Research Officer

• Salary breakdown:$74,000 – $88,000,00 + Superannuation + Salary Packaging ($15,900.00 + Meal & Entertainment expenses)
• Hybrid work, 2 days per week in office, Randwick location
• Provide support and coordination for our school-based ‘Future Proofing’ research trial, some regional and interstate travel required
• 1 FTE contract until 15/04/2025

About the Institute

Located on Gadigal and Bidjigal land (Randwick NSW), Black Dog Institute is the only Medical Research Institute in Australia to investigate mental health across the lifespan, our aim is to create a mentally healthier world for everyone.

Emphasising a devoted focus to into suicide prevention, digital mental health, a workplace mental health, we undertake a unique ‘translational’ research approach that allows us to turn our world-class findings into new treatments, prevention strategies, clinical services, educational programs, and e-health products.

We join the dots by connecting research answers, expert knowledge, and the voices of lived experience to deliver solutions that impact and boost the health care system for patients and practitioners alike. Our work is used to drive evidence informed change across the rapidly expanding mental health sector and sets the foundations for a brighter and healthier future for all.

Benefits

• Hybrid work, 1-2 days per week in office (choose your days, consistent team collaboration days where possible)
• 35 hour work week, flexible hours agreements & 9-day fortnights
• Salary Packaging: $15,900.00 of your base salary tax free & up to $2650.00 meal & entertainment
• Family first, people first culture, we put our research into action at work to make sure we maintain mental health and wellbeing at work
• Pet friendly workplace

The Role

The primary duty of this position is to provide a high level of coordination and support for the Black Dog Institute’s school-based ‘Future Proofing’ research trial, a 5-year prospective cohort study involving over 6,300 Australian adolescents that aims to understand the risk factors and developmental trajectories associated with mental ill health in young people.

This role will work closely to support the Senior Program Manager, alongside other research support staff responsible for the coordination and daily operations of the Future Proofing trial. The Research Officer will facilitate school and student participation in the study by coordinating technology and school visits and travelling within Sydney, regional NSW, and interstate to deliver the research program to over 130 participating secondary schools.

This role requires excellent oral and written communication skills; the ability to on-board schools onto the research project; experience in digital mental health platforms; experience in attending schools and facilitating research visits; confidence with public speaking and presenting to groups of secondary school students; and the ability to work coherently as part of a large team.

Duties & Responsibilities

Project Coordination and Support

• travel within the Sydney area and to regional areas across NSW (and on occasion interstate) to visit participating schools as the project requires
• Oversee the scheduling of school visits including confirming bookings with schools, onboarding new school staff, and maintaining meticulous documentation. Research Officer Future Proofing
• Oversee a small network of volunteer facilitators to support school visits, including allocation of volunteers to schools, ensuring volunteers are aware of their schedules, and periodically onboarding new volunteers.
• Present study findings and other wellbeing content to groups of secondary school students participating in the study.
• Aid the project by attending regular team meetings, ensuring appropriate record keeping, working collaboratively alongside other staff, and coordinating activities of other research workers
• Complete all administrative and clerical duties, including attendance at research meetings, as required.

Research

• Collate and organise data for the project from the digital mental health research platform and oversee data collection activities, including administration of study questionnaires in schools.
• Interpret study results and accordingly provide recommendations and advice regarding the implementation of the program.
• Support the preparation of ethics modifications and applications, including to UNSW, government, independent and Catholic school ethics committees.
• Support data analysis, including data cleaning and statistical analysis under supervision of the Senior Program Manager.
• Contribute to publishing results of the study in a range of academic and non-academic outputs.
• Respond to requests for information on the project, organise committee meetings, agendas, and minutes.
• Complete other duties related to research, as required by the supervisor

Selection Criteria

Essential Criteria

• An honours degree in Psychology or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
• Demonstrated experience working on research studies, including participant recruitment and data collection, ethics applications, and preparation of reports and/or other publications.
• Experience working with schools or young people.
• Excellent written and oral interpersonal skills, confident public speaker, with the ability to consult, liaise and negotiate with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders to build collaborative relationships.
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team, to prioritise, meet deadlines and see projects through to completion.
• Strong computing skills including experience in the Microsoft Office programs Excel and Word, experience with database management and data analysis using SPSS, R, or similar packages.
• A valid working with Children Check or the eligibility to obtain one upon employment offer.
• A current and valid driver’s license. 9. A knowledge of EEO principles and OH&S responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant OH&S training

Desirable Criteria

• Experience or training in clinical or counselling psychology to assist with risk management and school counsellor follow-up.
• Prior written contribution to the academic literature.
• Experience working in e-health and digital technology.

EOO Statement

Black Dog Institute is committed to achieving a diverse workforce that reflects our wider community. We ensure equal opportunity for all, regardless of age, culture, appearance, sexual orientation, lived experience, gender identity, disability and/or family status.

How to Apply

To become a part of the Black Dog Institute team, follow the link to our careers site on ELMO and submit your most up to date resume and a detailed cover letter addressing the selection criteria for the role.

If you are shortlisted for the role, we will call you and let you know you are successful. Please do not respond to any suspicious emails requesting you to upload your ID or personal details. We are a 2022 Circle Back Initiative Employer and commit to respond to every applicant.