Research Associate

Woolcock Institute of Medical Research; Sydney; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research – Macquarie Park NSW is seeking a Research Associate for the Sleep and Circadian Research Group. The role focuses on managing multiple sleep and neurodegeneration studies under Chief Investigators, contributing to world-class research and collaboration.

This is a full-time fixed-term contract for 2 years, emphasizing leadership, operational oversight, staff development, data integrity and engagement with partners, ethics committees and funders, with

Qualifications

• PhD in sleep/respiratory physiology or related field, or an undergrad with 2+ years managing clinical research projects.
• Experience managing budgets, staffing, milestones and reporting.
• Proven stakeholder management experience in a research context.
• Excellent training skills for junior team members.
• Strong organisational, interpersonal, planning skills with attention to detail.
• Understanding of participant confidentiality and data integrity.
• Flexibility to work non-traditional hours, including early mornings/evenings.
• Experience in clinical sleep research and running clinical trials.
• Experience in participant-facing roles (venepuncture and cannulation).

Responsibilities

• Lead studies in collaboration with Chief Investigator teams.
• Manage day-to-day operations: staff, documentation, budget, timelines.
• Train and onboard staff and students allocated to the studies.
• Develop relationships with stakeholders and collaborative partners.
• Prepare reports to project partners, funding bodies and ethics committees.
• Contribute to data collection, data entry and data integrity monitoring.
• Undertake other responsibilities as assigned by the Supervisor.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Budget management

Staff training

Organisational skills

Data integrity

Flexibility

Clinical sleep research

Clinical trials management

Venepuncture & cannulation

Education

PhD in sleep/respiratory physiology or related field

Undergraduate science/health qual. +2+ years clinical research leadership

Job description

Woolcock Institute of Medical Research – Macquarie Park NSW

Make a Real Difference. Grow Your Career with Purpose.

At the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, your work contributes to something bigger. As a globally recognised leader in sleep and respiratory research, we are dedicated to improving lives through world‑class research, outstanding clinical care, education, policy development and advocacy.

About the Role

The Sleep and Circadian Research Group at the Woolcock Institute are world leaders in their field, working to forge new ground in the understanding of the biology of sleep and the prevention and treatment of sleep disorders. An excellent opportunity has arisen for a Research Associate. Under the direction of the Chief Investigators, the person in this role will manage multiple projects centred on sleep and neurodegeneration.

This role is a Full Time Fixed-Term contract for 2 Years.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in leading the studies through effective collaboration with the Chief Investigator teams.
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the studies including management of staff, documentation, budget, activities, administrative tasks and timelines.
• Train and develop staff and students allocated to the studies and contribute to the processes associated with hiring/onboarding new staff and students, as required.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with key stakeholders including collaborative research partners.
• Liaise with and prepare reports to project partners, funding bodies and relevant organisations (e.g. ethics committee).
• Contribute to data collection, data entry, and monitoring of data ensuring highest-level data integrity.
• Undertake other responsibilities in line with the level of the position as assigned by the Supervisor.

Qualifications

• Completion of a PhD in sleep or respiratory physiology, sleep neuroscience or other highly relevant field OR undergraduate science or health qualification and 2+ years managing large and/or complex clinical research projects including managing staffing and operations.
• Demonstrated experience in successful stakeholder management in a research context.
• Demonstrated experience managing study budgets, study team members and undertaking milestone and other reporting.
• Demonstrated excellence in training junior team members.
• Proven high-level organisational, interpersonal, management and planning skills, and excellent attention to detail.
• Clear understanding and management of participant and research confidentiality and data integrity.
• Flexibility to work non-traditional work hours including some early mornings / evenings.
• Experience in clinical sleep research
• Experience running/managing clinical trials
• Experience in a participant-facing role clinical skills such as venepuncture and cannulation

What Our People Value About Working at Woolcock

Purpose and Impact

Our people are united by a shared commitment to advancing sleep and respiratory health. Whether working in research, clinical services, education, operations or corporate support, every employee plays an important role in helping us deliver on our mission and improve health outcomes.

Excellence Through Collaboration

Woolcock brings together researchers, clinicians, professional staff, affiliates and students in a highly collaborative environment. Working alongside recognised experts and talented colleagues creates opportunities to learn, share ideas and contribute to work that has real-world impact.

Growth and Development

We are committed to supporting continuous learning and professional growth. Through seminars, mentoring, training opportunities and cross-disciplinary collaboration, employees are encouraged to expand their skills, develop their careers and pursue new opportunities.

An Inclusive and Supportive Culture

One of Woolcock’s greatest strengths is our people. We foster a welcoming, respectful and inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued, collaboration is encouraged and everyone has the opportunity to contribute and succeed.

Benefits and Rewards

• Up to $15,900 tax‑free salary packaging
• Up to $2,650 tax‑free meals and entertainment packaging
• Typically three bonus leave days over the Christmas and New Year period
• Access to employee discounts across groceries, travel, entertainment, fitness, home and lifestyle purchases

We recognise that wellbeing is essential to individual and organisational success. Employees have access to a range of support services designed to promote health, resilience and work‑life balance, including:

• Confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Financial counselling and debt management support
• Nurse On-Call assistance
• Legal resources and consultation services

Location

The role will be primarily based at the Institute’s current site on the Macquarie University Campus. Woolcock offers modern, purpose‑built facilities within a thriving ecosystem of leading health, research and technology organisations. The campus is easily accessible by Metro and bus services, providing a convenient and connected workplace environment.

Our Commitment to Our People

At Woolcock, we are proud of our history, excited by our future and committed to creating an environment where our people can thrive. Together, we deliver meaningful work, collaborate across disciplines and contribute to advancing sleep and respiratory health for healthier communities worldwide.

Working Rights

Applicants must have valid working rights in Australia.