Research Assistant

**Role Type**: Part time 2-year contract (15.2 hours per week)
**Salary**: $84,376 (pro rata) p.a. plus super
Support a collaborative research project aimed at improving treatment for anorexia nervosa and enhancing the mental health of children and young people living with chronic illness or disability
**The opportunity**:
The Research Assistant will bring lived experience as someone who completed Family-Based Treatment (FBT) for anorexia nervosa. Working closely with the Lived Experience Lead, the Peer Researcher will co-facilitate the Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP), attend monthly LEAP meetings, fortnightly Working Group meetings, and quarterly Research Advisory Group (RAG) meetings.
**Your responsibilities include**:
Co-facilitate the Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP) in collaboration with the Lived Experience Lead, including contributing to agenda development, discussion facilitation, and inclusive group processes
Attend and actively participate in monthly LEAP meetings, fortnightly Working Group meetings, and quarterly Research Advisory Group (RAG) meetings
Provide peer support and debriefing for lived experience participants, particularly during data collection activities
Assist the research team with participant recruitment activities, including contributing to communication strategies and reviewing study materials for accessibility and appropriateness
Support the co-analysis of qualitative data (e.g. from interviews, surveys, and focus groups), bringing a lived experience lens to thematic interpretation
**What we need from you**:
Degree/Honours/Masters qualification in Science or related discipline
Lived experience of having completed Family Based Treatment (FBT) for anorexia nervosa
Demonstrated ability to reflect on and share lived experience in a purposeful and safe way to inform research
Understanding the principles of trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and person-centred care
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to contribute to group discussions and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders (e.g. researchers, clinicians, career, young people)
What’s in it for you?
**Maximise Your Pay**: Benefit from salary packaging, including entertainment and novated leases
**Flexible Working Options**: Enjoy a variety of flexible work arrangements
**Make a Difference**: Collaborate with a team passionate about making a positive impact
**Work-Life Balance**: Benefit from generous personal leave days and purchased leave options
**Onsite Facilities**: Enjoy amenities like showers, changing rooms, free towels, and bicycle sheds
**Subsidised Coffee**: Enjoy discounted coffee at our vibrant café, Synapse
**Convenient Location**: Discounted parking rates for staff and easily accessible by public transport, including Trams 59, 58, and 57
Who we are
Murdoch Children’s Research Institute envisions a transformative future for child health. Our institute is a hub of impactful scientific breakthroughs, particularly in early interventions, enhanced diagnosis, prevention, and potential cures. We thrive on collaborative, multidisciplinary problem-solving to address challenging queries in child health. Committed to inclusivity and respect, we foster a positive working environment that values diverse backgrounds and experiences. As a proud member of the Australian Network on Disability and a dedicated supporter of Science Australia Gender Equity (SAGE), we uphold principles of equal opportunity and diverse representation.
We are committed to the safety of children and young people and takes a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of child abuse, exploitation and harm. Child safety is prioritised in our decision-making at all levels of the Institute.
Join Us
Your resume
A cover letter addressing the selection criteria
Ensure these documents are combined into a single PDF file.
No recruitment agencies please.
LI-DNI
Position Description
**Applications close**: 23 July 2025 (AUS Eastern Daylight time)