Research Associate- Translational Research, Youth Mental Health

Overview

UNSW is seeking a Research Associate to contribute to translational research within the Population Child Health Clinical Research Group in the School of Clinical Medicine. The role focuses on delivering a mixed-methods evaluation of the NSW Ministry of Health Youth Mental Health Initiative, supporting efforts to strengthen the youth mental health system and improve outcomes for young people locally, nationally, and internationally. The position is autonomous, collaborative, and has no direct reports.

Responsibilities

• Conduct high-quality qualitative and quantitative research.
• Support ethics and grant processes, contributions to publications and presentations.
• Engage with stakeholders through co-design and consultation activities.
• Manage all aspects of the evaluation, including effectiveness, implementation, and cost–benefit analysis, in partnership with key stakeholders (e.g., NSW Ministry of Health, Mindgardens Neuroscience Network, headspace National, Macquarie University).

Qualifications

• A PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g., public health, psychology, implementation science, youth mental health, or related fields).
• Demonstrated experience and competency in mixed methods research, including interviews and focus groups and basic quantitative analysis and interpretation of health-related data.
• Experience conducting research with young people, families, or mental health service users is highly desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to produce high-quality academic writing and reports.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team to meet project deadlines.
• Commitment to research translation and improving outcomes for vulnerable and priority populations.
• Desirable: experience preparing ethics applications and grant submissions.
• Understanding of UNSW’s aims, objectives and values and relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to training.

Location and Term

• Location: Kensington, Sydney
• Employment Type: Full Time, 35 hours per week
• Duration: 12 months fixed term
• Remuneration: Level A Academic $113,911 per annum + 17% Super
• Visa sponsorship is not available. Must have unrestricted work rights to be considered.

Benefits and Culture

• Competitive salary and UNSW perks
• Flexible Working Options
• Career development opportunities
• 17% Superannuation contributions and additional leave loading
• 10 days paid cultural leave per year
• Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness)

How To Apply

Submit your application including your resume and cover letter online before Wednesday 4 February 2026 at 11:55pm. A copy of the Position Description can be obtained via Applications must address the Selection Criteria outlined in the Skills and Experience section of the position description. Applications that do not address these criteria will not be considered.

Pre-Employment Checks

Aligned with UNSW’s focus on safety, ethical conduct, and integrity, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role. Checks may include some or all of the following: National and international criminal history checks; entitlement to work and ID checks; Working With Children Checks; Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration; verification of qualifications and professional memberships; employment history and reference checks; financial responsibility assessments; medical checks and assessments. Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.

Get In Touch

Aarti

Talent Acquisition Associate

Please apply through the application portal and not via the contact above.

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