves conducting high-quality qualitative and quantitative research, supporting ethics and grant processes, contributing to publications and presentations, and engaging with stakeholders through co-design and consultation activities. The position is autonomous, collaborative, and has no direct reports.

Who You Are:

• A PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g., public health, psychology, implementation science, youth mental health, or related fields).
• Demonstrated experience and competency in mixed methods research, including conducting interviews and focus groups and conducting basic quantitative analysis and interpretation of health-related data.
• Experience conducting research with young people, families, or mental health service users is highly desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to produce high-quality academic writing and reports.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team to meet project deadlines.
• Commitment to research translation and improving outcomes for vulnerable and priority populations.
• Experience preparing ethics applications and grant submissions is desirable.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW's aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health & safety (psychosocial and physical) responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

Benefits and Culture:

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

• Flexible Working Options (work from home, flexible hours etc)
• Career development opportunities
• 17% Superannuation contributions and additional leave loading payments
• 10 days paid cultural leave per year
• Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas period
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness)

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

How to Apply:

Make each day matter with a meaningful career at UNSW. Submit your application including your resume & cover letter online before Wednesday 4th February 2026 at 11:55pm. A copy of the Position Description can be on .

To be considered for this role, your application must include a document addressing the Selection Criteria which are outlined in the "Skills and Experience" section of the position description. Applications that do not address these criteria will not be considered.

Pre-Employment Checks
 Aligned with UNSW's focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.

These pre-employment checks may include a combination of some of the following checks: - 

• National and International Criminal history checks
• Entitlement to work and ID checks
• Working With Children Checks
• Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration
• Verification of relevant qualifications
• Verification of relevant professional membership
• Employment history and reference checks
• Financial responsibility assessments/checks.
• Medical Checks and Assessments

Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.

Get in Touch:

Aarti

Talent Acquisition Associate

Please apply through the application portal and not via the contact above.

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.