Research Assistant - Spinal Cord Injury

• Full time, fixed term opportunity until November 2026

• Exciting opportunity to work as a Research Assistant at the John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research

• Base Salary starting at $89,755 + 17% superannuation 

About the opportunity

The Australian arm of the International Spinal Cord Injury Community Survey (Aus-InSCI) was first conducted in 2018 and examined the lived experiences of people with SCI across four Australian states. The survey explored factors influencing functioning, independence, health, community participation and quality of life in a large national sample of people living with SCI.

Building on this foundation, the second Aus-InSCI Survey is being conducted between 2024 and 2026, and represents a unique longitudinal research opportunity. This follow up study will generate critical insights into changes over time in health status, secondary conditions, functioning, employment, psychological wellbeing, social connectedness, relationship status, and care and support needs and associated costs among people ageing with SCI.

By capturing these longitudinal data, the project has strong potential to directly inform policy, service planning and clinical practice. In particular, it will support the early identification and management of emerging health issues and secondary conditions, with the overarching aim of preserving health, independence and quality of life for people living with SCI as they age.

The Research Assistant plays a key role in supporting high-quality research activity within the Centre. Working closely with researchers and academic staff, the role contributes to the development of research protocols, coordinates grant application processes, and manages accurate data collection and analysis. The Research Assistant also collaborates extensively with stakeholders and supports the preparation of research documentation, publications and compliance activities.

This role is ideally suited to a motivated and detail-oriented individual who enjoys working in a research-focused environment and contributing to outcomes that support the school’s research agenda.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• contribute to the design and development of research protocols, ensuring the timely execution of research activities

• coordinate and submit grant applications, ensuring compliance with all requirements

• provide guidance on research regulations, policies and procedures, ensuring projects align with standards

• assist with data collection and analysis, ensuring data quality and accuracy

• collaborate with researchers, clinical specialists and affiliated partners to share findings and progress

• manage the documentation process for research publications, including drafting, submission and maintenance of research records

• undertake other duties appropriate within the classification level as required.

About you

• tertiary qualifications in a relevant field, or an equivalent combination of training and experience

• experience in research administration within a research-intensive or higher education environment

• experience coordinating or managing grant applications

• experience conducting scientific literature searches

• experience managing, reporting and disseminating research data.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Work Rights: you must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment. 

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. 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 include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community which reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through 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 LGBTIQ. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

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 Ajaypal Singh, Recruitment Operations by email to [email protected].

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for
this role.

Applications Close