Senior Research Officer

• Employment Type: Full - time (35 hours a week)
• Duration: Fixed Term contract until 30^th November 2026- Potential for extension
• Remuneration: $113,926 base, plus 17% superannuation and leave loading  
• Work rights required: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must hold full rights to work in Australia to be considered for this position.
• Location: Hybrid/Randwick, Sydney

Who are we:

The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) is a world-leader in research that positively impacts alcohol and other drug use and related harms. The Centre, based at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Faculty of Medicine and Health, was established in 1986 in response to an emerging crisis of heroin use. For over 35 years NDARC has been Australia’s leading research centre in the sector.

NDARC has a holistic view of the complex challenges associated with the determinants of alcohol and other drug use and associated harms. Using research to address real-world problems, NDARC generates high-quality evidence across an array of fields that directly influences harm reduction in diverse populations.

Details of the role

The Senior Research Officer will play a key role in the design, implementation and delivery of a new large-scale longitudinal cohort study of young Australians and their alcohol and other drug use, mental and physical health. The project includes detailed annual surveys, world-first automated digital marketing recording, and agenda-setting focus groups to understand young people’s experiences and the impact on their health.

The position will provide critical technical, intermediate project management, and research assistance to senior research staff in activities associated with this project at the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC).

Some key skills required:

• A university degree in epidemiology, public health, psychology, social work or equivalent or related discipline or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through a combination of training and/or experience.
• Living/lived or professional experience that supports meaningful engagement with young people, or having direct experience conducting research with, or working alongside a younger demographic.
• Develop and implement work plans and other research-related administrative functions to ensure that the project is conducted in accordance with study protocols and project milestones are met.
• Contribute to the development and ongoing management of project protocols, research ethics applications and funding applications.
• Lead design and monitoring of inclusive recruitment and retention strategies and track recruitment progress.
• Develop and maintain robust data management systems including contributing to data cleaning and maintaining data dictionaries.
• Develop and manage working relationships with research partners, including co-investigators, advisory bodies and collaborators.
• Coordinate employment, training and supervision of casual staff for data collection, where required.

Please refer to the position description for full details.               

Pre-employment checks:

• Working with Children Check NSW
• National Police Check

UNSW Benefits and Culture 

• 17% Superannuation and leave loading​ 
• Flexible working ​ 
• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period​ 
• Access to lifelong learning and career development ​ 
• Progressive HR practices​ 

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

How to apply:

Please click on Apply now to apply online. Applications should not be sent to the contact listed below. Please provide a resume and a separate document addressing the skills and experience listed in the Position Description. A copy of the Position Description can be found on JOBS@UNSW.

Contact

Frank McHenry, Talent Acquisition Associate

E:  f.mchenry@unsw.edu.au    

Applications close: Monday 13^th October before 11.30pm Sydney time

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.