Senior Research Assistant: Substance Use

• School of Psychology / National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research

• Full-time, fixed-term position through to August 2027  

• Base salary will range from $93,491 - $100, % Superannuation (HEW Level 6) 

• Based at our St Lucia campus

We are seeking a Senior Research Assistant to support the School of Psychology and the National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research (NCYSUR) with their clinical research into substance use and mental health. In this role, you will assist with the coordination of projects, manage research milestones and deliverables, oversee data monitoring activities, contribute to data integrity and reporting, and engage and communicate with stakeholders.

This position will involve primarily working on the following project:

• The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) grant, aimed at examining the feasibility, acceptability and impact of integrating an online pain management course into alcohol and other drug residential rehabilitation services. The project consists of two phases: the first is to understand client and staff experiences and needs, and co-design an optimal implementation strategy for incorporating an established clinician-assisted chronic pain program in AOD residential services. The second phase will examine the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary outcomes of incorporating the pain program into AOD residential services.

Other projects the candidate will likely be involved in include:

• The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Meaningful Outcomes in Substance Use Treatment Centre of Research Excellence : This CRE aims to reduce the burden and cost of AOD problems in Australia by implementing routine outcome monitoring into the AOD sector to increase its capacity to deliver evidence-based, efficient and cost-effective care. Current research projects include a discrete choice experiment, co-design workshops, cluster randomised controlled trials (RCTs), implementation science, data linkage, data science, machine learning and artificial intelligence.

• An NHMRC Partnership Grant examining the implementation and effectiveness of a brief intervention in alcohol and other drug services. The specific aims are to i) Determine the short and long-term effectiveness of the First Step brief intervention model of care for clients, staff and AOD services, ii) Identify the most effective co-designed implementation strategies for sustaining the delivery of the First Step brief intervention and iii) Co-design and test the feasibility of First Step brief intervention clinical decision support tools. 

Key responsibilities will include: 

• Project & Stakeholder Coordination: Build and maintain relationships with UQ staff, external researchers, government, and NGOs; attend meetings, record minutes, and manage ethics applications.

• Research Operations & Participant Management: Recruit, assess, and follow up with participants; conduct surveys and assessments through various channels in line with research protocols.

• Data & Publication Support: Develop and manage research databases, perform data entry and analysis, conduct literature reviews, and assist with publication preparation.

• An undergraduate degree in psychology, public health, behavioural or social sciences (honours degree desirable).

• Demonstrated research experience in the coordination of research projects, including ethics, participant recruitment and participant tracking.

• Well-developed organisational and problem-solving skills, with an ability to forward plan, prioritise tasks to meet deadlines and work with a high level of adaptability, both independently and as part of a team.

• Knowledge and competence in statistical analyses, data management and analysis packages (e.g. SPSS, STATA, R), and computer proficiency with experience using MS Word, MS Excel, PowerPoint and EndNote.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with high attention to detail and proven ability to produce clear, succinct documentation.

• Dedication to subject confidentiality and research ethics, particularly with respect to identified subject data of a sensitive nature.

Please note, you must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply (employer-sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment). The successful candidate will also be required to hold (or be willing to apply for) a Working with Children Blue Card.  

Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as: 

• Up to 26 weeks paid parental leave or 14 weeks paid primary caregiver leave

• 17% superannuation and 17.5% annual leave loading 

• Flexible working arrangements, wellness programs and access to UQ Sports facilities 

• Affordable parking and on-campus childcare options

• Opportunities for career development and progression such as UQ Study for Staff 

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Gabrielle Campbell at    

For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at , stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.  
 

We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:  

• Resume 

• A cover letter summarising how your background aligns with the 'About You' section 

Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact  

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don't meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.  

Applications close Thursday 13 November at 11.00pm AEST (Job Reference Number: R