Brain and Mind Centre
Sydney Medical School
Reference no. 1758/1016

• Located at the Brain and Mind Centre
• Full-time, fixed term for 12 months
• Remuneration package: $82K-$101K p.a. pro rata which includes leave loading and up to 17% super

The University of Sydney is Australia's first university and has an outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence. It employs over 7600 permanent staff, supporting over 60,000 students.

The University‘s Brain and Mind Centre was established to integrate clinical and basic neurosciences research in Australia. Committed to discovery, innovative, and integrative research strategies, clinical product development and application of research initiatives, the Brain and Mind Centre directly benefits people whose lives have been affected by psychiatric and neurological illness.

Professor Adam Guastella is a Clinical Psychologist and Principle Research Fellow at the Brain and Mind Centre. He is Head of the Autism Clinical for Translational Research and the Anxiety Clinic.  His team has a primary interest in developing novel treatments to improve social functioning in young patients with mental health problems, with a focus on understanding neuroscience mechanisms and outcomes that are relevant for daily functioning.

We are currently seeking a Research Assistant or Research Officer to provide technical and operational support to Professor Adam Guastella and the team to support the research activity and/or clinical trial requirements. This includes preparing relevant materials in collaboration with team members, performing fundamental aspects of research work, and facilitating the efficient operation of the research laboratory by providing essential technical and operational support. You will be expected to coordinate the activities associated with research projects, and work towards ensuring that experiments, etc. are prepared for, and run smoothly. You will focus on facilitating the development of a world-first medication treatment for autism and this position will facilitate the first evaluation of the therapeutic as a phase 2 clinical trial. It has a major focus on recruiting, co-ordinating, and data collection and there is potential to assist write-up of publications.

To be successful in this role, you will require:

• experience in planning, coordinating, and administrating research having psychological or psychiatric content
• ability to work both independently and as part of a team, taking initiative, and exercising sound judgement in resolving matters that may arise as part of normal daily work
• strong problem solving skills, the ability to use initiative and exercise sound judgement, and ability to prioritise workload during busy periods
• experience in carrying out scientific literary searches, and preparing literary reviews for further analysis
• experience in a research-intensive environment (HEO 5), particularly in the field of psychology or psychiatry (HEO 6)
• experience in carrying out scientific literary searches, and preparing literary reviews for further analysis
• excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with sound negotiating and conflict resolution skills; a demonstrated level of tact and discretion in dealing with day-to-day operational matters (HEO 6)
• numeracy skills together with experience in controlling income/expenditure for reconciliation/budget tracking, and managing invoice payments and purchases (HEO 6)
• extensive experience in developing and working on research projects, including expertise in using research protocols, experimental design, ethics submissions and grant applications (HEO 6)

Highly desirable:

• previous experience working with children

An offer will be made at a level that is appropriate to the successful candidate’s skills and experience. 

All applications must be submitted via the University of Sydney careers website.  Visit sydney.edu.au/recruitment and search by the reference number for more information and to apply.

CLOSING DATE: 5pm 3 November 2016

The University is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Applications from equity target groups, including women and people with disabilities are encouraged. As the University of Sydney has established a scheme to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff employed across the institution, applications from people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent are also encouraged.

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