About the opportunity
As a Research Associate you will support a team of investigators - infectious diseases, sexual health and reproductive health clinicians and academics together with the NSW Ministry of Health - to undertake a sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs assessment of temporary migrants to Australia , under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme in rural and regional NSW.
You will become familiar with the literature, work with researchers and stakeholders to conduct and analyse health service process maps, semi-structured interviews and/or focus group discussions among PALM workers, PALM employers, and health workers. You will also support reporting including presentations and peer-reviewed publications.
The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance in recruiting talent aligned to these values in the pursuit of research excellence.
Your key responsibilities will be to:
work with researchers and stakeholders to identify and recruit study participants
travel to study sites across NSW to conduct participant interviews
independently conduct qualitative interviews and assist with promoting quantitative surveys with PALM workers and other stakeholders, ensure that data collection is conducted in a culturally safe and sensitive manner
identify any acute health concerns or distress among PALM workers or other participants and arrange timely referral and clinical assessment via designated pathways, in liaison with the study investigators and local clinicians
analyse the data using suitable qualitative software in liaison with the investigator team
contribute to drafting of project reports and manuscripts for publication
help project investigators to prepare presentation of findings to the NSW Ministry of Health and other stakeholders where applicable
work within a team and support other team members
undertake ad-hoc projects and other activities as required
You will have
a PhD in an infectious diseases/sexual and reproductive health/public health/ related field would be desirable
sound experience in qualitative research methods including but not limited to framework analysis
having Pasifika background and/or experience conducting qualitative research with Pacific Island communities is highly desirable
a sound knowledge of academic research integrity and ethics; current Good Clinical Practice certification would be desirable
experience conducting semi-structured and/or in-depth interviews (essential) and focus group discussions
experience analysing qualitative data (essential)
excellent written and oral communication skills
peer-reviewed scientific publications including qualitative research [KB1]
excellent organisational skills and strong attention to detail
ability to work both independently and collaborate as part of a multidisciplinary team
interest in infectious diseases, particularly in sexual and reproductive health among vulnerable populations, and health service improvement. Previous work in and/or demonstrated understanding of health services and issues in the field of sexual and reproductive health will be beneficial.
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 that 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.
We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold 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 Danielle Selinger, Recruitment Consultant by email to danielle.selinger@sydney.edu.au
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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
Sunday 07 September 2025 11:59 PM
