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Research Assistant - Job Opportunity at Murdoch Childrens Research Institute

Parkville VIC, Australia
Part-time
Mid-level
Posted: July 3, 2025
On-site
AUD 84,376 per year

Benefits

Comprehensive salary packaging options including entertainment and novated leases providing significant tax advantages and increased take-home pay
Flexible working arrangements supporting work-life integration and productivity optimization
Generous personal leave entitlements and purchased leave options exceeding standard market provisions
Professional development opportunities through collaborative research exposure and multidisciplinary team engagement
Premium onsite facilities including showers, changing rooms, and bicycle storage promoting health and wellness
Subsidized coffee services and vibrant café environment enhancing workplace culture
Convenient location with discounted parking and excellent public transport connectivity reducing commute costs
Meaningful work contributing to transformative child health outcomes and mental health advancement

Key Responsibilities

Lead collaborative facilitation of the Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP) bringing authentic perspective to research governance and strategic direction
Drive inclusive group processes and agenda development ensuring lived experience voices shape research priorities and methodologies
Provide strategic peer support and specialized debriefing services during critical data collection phases protecting participant wellbeing
Spearhead participant recruitment initiatives through communication strategy development and accessibility optimization of study materials
Conduct co-analysis of qualitative research data applying lived experience lens to thematic interpretation and findings validation
Maintain active participation in multi-level governance structures including monthly LEAP meetings, fortnightly Working Group sessions, and quarterly Research Advisory Group meetings

Requirements

Education

Degree/Honours/Masters qualification in Science or related discipline

Experience

Lived experience of having completed Family Based Treatment (FBT) for anorexia nervosa

Required Skills

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 Ability to contribute to group discussions and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Mental health research is experiencing unprecedented growth with increased funding allocation and recognition of lived experience expertise as essential to research validity and translation. The integration of peer researchers into formal research teams represents a paradigm shift toward participatory research methodologies that prioritize authentic representation and community engagement. Eating disorder research is rapidly evolving with Family-Based Treatment (FBT) gaining recognition as a gold standard intervention, creating demand for researchers with direct experience of these treatment modalities. The field is moving toward more personalized and culturally responsive approaches that require lived experience input to ensure relevance and effectiveness. The healthcare sector is increasingly adopting trauma-informed care principles and recovery-oriented practices, driving demand for professionals who can bridge the gap between clinical research and patient experience. This trend is particularly pronounced in pediatric mental health where family-centered approaches are becoming standard practice.

Salary Evaluation

The pro-rata salary of AUD 84,376 for 15.2 hours per week represents competitive compensation in the Australian research sector, equivalent to approximately AUD 110,000 full-time equivalent. This positioning reflects the specialized nature of lived experience research roles and the growing recognition of peer researcher contributions to research quality and impact.

Role Significance

The position involves working within a collaborative multidisciplinary team structure typical of major research institutes, likely comprising 8-12 core team members including clinical researchers, data analysts, project coordinators, and community engagement specialists. The role holder will interface with multiple stakeholder groups including research advisory panels, working groups, and external collaborators.
This role represents a specialized mid-level position that combines research expertise with lived experience knowledge, positioning the incumbent as a bridge between academic research and community needs. The role carries significant influence in shaping research direction and methodology while providing opportunities for professional development in research leadership.

Key Projects

Large-scale longitudinal studies examining Family-Based Treatment effectiveness and optimization across diverse populations Qualitative research initiatives exploring family experiences and treatment engagement factors in eating disorder recovery Community-based participatory research projects developing culturally responsive interventions for young people with chronic conditions Translation research focused on implementing evidence-based treatments in real-world clinical settings

Success Factors

Ability to maintain professional boundaries while drawing on personal experience to inform research design and interpretation, balancing vulnerability with analytical rigor Strong facilitation and group dynamics skills to manage diverse stakeholder perspectives and ensure inclusive participation in research governance structures Capacity to translate complex research concepts into accessible language while maintaining scientific integrity and methodological rigor Resilience and self-care practices to manage the emotional demands of working in sensitive research areas while supporting other participants Cultural competency and trauma-informed practice skills to work effectively with diverse populations and vulnerable research participants

Market Demand

High demand exists for lived experience researchers in mental health, particularly those with eating disorder treatment experience. The specialized combination of academic qualifications and personal recovery experience creates a unique value proposition that is increasingly sought after by research institutions and funding bodies prioritizing community engagement and research translation.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Lived experience of Family-Based Treatment for anorexia nervosa is absolutely essential as it provides the authentic perspective that cannot be replicated through academic study alone, enabling nuanced understanding of treatment processes and participant experiences that inform research design and interpretation Trauma-informed care principles and recovery-oriented practice knowledge are crucial for maintaining participant safety and wellbeing while ensuring research processes do not inadvertently cause harm or re-traumatization to vulnerable populations Strong interpersonal and communication skills are vital for effective facilitation of diverse stakeholder groups and translation of complex research concepts into accessible formats that engage community members and research participants

Beneficial Skills

Qualitative research methods training would enhance the ability to contribute meaningfully to data analysis and interpretation processes, particularly in understanding thematic development and narrative analysis approaches Project management skills would support effective coordination of multiple meeting schedules and stakeholder engagement activities while maintaining research timelines and deliverables Digital literacy and familiarity with online collaboration tools would facilitate hybrid meeting facilitation and remote participant engagement, particularly important in post-pandemic research environments

Unique Aspects

This role uniquely combines lived experience expertise with formal research training, representing the growing recognition of peer researchers as essential contributors to mental health research quality and relevance
The specific requirement for Family-Based Treatment experience creates a highly specialized niche that addresses critical gaps in eating disorder research and treatment development
The collaborative governance structure involving multiple advisory groups provides unusual opportunities for research influence and professional development typically reserved for more senior positions
The focus on improving mental health outcomes for children and young people with chronic conditions addresses a significant gap in current research and service delivery models

Career Growth

Career progression typically occurs over 2-4 years with successful completion of research projects and development of additional research skills. The specialized nature of lived experience research creates opportunities for rapid advancement as the field expands and recognizes the value of this expertise.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Research Fellow specializing in participatory research methodologies and lived experience integration Research Program Manager leading community-engaged research initiatives in mental health or chronic disease Policy Advisor or Consultant providing lived experience expertise to government departments or health organizations Academic positions combining research, teaching, and community engagement in universities or research institutes

Company Overview

Murdoch Childrens Research Institute

Murdoch Children's Research Institute is one of Australia's premier pediatric research institutions, internationally recognized for its innovative approaches to child health research and commitment to translating research findings into improved clinical outcomes. The institute operates at the forefront of medical research with strong connections to clinical practice through its partnership with The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne.

The institute holds a leading position in the Australian research landscape with significant international collaborations and funding success. Its reputation for excellence in pediatric research and commitment to community engagement makes it an attractive destination for researchers seeking to make meaningful contributions to child health outcomes.
Located in Melbourne's biomedical precinct, the institute serves as a regional hub for pediatric research across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. The Parkville location provides access to a rich ecosystem of research institutions, hospitals, and universities fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.
The organization demonstrates strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and child safety with a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving. The culture emphasizes respect for lived experience and community engagement, creating an environment where different perspectives are valued and integrated into research practice.
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