Research Assistant

Centre for Military and Veterans' Health

University of Queensland

Position Description

Job Title: Research Assistant (Statistics)

Organisation Unit: Centre for Military and Veterans’ Health

Location: Mayne Medical School Building, Herston

Reference Number: 3019612

Type of Employment: Full-time, fixed term appointment for 12 months, with the possibility of renewal. (Part-time appointment may be negotiated)

Classification: HEW Level 5/6. Level of appointment will be dependent upon qualifications and experience.

Remuneration: HEW Level 5
$50,748.77to $56,838.14 per annum base salary (FTE)
$59,376.05 to $66,500.63 per annum including employer superannuation contribution of 17% of salary

HEW Level 6
$58,297.91 to $62,821.01 per annum base salary(full time)
$68,208.55 to $73,500.58 per annum including employer superannuation contribution of 17% of salary

For staff entitled to 17% employer contributions, UniSuper does not mandate a level of member contribution to superannuation. However, in order to receive the full standard range of benefits under UniSuper, the member must pay 7% contribution from their salary (or a salary sacrifice equivalent contribution of 8.25%). It will be assumed that a 7% member contribution will apply unless the member formally notifies UniSuper of a decision to pay a lesser member contribution (or no member contribution).

Other options for salary sacrifice include a motor vehicle, laptop computer, campus car parking and "in-house" benefits.

Further Information: Associate Professor Susan Treloar, telephone (07) 3346 4873 or email s.treloar@uq.edu.au

ORGANISATIONAL ENVIRONMENT

The Centre for Military and Veterans’ Health (CMVH) is a University of Queensland (UQ) led consortium including the University of Adelaide and Charles Darwin University. CMVH aims to unite relevant expertise within the academic, Defence and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs communities and focus it on health issues pertinent to serving and ex-service personnel. CMVH is part of the Faculty of Health Sciences UQ and is located in the Mayne Medical School building at Herston. The Centre involves a team comprising both military and university personnel.

Further information on CMVH can be gained through their website: http://www.uq.edu.au/cmvh

CMVH Research Program

CMVH conducts a range of research projects aiming to maximize the health, fitness and deployability of Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and the health of the veterans’ community. The focus includes currently serving and ex-serving personnel and their families.

This position will provide support to several studies, the major ones being the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) Health Study and the Timor Leste Family Study.

The MEAO Health Study is contracted by the Department of Defence and is being conducted in collaboration with the University of Adelaide (UA). The University of Queensland (UQ) will conduct a large cross-sectional health survey, plus mortality and cancer incidence studies as part of the overall MEAO Health Study.

CMVH, through UniQuest Pty Ltd, has successfully tendered to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) to conduct research into the physical, mental and social health of the families of serving or ex-serving members of the Defence Force who deployed to Timor Leste.

Information for Prospective Staff

Information about the University, State of Queensland, living in Brisbane and employment at the University is at the University’s website (http://www.uq.edu.au/).
For a comprehensive guide to family friendly work practices and services visit the Work and Family website at http://www.uq.edu.au/equity/index.html?page=11661

The University of Queensland Enterprise agreement (General Staff) outlines the position classification standards for HEW Level 5/6.

DUTY STATEMENT

Primary Purpose of Position

The successful candidate will provide statistical support to the Research Fellow (Statistician) and Study Investigators.

Duties
Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Conduct statistical analyses for scientific publications, reports and presentations, grant applications and ad-hoc requests.

Prepare technical reports and documentation of statistical and data management procedures for the CMVH.

Assist with a range of data preparation activities including checking and editing of survey data, checking the consistency of survey responses, creating derived variables and reporting on their properties according to Study procedures.

Contribute to department knowledge of techniques to generate outputs for reports using SAS.

Collaborate with Investigators and staff in the production of research papers and reports.

Other Administration

Comply with the University’s Code of Conduct (see the University’s web site at http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/?page=24987&pid=24963).

Occupational Health and Safety:

Comply with requirements of Queensland occupational health and safety (OH&S) legislation, and related OH&S responsibilities and procedures developed by the University or School or Laboratory. (see the University’s web site at http://www.uq.edu.au/ohs/ )

Reporting Relationships

This position reports functionally to the Research Fellow (Statistician) and formally to the Head of the UQ Node of CMVH.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Qualifications

Completion of a degree preferably in a statistics discipline or

A combination of qualifications and relevant experience in a related field with a statistics component.

Knowledge and Skills
Essential

Experience with statistical software packages and ability to learn new programs (e.g. SAS).

Good analytical and problem solving skills.

Ability to work as part of a research team.

Good written and verbal communication skills, including technical reporting.
Desirable

Ability to program in SAS/STATA.

Experience with analysis of survey data.

Experience in writing scientific papers.

Ability to work with new and emerging statistical techniques.

Interest in contributing to population health research.

Personal Qualities

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

Good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise activities according to research requirements.

APPLICATION

Applications must consist of the following:

1. Covering Letter. The covering letter should include the vacancy reference number, your contact address and telephone number. It is an opportunity in not more than one page to introduce yourself and highlight the key reasons you should be considered for the role.
2. Resume or Curriculum Vitae. A resume is a brief history of your employment and experience that covers the following areas:

Educational qualifications and professional affiliations that detail the full title of the qualification, the year awarded and the title of the institution attended;

Employment history in chronological order, starting with current position and specifying dates of employment, title of each position, name of employer, main duties or accountabilities and achievements,

Details of relevant practical experience highlighting training in research or university settings; and

The names and contact details (address, telephone, fax and e-mail) of three referees, including if possible a senior person (preferably your supervisor or the head of your organisational unit) closely associated with your current work.
3. Selection Criteria. A statement addressing how each of the selection criteria have been met is required to assist the Selection Committee determine whether you have the relevant qualifications, knowledge/skills, experience and personal qualities.

Applications are to be sent to:
Ms Nadine Mammone
Research Administrative Assistant,
Centre for Military and Veterans’ Health
Mayne Medical School Building
The University of Queensland
Herston Road
HERSTON QLD 4029

Or email: n.mammone@uq.edu.au

Please note:

Applications should be typed;

Do not send applications that are bound or enclosed in plastic or manila folders;

Simply staple the application at the top left hand corner; and

Retain a copy for your reference because the University does not return copies to applicants.

SELECTION PROCESS

A Selection Committee will consider all applications and shortlist candidates for interview who appear to meet the selection criteria at the highest levels. They will be invited to attend an interview and the remaining unsuccessful applicants will be notified accordingly.

An invitation to attend an interview provides an opportunity to provide further information to the Selection Committee to substantiate your claims against the selection criteria, demonstrate your capabilities or to provide examples of your achievements. Please note that for some positions interviews may be conducted by teleconference in the first instance.

The Selection Committee will subsequently seek referee reports, if not sought prior to interview, before making a decision to make an offer of appointment to the preferred candidate. The purpose of referee checks is to obtain, in confidence, factual information about your past work history, as well as opinions regarding the quality of your work, behaviour in the work place and suitability for the position. Referee reports may be sought orally, or in writing by post or e-mail.

Referees should normally include current supervisors or and/or managers. A referee must be able to comment on your work experience, skills and performance with respect to the selection criteria. Referee checks conducted after the interview process can sometimes delay notification of the successful candidate and other interviewees.

If you are the preferred candidate, you will receive a written offer of appointment to the position. Do not take any action, such as resigning from your current position, before you receive a written offer of appointment. The Selection Committee reserves the right not to make an appointment and to re-advertise the position seeking further applicants if this is felt necessary.

The University of Queensland is an equal opportunity employer.

Smoking is prohibited in all University buildings.