Research Assistant

An exciting opportunity to apply your research skills and grow professionally in a supportive and high-performing team dedicated to improving the healthcare experience and outcomes of vulnerable consumers in NSW hospital Emergency Departments.
• Be part of a team that brings together healthcare consumers, clinicians, health and medical researchers to improve care for people from underserved cohorts in NSW hospital Emergency Departments.
• Salary Package: From $83,580 to $95,029 (HEW Level 5) p.a. plus 17% employer's superannuation and annual leave loading
• Appointment type: Full-time, one-year fixed term role (35 hours per week) – flexible work arrangements available
• Location: Macquarie University (North Ryde)

About the Role
We are seeking a Research Assistant (RA) with a proven track record in providing a variety of research support to contribute to an exciting health service design project focused on NSW hospital Emergency Departments.
You will be involved in:

• Administration of the research

• Preparing ethics applications

• Developing focus group templates

• Assisting with the recruitment of consumers and expert stakeholders

• Organising focus group sessions and stakeholder meetings

While the position operates within standard business hours (Monday to Friday), there may occasionally be a need to work outside of these hours (e.g. early mornings or evenings) to support focus group participation.
About You
We are looking for someone who:

• Contribute to ethics submissions, peer-reviewed publications, and other research outcomes

• Has excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Understands the Australian public hospital system

• Has strong time management and organisational skills

• Works well in a team and independently to meet tight deadlines

• Can adapt their workload as needed

About Us
The Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences (FMHHS) is ambitiously pushing the boundaries of progressive thinking to solve some of the big issues of our time, on both a national and global scale. The faculty forms part of MQ Health, an integrated academic health sciences enterprise which incorporates Macquarie University Hospital and primary and speciality clinics.

Our faculty hosts the Australian Institute of Health Innovation (AIHI) , an internationally acclaimed powerhouse researching health systems, e-health and patient safety. The Institute draws from the expertise of over 320 staff, students and visiting personnel working on over 120 different projects at any given time, publishing more than one peer-reviewed publication on average per day.

The Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science (CHRIS) , within AIHI, has a multi-stream program of research which focuses on delivering health system improvement by working with patients, healthcare providers and policy makers. We are methodologically sophisticated, multidisciplinary and draw on assembled and collaborative expertise in areas including health systems, policy, medicine, nursing and allied health, psychology, anthropology, sociology and complexity science. Our research underpins new models of care, fashions improved services for patients, builds better policy, provides an evidence base to guide what people do, and transforms the systems through which care is delivered.

How to Apply
To be considered for this position, please apply online by submitting the following:
• Your CV
• A cover letter (max. 3 pages) addressing how you meet the selection criteria below.
Essential Selection Criteria
• A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in public health, health services research, service evaluation, medical science, or a related field
• Demonstrated research experience (preferably conducted in a university or medical research institute)
• Understanding of the Australian public hospital system
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Computer literacy, including spreadsheets, presentation software and word processing
• Some understanding of qualitative health research
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to meet tight deadlines and manage time effectively
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and cohesively in a team
Desirable Selection Criteria
• Experience communicating with healthcare professionals and consumers from vulnerable groups
• Knowledge of Australian Emergency Departments
• Understanding of health equity and research involving underserved/ vulnerable populations
Additional Requirements
This position may require compliance with occupational screening, assessment, and vaccination requirements. Macquarie University may also require background checks (e.g. criminal history and qualifications).
Work Rights Clause
Please note: This position is only open to Australian citizens, permanent residents, New Zealand citizens, or those currently residing in Australia with full and valid work rights. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
Role-specific enquiries: Dr. Kirk Olsen – Research Center Manager at kirk.olsen@mq.edu.au

General recruitment enquiries: Mirna Alaaiddin – Talent Acquisition Officer at mirna.alaaiddin@mq.edu.au
Application Closing Date: Sunday, 27 April 2025 at 11:59 PM (AEST)

***We reserve the right to progress or decline applications prior to the closing date, and close the advertisement prior to the listed closing date.

If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.

Applications Close:

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Flexible Work
 

At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, explore our Candidate Resource Hub .