Full time 2-year fixed term contract available Work across two MRFF funded projects with leading research teams Base Salary starting from $ 89,755 17% superannuation About the opportunity The Institute for Musculoskeletal Health is part of the University of Sydney's Faculty of Medicine and Health and is based at the Sydney Local Health District. Our focus is the promotion of musculoskeletal health and physical activity across the lifespan. Our vision is for better musculoskeletal health through healthy lifestyles and equitable access to patient-centred, evidence based, and cost-effective health services. We have active collaborations with a wide range of multidisciplinary clinicians, researchers, and policy makers in Australia and internationally. Our research is divided into three main themes: back pain and musculoskeletal conditions; physical activity, ageing and disability; and, evidence and equity. The University is seeking to employee a Research Assistant (HEO 5 ) to work across two projects- BRIDGES & MRFF Improving the Health Outcomes of People with Intellectual Disability-both led by Associate Professor Leanne Hassett who is an academic in the University of Sydney’s School of Health Sciences- a school at the forefront of health science education and undertaking high-impact research that anticipates the health issues of tomorrow while overcoming the challenges of today. The BRIDGES (Brain Injury: Developing Guidelines for Physical Activity) project is an MRFF-funded project that aims to enhance participation in physical activity for Australians living with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury. MRFF Improving the Health Outcomes of People with Intellectual Disability- The project aims to increase participation in physical activity for adults with intellectual disability who are more likely to be physically inactive than adults without disability. A cross-sector navigator program will be co-designed and delivered to provide support to adults with intellectual disability and their family to identify and participate in suitable physical activity. The program will be evaluated with likely outcomes of improved health and social benefits for people with disability. Working closely with researchers and stakeholders, the Research Assistant ensures effective documentation flow throughout the project. Operating under general supervision, they make decisions within established frameworks, plan and prioritise their workload, and handle routine tasks independently while assisting with more complex issues when needed. Overnight travel to study sites across Australia for data collection may be required. Your key responsibilities will be to: Assist with implementing specific procedures under the supervision of senior staff based on current research protocols, ensuring timely execution of research activities and protocols are adhered to Contribute to preparation of ethics applications and ensure compliance with relevant regulations, policies, and procedures Conduct data collection from study sites (e.g.,, brain injury services across Australia, community-based sport and recreation organisations) and phone-based follow up with people with disability, ensuring data quality and accuracy of data entry Identify already existing and develop new resources to support physical activity participation (e.g., infographics, activity directories) Assist with the documentation process for research publications, maintaining comprehensive research records facilitate personable communication with a broad range of stakeholders, and collaborate with team members to continuously improve stakeholder relations provide high level administrative and operational support to both projects leadership teams comply with health and safety standards at all times, and complete any ad-hoc tasks, objectives, or activities outlined by your Supervisor. About you Bachelor’s degree in science, health, allied health, medicine and equivalent relevant experience ability for occasional travel to study sites for data collection proven computer literacy and proficiency in using various research and administrative software applications, that may include Microsoft Suite, REDCap and other relevant software excellent written and spoken communication skills to communicate effectively with a broad range of interest-holders, including study participants from diverse backgrounds and physical and cognitive impairments strong problem-solving skills and ability to use initiative and exercise sound judgement and ability to prioritise workload during busy periods strong teamwork and collaboration skills, with a focus on building inclusive and supportive work relationships, and ability to work independently experience working in clinical research, ideally with some experience submitting ethics applications in health organisations. Sponsorship / work rights for Australia Work Rights: you must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment 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. As this position is located on an NSW Health site, it is a regulatory requirement to complete compulsory employment checks prior to starting in this position. For more information and instructions, please visit: NSW Health employment requirements 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 2012. 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 LGBTIQ . We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold 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 Apply button at the top of the page. For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply. For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Rachel Ann Yazigi, Recruitment Operations by email to Rachel.yazigi@sydney.edu.au. © The University of Sydney The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment. Click to view the Position Description for this role. Applications Close Sunday 09 November 2025 11:59 PM
