About the Role 

This position will undertake research related activities for an MRFF-funded project that aims to improve infection surveillance and antibiotic use in Australian aged care facilities. This project involves the analysis of linked health and aged care data from a national aged care registry (the Registry of Senior Australians) that includes information for >3.5 million older Australians.

This position may also undertake other research related activities relating to pharmacoepidemiology projects focusing on the safe and effective use of medicines by older people.

Overall, the position will support the conduct of high quality research with a focus on optimising medicines use and health outcomes to make a positive and meaningful difference for older people accessing aged care services.
  
About UniSA

The University of South Australia is Australia’s University of Enterprise. Our culture of innovation is anchored around global and national links to academic, research and industry partners. Our graduates are the new urban professionals, global citizens at ease with the world and ready to create and respond to change. Our research is inventive and adventurous and we create new knowledge that is central to global economic and social prosperity.

The UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance Academic Unit offers a wide range of degrees and conducts research in the fields of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry, medical radiation sciences, medical sonography, speech pathology, clinical exercise physiology, exercise and nutrition, health sciences, public health, exercise and sport science, and human movement. 

Our degrees meet the evolving needs of the health industry, with our graduates actively contributing to the future health workforce in areas such as medical imaging, rehabilitation and wellness, disability, health promotion, chronic disease, pain management, wellbeing and high-performance sport.  

In addition to industry-linked careers, UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance research strengths continue to influence and positively contribute to the health industry and broader community. UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance is  home to the Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA),  a recognised research centre which investigates the role of exercise, nutrition and other lifestyle activities in improving clinical and health outcome and  Innovation, Implementation & Clinical Translation in Health (IIMPACT), a research concentration,  which focuses  on persistent pain and breathlessness, rural health and stroke recovery.  

Core Responsibilities 

Research Associate: Biostatistics / Epidemiology / Pharmacoepidemiology (Level ARAS)

• Contribute to planning of research by, participating in planning sessions, providing advice in biostatistics/epidemiology/pharmacoepidemiology, drafting research proposals/analysis plans, offering new ideas on research directions and locating and reviewing relevant literature and other sources of information
• Contribute to the execution of research by conducting high quality research relating to the use of health and aged care services, medicines use and/or other care activities for older people
• Contribute to the dissemination of knowledge by drafting reports, abstracts, scientific papers, consumer/ plain language summaries and other instruments providing accounts of research undertaking and findings observed
• Contribute to the preparation and development of grant and tender applications, including undertaking power calculations, literature searches, and other tasks as required
• Contribute to a safe and ethical working environment by complying with human ethics, privacy, and other appropriate guidelines

 Research Fellow: Biostatistics / Epidemiology / Pharmacoepidemiology (Level BRF)

• Contribute to planning of research by, participating in planning sessions, providing specialised, expert advice in biostatistics/epidemiology/pharmacoepidemiology, contribute to research proposals/analysis plans, offering new ideas on research directions and locating and reviewing relevant literature and other sources of information
• Contribute to the execution of research by conducting high quality research relating to the use of health and aged care services, medicines use and/or other care activities for older people
• Contribute to the dissemination of knowledge by drafting reports, abstracts, scientific papers, consumer/ plain language summaries and other instruments providing accounts of research undertaking and findings observed
• Contribute to the preparation and development of grant and tender applications, including undertaking power calculations, literature searches, and other tasks as required
• Contribute to a safe and ethical working environment by complying with human ethics, privacy, and other appropriate guidelines

Essential Skills and Experience 

Research Associate: Biostatistics / Epidemiology / Pharmacoepidemiology (Level ARAS)

• A postgraduate qualification in epidemiology, biostatistics, bioinformatics, population health, pharmacoepidemiology, or a related discipline
• Demonstrated proficiency using either SAS, Stata, R, or other statistical software to analyse large datasets and prior experience in the analysis of data from a health related area.
• Demonstrated competency in recording, analysing, presenting, and disseminating research to stakeholders, including the preparation of results for high quality publications/reports and posters/talks for conference presentations. 
• High-level oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaborate effectively with others in a multi-disciplinary research environment to meet project timelines.
• Demonstrated high-level organisational skills to manage competing demands and meet project timelines and demonstrated problem solving skills.

Research Fellow: Biostatistics / Epidemiology / Pharmacoepidemiology (Level BRF)

• A PhD in epidemiology, biostatistics, bioinformatics, population health, pharmacoepidemiology, or a relevant discipline
• Excellent proficiency using either SAS, Stata, R, or other statistical software to analyse large datasets and demonstrated experience in the analysis of data from a health related area
• Experience undertaking observational studies, multivariable modelling, confounding/interaction issues, survival analysis
• Sound track record in publication of research in quality journals
• Demonstrated experience in recording, analysing, presenting, and disseminating research to a variety of stakeholders, including competency in the preparation of papers for high quality publications/reports and posters/talks for conference presentations

Benefits 

Getting a great job working with the best is just the start. UniSA rewards its staff with a wide variety of benefits such as: 

• Access to great personal development opportunities 
• Generous superannuation contributions of 17% 
• Employee assistance and development programs 
• Staff study support 
• Various on-site services available at our campuses which may include on-site gym membership 

Culture 

As a University of Enterprise, we offer a dynamic and agile workplace culture, one that embraces challenges and thrives on breaking new ground. Our staff are creative and innovative thinkers, communicating with clarity, conviction and enthusiasm. We embrace diversity and inclusion in a vibrant, engaging environment.  Our people are authentic, resilient, and influential, and we deliver results. 

How to Apply 

For a copy of the position description and to apply, please visit Working at UniSA.  The online application form will list the specific selection criteria that you need to address.  
 
For further information about this role please contact Dr Janet Sluggett, Enterprise Fellow via email only to janet.sluggett@unisa.edu.au.

For further information about the recruitment process, please contact Emma Kelvin, Consultant: Recruitment Central on +61 8 8302 1700 or via email at recruitment@unisa.edu.au using job reference number 4915. 

Applications close: 11.30pm Sunday 26 February 2023

Applications welcomed from Australian or NZ citizens, Australian permanent residents and those who have the legal right to work in Australia for the term of appointment.