Research Assistant in Youth Mental Health

University of Melbourne; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 87,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% superannuation

Flexible work arrangements

Professional development opportunities

Salary packaging

Job summary

The University of Melbourne, Centre for Youth Mental Health, is seeking a Research Assistant in Youth Mental Health to support national initiatives and fidelity research across headspace Early Psychosis, YES and future YSCCs. You will contribute to data analysis, literature reviews and collaborative studies with leading researchers.

In this fixed-term 12-month role, you will work within a multidisciplinary team to deliver high-quality outputs, engage stakeholders, and contribute to publications

Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree in health, behavioural or social sciences, or progressing towards a related PhD.
• Demonstrate strong interest in youth mental health and motivation to build a research career in the sector.
• Bring proven experience contributing to research projects, including data analysis, literature reviews or evaluation activities.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to National Programs research projects, including ethics submissions, governance applications and small studies using existing datasets.
• Coordinate REMIT fidelity processes across national headspace Early Psychosis sites, including visit logistics, data collection and reporting.
• Co-develop and pilot a new transdiagnostic fidelity tool for upcoming Youth Specialist Care Centres with stakeholders.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses, and contribute to publications, presentations and grey literature on youth mental health.
• Engage with PHNs, services and colleagues through forums, meetings and collaborative tasks, fostering positive working relationships.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Education

Postgraduate degree in health/behavioural or social sciences, or progressing towards PhD

Tools

REDCap

NVivo

Job description

Research Assistant in Youth Mental Health

Role type: Full-time (1.0 FTE); Fixed term, 12 months
Faculty: Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Department: Centre for Youth Mental Health
Salary: Level A: AUD $87,266 - $118,416 p.a. plus 17% super

• Shape national youth mental health service models / work across headspace Early Psychosis, YES and future YSCCs / collaborate with leading researchers at Orygen and the University of Melbourne
• Investing in you - 17% superannuation, benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne

We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity

In this role, you will support national initiatives improving care for young people with complex mental ill-health.

You will contribute to fidelity research, data analysis and evaluation across headspace Early Psychosis, YES and future YSCCs.

What you will deliver:

• Contribute to National Programs research projects, including ethics submissions, governance applications and small studies using existing datasets.
• Coordinate REMIT fidelity processes across national headspace Early Psychosis sites, including visit logistics, data collection and reporting.
• Co-develop and pilot a new transdiagnostic fidelity tool for upcoming Youth Specialist Care Centres with stakeholders.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses, and contribute to publications, presentations and grey literature on youth mental health.
• Engage with PHNs, services and colleagues through forums, meetings and collaborative tasks, fostering positive working relationships.

You may be a great fit if you:

• Hold a postgraduate degree in health, behavioural or social sciences, or are progressing towards a related PhD.
• Demonstrate strong interest in youth mental health and motivation to build a research career in the sector.
• Bring proven experience contributing to research projects, including data analysis, literature reviews or evaluation activities.
• Apply excellent written and verbal communication skills to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and prepare high-quality outputs.
• Manage multiple tasks effectively, negotiating priorities with supervisors and colleagues to meet project deadlines.
• Use Microsoft Office confidently and, ideally, have experience with survey tools, REDCap, NVivo or similar platforms.

For further information please refer to the attached PD.

What we offer you!

• Build future financial security with 17% superannuation
• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
• Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning
• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave, cultural leave, and menstruation and menopause leave.
• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company
• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

For more information check out our benefits page!

Your new team - Centre for Youth Mental Health

You will join the Centre for Youth Mental Health within the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences.
Working closely with Orygen's National Programs, you will contribute to world-leading youth mental health research and innovation.
The team collaborates nationally with services, Primary Health Networks and clinicians, shaping evidence-based models of care.
You will be supported by a vibrant, multidisciplinary community committed to impact, equity and continuous improvement.

Be Yourself

The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.

We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.

Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at ***********@unimelb.edu.au.

Applications close:

20th November 2026 at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.

Position Description:

PD_Research Assistant in Youth Mental Health.docx

PD_Research Assistant in Youth Mental Health.pdf