Research/Administration Assistant - Identified (National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre)

• Employment Type: Full - time (35 hours a week)
• Duration: Fixed term until 30th June 2026
• Remuneration: $85,717 (+ 17% Super, leave loading)
• UNSW offers up to 10 days paid culture leave annually for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff members
• Location: based at Randwick, Sydney offering hybrid work options with 1-2 days in office & 3-4 days WFH. Remote working arrangements considered for suitable candidates.

This position is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants only. UNSW has obtained an exemption under section 126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) to designate and recruit professional and academic positions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons only, to fulfil UNSW’s goal of an Indigenous workforce.

Who are we:

The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) is a world-leader in research that positively impacts alcohol and other drug use and related harms. The Centre, based at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Faculty of Medicine and Health, was established in 1986 in response to an emerging crisis of heroin use. For over 35 years NDARC has been Australia’s leading research centre in the sector.

NDARC has a holistic view of the complex challenges associated with the determinants of alcohol and other drug use and associated harms. Using research to address real-world problems, NDARC generates high-quality evidence across an array of fields that directly influences harm reduction in diverse populations.

Why this role matters

The Research/Administration Assistant (Identified) is based in the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) within the Faculty of Medicine and Health and plays a key role in supporting the implementation and successful execution of projects in the Tobacco Research Group within (NDARC). The Research/Administration Assistant (Identified) will conduct and assist with the management and on-going implementation of clinical trials, including contact with participants, data quality checking and clinical evaluation. As a Research/Administration Assistant (Identified), you will assist with and contribute to providing support to reduce tobacco smoking rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The role of Research/Administration Assistant (Identified) reports to the program lead for the Tobacco Research Group and has no direct reports.

Accountabilities:

• Provide effective administrative project support and ensure day-to-day scheduling and priorities are set to ensure high completion of trial-related activities
• liaise with various internal and external stakeholders and data custodians to ensure timely and successful implementation of project
• assist with project coordination and monitoring of on-going clinical trials
• proactively assist with participant data collection, progress tracking, research reports, peer reviewed publications and presentations
• interpret and advise periodically on improved procedures and/ or recommendations to improve participant tracking and standard operating procedures.

Key skills and experience:

• This is an identified position, and applicants must be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. Confirmation of Aboriginality will be required prior to an offer being made
• strong organisational and project management skills, including the ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines
• degree in behavioural sciences or other related field in public health and/ or demonstrated experience with intervening and supporting First Nations people to achieve improved health outcomes
• demonstrated experience in working and delivering projects aimed at providing treatment for First Nations people
• commitment to integrity and sensitivity in interacting with marginalised or at-risk populations about sensitive issues, including in complying with ethical, legal and policy requirements.

Please refer to the position description for full details.

UNSW Benefits and Culture:

UNSW offer a competitive salary and access to a plethora of UNSW-perks including:​

• 17% Superannuation and leave loading​
• Up to 10 days paid culture leave annually for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff members
• Indigenous Employee Network
• Flexible working ​
• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period​
• Access to lifelong learning and career development ​
• Progressive HR practices​

More information on the great staff benefits and culture can be found here.

Application instructions:

Please click on Apply now to apply online. Applications should not be sent to the contact listed below.

Please provide a resume and a cover letter briefly addressing the skills and experience listed in the position description. A copy of the Position Description can be found on JOBS@UNSW.

Contact

For more information on how UNSW contributes to Indigenous initiatives, please contact Nat Chenhall, Manager of Indigenous Employment on Email: [email protected]

For more information on UNSW’s recruitment process please contact Frank McHenry, Talent Acquisition Associate on Email: [email protected]

Applications close: Tuesday 17th June 2025 before 11.30pm

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.