Statistician

The University of Sydney

RESEARCH FELLOW - STATISTICIAN
SYDNEY CENTRE FOR ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER STATISTICS
FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES
REFERENCE NO. 1045/0514

Join an exciting new centre to improve the accessibility, analysis, interpretation and dissemination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander statistics

Work within a strategic plan for ensuring strong Indigenous participation in a leading Australian University

Full-time / part-time fixed term for 12 months with further offers possible, remuneration package: full-time $107K - $127Kp.a. which includes base salary leave loading and up to 17% super; further offers possible dependent upon funding

The University of Sydney is Australia's first university and has an outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence. It employs over 7300 permanent staff, supporting over 50,000 students.

Under the leadership and guidance of Professor Shane Houston, Deputy Vice Chancellor Indigenous Strategy and Services, the University has established the Sydney Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Statistics (SCATSIS). The centre is located within the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Foundation Director is Professor Richard Madden and Dr Clare Coleman is the Senior Research Fellow.

The aims of the centre are to:

explore data development needs and issues that will contribute to the advancement and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

encourage best practice in data definition, collection and storage

undertake data set development, collection and analysis

build capacity in the sector.

We are seeking to appoint a Research Fellow to work with Dr Coleman, Professor Madden and the centre’s Advisory Group to undertake initial research and consultancy projects. An essential role will be to help build and maintain links with Indigenous groups with interests in statistics, so as to learn about their priorities in relation to the production, use and storage of Indigenous data and to help build research capacity. You will also contribute to presentations and research publications and assist in sourcing and securing further funding. There may also be the opportunity to contribute to faculty teaching and course development in areas relevant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander statistics.

To succeed in securing this role you will have:

a PhD or equivalent in a discipline relevant to the work of the centre; an interest or background in public health and/or epidemiology would be highly regarded

demonstrated expertise in statistics, with a focus on at least one of the following: data development, collection or analysis of Indigenous data (essential); previous experience with data linkage (desirable)

a track record of publications in an area related to the work of the centre

demonstrated capacity to build linkages with Indigenous people across Australia

demonstrated ability to credibly represent the centre at external forums (local, state, national)

sound communication and writing skills and demonstrated organisational and problem solving skills

previous project management experience and relevant postdoctoral research experience (desirable)

to perform this role, it is essential that the appointee be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. It is therefore an essential selection criterion and is authorised under the provisions of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. Evidence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent must be provided with application.

All applications must be submitted via the University of Sydney careers website. Visit sydney.edu.au/recruitment and search by the reference number for more information and to apply.

CLOSING DATE: 8 October 2014 (11pm Sydney time)