Research Assistant

Full-Time, 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

At the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), we are committed to achieving innovative, ground-breaking health and medical research that fundamentally improves the quality of life for all people. 

An exciting opportunity exists to join us in our important work at the SAHMRI Health Policy Centre. The SAHMRI Health Policy Centre undertakes behavioural research to inform the development of policy and legislation to improve health outcomes at a population level. The Centre has programs of research in public health, specialising in dietary risk and obesity prevention, tobacco control and vaping, and other risk factors for chronic disease.

Reporting to the Deputy Directors and working closely with researchers across the team, you will provide research assistance to funded studies primarily in food policy and dietary risk behaviour, however may also include tobacco control and vaping projects and other indicators of chronic disease. As part of the role, you may be required to interact with a range of internal and external stakeholders. 

About the Role

Provide advanced level research assistance and support in the following areas:

• Design and implementation of funded research projects which may include national surveys, experimental studies, evaluation of policy and programs, monitoring population trends, and qualitative research studies.
• Statistical analysis of quantitative research data.
• Qualitative data analysis.
• Drafting peer reviewed journal publications, grant applications and funding submissions, and presentations for scientific conferences, and writing reports and briefings for stakeholders.
• Conducting literature searches, reviews and synthesis, to inform research projects, funding applications, presentations and publications.
• Execute work in an efficient manner and meet all time frames, including those set by external funders of research.

About You

The successful candidate will possess the following key attributes:

• This position requires a minimum of an Honours degree in psychology, behavioural science, public health or health sciences (or related discipline). Demonstrated research experience in a similar health research setting will be highly regarded.
• Ability to plan and organise workload to achieve targets and deadlines.
• Willingness to follow direction.
• Self-motivation and ability to work under limited supervision.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for liaising with the research team, and when required, internal and external partners.
• Respect for confidential data and sensitivity to political considerations arising while working in areas of health policy research.

Core Experience, Knowledge and Skills

Please attach a supporting statement that specifically addresses the following points (1-5) (maximum 2 pages):

1. Demonstrated knowledge of public health or behavioural science research or health policy research.
2. Proficient knowledge in a range of research methods to assist in research study design and development.
3. Demonstrated experience conducting quantitative data analyses in SPSS (or an equivalent package). Experience analysing data from experimental behavioural research and/or population data sets will be highly regarded.
4. Demonstrated understanding of the importance of research protocols/methods (includes development and adherence). 
5. Demonstratable academic writing skills that show attention to detail, including accurate referencing, data entry and formatting, with proficiency in a referencing program such as Endnote.

Special Requirements

• Occasional out of business hours work may be required.
• Occasional intrastate and interstate travel may be required.

Everything we do is underpinned by our core values and our institute is dedicated to grow a culture that pursues, enables and demands research excellence. We are proud of the work we do and work hard as a team to make a positive difference to the community.  Our values of excellence, innovation, courage, integrity and teamwork are what help us achieve our goals. If these are also your values and goals, apply today.

As a not-for-profit organisation, SAHMRI employees can access salary packaging options up to $15,900. Salary packaging lets you pay for things like the everyday costs of living with money from your salary before tax. This reduces your taxable income, meaning you could pay less tax and take home more of what you earn. For more information on salary packaging please see the Maxxia website.

For a copy of the position description, please click here.

Applications should include a copy of your CV and a supporting statement (max 2 pages) addressing points 1-5 of the stated Core Experience, Knowledge and Skills described above.

For more information, please contact Dr Kerry Ettridge at **************@sahmri.com

Applications close:11:29pm ACST Wednesday 14th February 2024

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply 

SAHMRI is a member of the Athena SWAN Science in Australia Gender Equity program. We have been awarded Bronze status for our commitment to advancing the careers of women, trans and gender diverse individuals in STEMM.