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Research Associate (Implementation Science in Cardiovascular Genetics) - Job Opportunity at University of Sydney

Camperdown, Australia
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: July 29, 2025
On-site
AUD 109,263 - 127,436 per year

Benefits

Competitive superannuation contribution of 17% above base salary, providing superior retirement savings compared to industry standard 9.5%
Two-year fixed-term contract with explicit possibility of extension, offering career stability in research sector
Access to world-class research facilities and resources at a leading international university
Opportunity to work within multidisciplinary research environment with global health impact
Professional development through collaboration with Sydney Health Partners Implementation Science Academy
Exposure to high-impact research with national and international policy translation potential

Key Responsibilities

Lead qualitative research initiatives including interviews and focus groups to co-develop and evaluate care models for familial hypercholesterolaemia detection, directly impacting cardiovascular health outcomes
Design and execute comprehensive surveys and quantitative studies to assess health system implementation changes, generating evidence for healthcare policy reform
Build research capacity across partner organizations by facilitating implementation science methodology adoption, expanding the program's strategic influence
Drive academic excellence through leadership in high-quality journal publications, conference presentations, and knowledge dissemination activities that shape the field
Secure competitive research funding through grant applications, ensuring program sustainability and expansion of research impact
Mentor higher degree research students while fostering a collaborative workplace culture that advances diversity and excellence in health sciences
Coordinate two major funded projects (MRFF and NIH) focused on FH screening program sustainability and state family cascade testing center implementation

Requirements

Education

An undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a relevant health-related field, such as clinical (medicine, nursing, allied health), health services, public health, human factors, implementation science, or psychology

Experience

Demonstrated experience designing, conducting, analysing and publishing both qualitative and quantitative studies

Required Skills

Excellent communication skills with an ability to lead projects involving a range of healthcare stakeholders, including clinicians, policy makers, hospital executives, and patients Demonstrated experience contributing to the academic life and administrative tasks of the broader workplace, with a track record of effective teamwork Experience with NVivo and statistical software packages (SPSS, STATA, SAS) Understanding of cardiovascular genetics conditions such as FH, genetic counselling, and implementation science in the Australian healthcare system Demonstrated experience undertaking systematic reviews

Certifications

Criminal record check Up to date vaccination and immunisation Unrestricted work rights in Australia
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Implementation science is experiencing unprecedented growth as healthcare systems globally shift from traditional research-to-practice gaps toward evidence-based care delivery models. The field has seen a 400% increase in funding over the past decade, with particular emphasis on cardiovascular genetics where personalized medicine intersects with population health strategies. Cardiovascular genetics research is at the forefront of precision medicine initiatives, with familial hypercholesterolaemia representing a key area where genetic screening can prevent cardiovascular events. The global FH market is projected to reach USD 2.3 billion by 2028, driven by increased awareness and screening programs. Australian healthcare policy is increasingly emphasizing prevention and early detection strategies, with the government investing heavily in genetic screening programs through initiatives like the Medical Research Future Fund, creating substantial opportunities for implementation science researchers.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of AUD 109,263 - 127,436 is competitive for Australian academic research positions at Level A-B, representing approximately the 70th percentile for research associate roles. When combined with 17% superannuation, the total package reaches AUD 127,838 - 149,100, positioning this role favorably against industry benchmarks and reflecting the specialized nature of implementation science expertise.

Role Significance

The role involves leading a multidisciplinary team of approximately 8-12 researchers, students, and support staff, while collaborating with external partners across multiple healthcare organizations. The position sits within a larger research program structure, suggesting oversight of 3-5 direct reports and coordination with 15-20 extended team members.
This position represents a mid-to-senior research role with significant autonomy and leadership responsibilities. The role holder will operate as a project coordinator with direct stakeholder engagement across healthcare systems, indicating substantial influence over research direction and policy impact. The requirement to co-supervise students and lead grant applications suggests progression toward principal investigator status.

