Research Assistant (A)

Role overview

Adelaide University is recruiting a Research Assistant to support research activity within the School of Psychology. The role contributes to a program led by the Pro Vice Chancellor: First Nations Education, with a focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing, mental health, and the social determinants of health.

This position is based in the College of Education, Behavioural and Social Sciences at the Adelaide City Campus West. It is offered as a fixed-term appointment through to 28 February 2028, with both part-time (0.4 FTE) and full-time options available.

The salary range is $81,293 to $109,307 per year, plus 17% superannuation.

About the team and environment

You will report to the Pro Vice Chancellor, First Nations Education, and work within a collaborative School of Psychology environment. The role is suited to someone who enjoys a varied workload, works well in multidisciplinary settings, and is motivated by research that supports positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

The College of Education, Behavioural and Social Sciences focuses on analysis, communication, and advocacy to respond to the needs of a connected and changing world. Adelaide University describes its broader culture as one grounded in purpose, curiosity, inclusion, innovation, collaboration, and lifelong learning.

Key duties

The successful candidate will carry out research-related activities that support the wider research program. The work will involve engaging with Aboriginal Peoples, colleagues, students, and industry partners, and contributing to meaningful research outputs in the areas of mental health and wellbeing.

Required experience and capabilities

Applicants are expected to bring a mix of academic preparation, research capability, community engagement experience, and strong interpersonal skills.

• An Honours or postgraduate research degree in Behavioural Science, Social Science, Social Work, Education, Health, Policy, or a closely related field.
• Knowledge of the South Australian community sector, along with experience building and sustaining contacts for collaborative work connected to Aboriginal community engagement.
• Ability to develop and maintain respectful, culturally responsive relationships with Aboriginal communities.
• Background in research, policy, or practice in a relevant field.
• Sound understanding of qualitative research methods, including qualitative data analysis and the ability to assess the quality of published studies.
• Strong research writing skills, including the ability to find, assess, compile, and edit literature and research data.
• Well-developed initiative, problem-solving ability, time management, and organisation, including prioritisation, handling multiple tasks, working with limited supervision, collaborating in a team, and meeting deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds inside and outside the university.
• Solid computer literacy, especially with Microsoft Office and statistical, qualitative, and bibliographic software.
• Commitment to equity and social justice in a tertiary education setting.
• Desirable: experience in participatory research or co-design.
• Desirable: understanding of quantitative research methods and the ability to analyse quantitative data.

Selection and application details

The role description is not attached to the advertisement because it is still being finalised. Applicants must submit a current CV and a cover letter explaining their interest in the role. The online application form will require responses to specific selection criteria.

Applications close at 11:30pm on Thursday, 2 July 2026. For more information, applicants can contact Jessica Maslen, Team Lead – Talent Acquisition, People and Culture, at +61 8 8302 1700 or careers.adelaideuniversity@adelaide.edu.au, quoting reference number 493163.

Eligibility and conditions

Applications are welcomed from Australian or New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents, and people who have the legal right to work in Australia for the term of the appointment.

The appointment is subject to a satisfactory National Police Check and maintenance of that check. Because the position has been deemed prescribed under the Child Safety (Prohibited Persons) Act 2016 and Child Safety (Prohibited Persons) Regulations 2019, the successful candidate must hold a current Working with Children Check.

Inclusion and flexibility

Adelaide University promotes a workplace where diversity is valued and inclusion is actively supported. The university encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and people of all ages, genders, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities. Flexible working arrangements and reasonable adjustments are supported throughout recruitment.

How to apply

To apply, candidates must submit their CV and cover letter through the application process provided by the university.