• Job no: 0061580 & 0061590
• Location: Parkville
• Role type: Full time or multiple Part-time; Fixed term for 12 months
• Department/School: Department of Paediatrics, Melbourne Medical School
• Salary: Level A – $80,258 - $108,906 p.a. OR Level B - $114,645 - $136,136 p.a. (Pro rata) plus 17% super (appointment level based on skills and experience)
• Lead translational research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Develop expertise in implementation research and contribute to impactful projects.
• Salary packaging, subsidised health and wellbeing services, fitness and cultural clubs, Myki discounts, and a 25% discount on graduate courses to our staff and their immediate families!

About the Role

This opportunity allows for either two part-time candidates or one full-time candidate to lead research and foster community engagement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child health and development. Joining the STRONG kids, STRONG future team led by Associate Professor Anita D’Aprano, offers a unique chance to engage in translational research activities. Collaborating closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities you will take a leading role in data analysis, interpretation and knowledge translation activities, while also developing your own research expertise.  You will also co-design and implement innovative research initiatives, focusing on participatory action research and capacity-building in partnership with stakeholders and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute significantly to impactful projects while developing expertise in culturally modified assessment, implementation research and evaluation.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Undertaking  detailed literature reviews, to better understand cultural adaptation of developmental assessments, validation and implementation in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander context.
• Engaging with research partners and stakeholders, including education and health practitioners, and peak bodies, such as VACCHO and NACCHO to build collaborative research partnerships.
• Advancing the ASQ-STEPS and ASQ-TRAK research programs through identifying and pursuing funding opportunities and scoping complementary research projects.
• Participating in the training, scientific mentoring and supervision of students, research participants and colleagues.
• Contributing to the recruitment of  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander co-researchers and supporting capacity building of their research skills.

Who We Are Looking For

You possess high-level research skills, conducting literature reviews and statistical analysis proficiently. Your emerging research profile includes publishing in reputable journals.

You will also have:

• A PhD or equivalent expertise in medicine, health sciences, early childhood education, evaluation, or a related discipline.
• Keen interest in children’s health and development equity.
• Demonstrated experience and/or demonstrated understanding of working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Understanding of and commitment to research ethics and governance principles in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and health research.

For further information regarding responsibilities and requirements, please refer to the attached Position Descriptions.

This role requires that the successful candidate must undergo and maintain an up-to-date Working with Children Check. This is essential to guarantee a secure environment for all individuals at the University. In the case the selected candidate doesn't have a valid Working with Children Check, they will be able to apply for the WWCC as part of the initial onboarding procedures.

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires current valid work rights for Australia.

Your New Team – Department of Paediatrics

The Department of Paediatrics, a flagship representation of the University's partnership with the Royal Children's Hospital, offers a unique opportunity for impactful work in child and adolescent health. With a diverse team of academic and professional staff, the department is dedicated to delivering high-quality teaching and research. As a member of this department, you will contribute to shaping child and youth health policy at a national and state level, making a significant difference in the lives of children, adolescents, and their families.

What We Offer You!

In addition, we offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a range of benefits, including generous leave provisions, salary packaging, health and well-being services and discounts on graduate courses. For more information, check out our benefits page!

About the University of Melbourne

We’re tightly connected with the community, both at home and abroad. We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website and stay connected with our stories and people on LinkedIn.  

Be Yourself

The University of Melbourne values the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and welcomes and celebrates diversity.  First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page.

We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require reasonable adjustments, please contact Kim Groizard at [email protected], with an email containing your name and contact details for a confidential discussion. Please ensure your email is titled "Reasonable Adjustments Request".

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.

For further information, including our 2023-2027 Indigenous strategy please click here.

Join Us!

If you feel this role is right for you, please click 'Apply Now' to submit your application.

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Tara via email at [email protected] using the subject line: Research Fellows - STRONG Kids, STRONG Future Program - ASQ-STEPS & ASQ-TRAK enquiry via EthicalJobs. Please do not share your application to this email address.

If you have any particular questions regarding the job please follow the details listed on the Position Description.