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Position summary:

The Research Assistant will play a key role in supporting research projects as part of a multidisciplinary team of researchers, including people with intellectual disability, in the area of intellectual disability health. The team is based at the National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health. This team aims to equip people to meet the health care needs of people with intellectual and developmental disability.

This is a casual position for 1–2 days per week (maximum). It provides an excellent opportunity to work in a flexible capacity within a multidisciplinary team across fields including disability, health, and virtual reality. This position is available for 2025 and will conclude at the end of December 2025.

The Research Assistant will contribute to an innovative research project using virtual reality (VR) to improve healthcare access for people with intellectual disability. Responsibilities include preparing the ethics application, project planning, recruitment of participants, data collection, and transcribing interviews. Previous experience working with people with intellectual disability is preferred. No prior knowledge or experience with VR is required. 

Accountabilities:

• Assist with preparing and submitting ethics applications.
• Support project planning and management activities.
• Facilitate participant recruitment and engagement.
• Conduct data collection and management, including maintaining participant confidentiality.
• Help set up and liaise with a Project Advisory Group and stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development of research outputs, including reports and presentations.
• Provide administrative support for project-related activities as required.

Skills and Experience:

• Honours degree or equivalent in Health, Allied Health, Psychology, or other relevant discipline with subsequent relevant experience or equivalent competence gained through any combination of education, training and experience.
• Knowledge, experience and understanding of the health care needs of marginalised populations, including people with intellectual disability and developmental disability.
• Experience working with and/or supporting people with lived experience of intellectual disability.
• Knowledge of research protocols, experimental design and planning involved in developing research projects and reporting against milestones.
• Experience working with a range of computer systems and applications, including NVIVO, and Excel.
• Demonstrated superior interpersonal communication skills, including for people with communication impairment, to initiate and maintain effective stakeholder relationships whilst exercising discretion and confidentiality.
• Excellent time management skills, manage multiple tasks and meet competing deadlines by using judgement and initiative.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of attention to detail and the ability to liaise effectively with a range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and productively within a team, but also to take initiative and work independently while managing competing demands.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

Additional Pre-employment checks required for this position

• Applicants will need a working with children check.

• Dependent on research topic/project scope. 

If you have any questions relates to this advertisement, please reach out to Dr Stefan Michalski via email address: s.michalski@unswedu.au or via telephone: +61 2 9348 2092