- Part time (0.20 FTE) fixed term 12 months at Camperdown -Sydney Nursing School
- Research Assistant role supporting research of severe disorders of gut–brain interaction and associated nutritional challenges
- Base Salary $89,755 (pro rata for 0.20 FTE) + 17% superannuation
About the opportunity
At Sydney Nursing School we are committed to the vital role that nurses, dietitians and other public health experts play throughout a person’s life and strive to create research that improves patient experience with an impact on health policy.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Assistant to join the Nutrition and Dietetics Research Group
at the Sydney Nursing School- a multidisciplinary research team working on a project focused on gaining a deeper understanding of the experiences and needs of people living with severe disorders of gut–brain interaction, particularly where symptoms significantly impact nutritional intake.
Your key responsibilities will be to:
- contribute to the design and implementation of qualitative research protocols focused on understanding the lived experience of people with severe disorders of gut–brain interaction and associated nutritional impacts
- coordinate ethics, governance and grant documentation, including preparation and submission of applications in line with institutional and funding body requirements
- conduct and support qualitative interviews with people with lived experience and clinicians, including scheduling, consent processes and sensitive participant engagement
- support qualitative data collection and analysis, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality and data integrity
- assist in planning, administering and documenting co‑design workshops with consumers and clinicians to inform the development of a multidisciplinary support programme
- liaise with researchers, clinical specialists and external partners to coordinate research activities, share progress updates and support knowledge exchange
- manage research documentation and records, including interview materials, workshop outputs, reports and publication drafts, ensuring version control and audit readiness
- support the preparation of progress reports, research outputs and publications, verifying data accuracy within university systems
- maintain effective communication with a diverse range of stakeholders, proactively addressing issues and supporting positive engagement throughout the project lifecycle
- process project‑related purchasing, reimbursements and invoices, ensuring accurate tracking and timely payment in accordance with university procedures
- actively promote health and safety within daily research operations, including participation in training, identification of risks and contribution to safety improvements
- undertake other research and administrative duties appropriate to the classification level as required.
About you
- demonstrated experience delivering qualitative health research, including conducting in‑depth interviews, analysing lived‑experience data and interpreting findings to inform practice and service design
- strong experience supporting and facilitating co‑design research approaches, working collaboratively with consumers and clinicians to develop meaningful and acceptable multidisciplinary programmes
- proven ability to engage sensitively with participants, including people living with disorders of gut–brain interaction, with a clear and applied understanding of this patient group and the impact of symptoms on daily life and nutrition
- high‑level interpersonal and conflict resolution skills, particularly in qualitative and co‑design settings involving diverse, and sometimes competing, perspectives
- demonstrated experience managing and analysing qualitative data, including coding and thematic analysis using NVivo (or equivalent qualitative data analysis software)
- experience undertaking scientific literature searches to inform qualitative study design, co‑design processes and contextual analysis
- sound experience in qualitative research administration, including ethics approvals, consent processes and governance requirements
- experience working in a research‑intensive environment within the higher education sector
- a background in psychology or a closely related discipline is highly desirable.
Sponsorship / work rights for Australia
You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.
Pre-employment checks and declarations
Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University. Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. 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.
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 LGBTQIA+ . We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.
We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum 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 Cecilia Blamey, Recruitment Operations by email to [email protected].
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The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
Click to view the Position Description for this role.
Applications Close
Thursday 11 June 2026 11:59 PM