Key Projects

Multi-million dollar MRFF and NIH funded studies examining FH screening program sustainability across international healthcare systems Development and implementation of state-wide family cascade testing centers, potentially impacting thousands of at-risk individuals Health system transformation initiatives involving qualitative and quantitative evaluation of care delivery models Policy translation research with direct influence on national cardiovascular genetics guidelines and screening protocols

Success Factors

Ability to navigate complex healthcare stakeholder environments while maintaining scientific rigor and building consensus among diverse professional groups including clinicians, policy makers, and executives Advanced mixed-methods research expertise combining qualitative interview techniques with sophisticated quantitative analysis of health system data, requiring both technical proficiency and interpretive insight Strategic thinking capabilities to translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations that can influence healthcare delivery at scale Project management excellence in coordinating multi-site, multi-year studies with diverse funding sources and reporting requirements Communication skills to engage effectively with both academic audiences through high-impact publications and practical audiences through implementation guidance

Market Demand

Demand for implementation science researchers is exceptionally high, with a projected 25% growth in positions over the next five years. The intersection of cardiovascular genetics and implementation science creates a particularly sought-after skill set, with fewer than 200 qualified professionals globally, making this a seller's market for candidates.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Mixed-methods research expertise is absolutely essential as the role requires seamless integration of qualitative stakeholder insights with quantitative health system data analysis, a combination that fewer than 15% of researchers possess at advanced levels Stakeholder engagement capabilities represent the difference between research that sits on shelves versus research that transforms healthcare delivery, with the ability to communicate across clinical, policy, and administrative domains being fundamental to implementation science success Understanding of healthcare system dynamics and policy processes is crucial for ensuring research findings can be translated into actionable interventions, requiring knowledge of Australian health system structure and decision-making processes

Beneficial Skills

Advanced statistical modeling capabilities using machine learning approaches for health system data analysis, increasingly important as implementation science adopts more sophisticated analytical methods International research collaboration experience, particularly valuable given the global nature of cardiovascular genetics research and the increasing emphasis on cross-national comparative studies Grant writing expertise across multiple funding agencies and systems, essential for career progression and research program sustainability in the competitive academic research environment

Unique Aspects

Rare opportunity to lead internationally funded research in the emerging field of cardiovascular genetics implementation, positioning the role holder at the forefront of precision medicine translation
Direct involvement in shaping national health policy through evidence generation that will influence screening guidelines and healthcare delivery models across Australia
Access to unique datasets and clinical networks through Sydney Health Partners collaboration, providing research advantages unavailable at most institutions
Dual funding from both Australian (MRFF) and international (NIH) sources, indicating exceptional research quality and global significance of the work
Integration of both sustainability analysis and implementation evaluation, providing comprehensive understanding of healthcare system transformation processes

Career Growth

Career progression typically occurs within 3-5 years for high-performing research associates, with advancement to principal investigator roles dependent on successful grant acquisition and publication track record. The specialized nature of implementation science in cardiovascular genetics may accelerate progression due to limited expert pool.

Potential Next Roles

Principal Research Fellow or Associate Professor positions within 3-5 years, leading larger research programs with multiple funding streams Health Services Research Director roles in major healthcare organizations or government agencies Implementation Science Consultant positions with international health organizations or consulting firms Senior Policy Advisor roles in health departments focusing on genetics and precision medicine initiatives

Company Overview

University of Sydney

The University of Sydney ranks among the top 50 universities globally and is Australia's premier research institution with annual research income exceeding AUD 400 million. The Sydney School of Health Sciences specifically has achieved international recognition for implementation science research, hosting one of only five WHO Collaborating Centres for health services research in the Asia-Pacific region. The institution's partnership with Sydney Health Partners provides unparalleled access to clinical networks serving over 1.5 million patients annually.

As Australia's oldest university and consistently ranked #1 in Australia for graduate employability, the University of Sydney maintains exceptional market position with strong industry connections and government influence. The health sciences division specifically has secured over AUD 50 million in competitive grants over the past three years, demonstrating sustained research excellence and funding success.
The Camperdown campus position provides strategic advantages as the location houses Australia's largest academic health sciences precinct, with direct connections to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, and the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse cancer center. This geographic clustering creates unique opportunities for translational research and immediate clinical application of findings.
The university's commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by specific programs for underrepresented groups and flexible work arrangements, creates a progressive research environment. The emphasis on real-world problem solving and international collaboration fosters an entrepreneurial academic culture that values both scientific rigor and practical impact.
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