Careers at UniSC

• Thompson Institute | UniSC Moreton Bay, Petrie
• Casual appointment
• Level 5 - $53.03 per hour plus 11.5% employer superannuation

The Opportunity

We are seeking a motivated Research Assistant to join the project “Transition to secondary school: Supporting successful educational pathways of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.”

This exciting role will explore how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students experience the transition to secondary school, capturing the voices of students, First Nations School Mentors, school staff, and communities. Through these insights, the project will co-design practical strategies that strengthen support and create smoother transitions for young people.

As a Research Assistant, you’ll play a key role in participant engagement, data collection, and qualitative analysis (including reflexive thematic analysis), contributing directly to meaningful outcomes that can shape future educational practice.

For more information, please visit us online: Thompson Institute

You will

• undertake research tasks such as participant recruitment and data collection (e.g. one-on-one interviews, focus groups, yarning sessions);
• conduct qualitative analysis of audio recordings (e.g. coding qualitative data using thematic analysis);
• conduct qualitative analysis to organise, code, and analyse qualitative data efficiently, maintaining clear audit trails and thematic structures;
• work respectfully with data involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants, demonstrating cultural awareness and sensitivity;
• assist in the preparation of summaries, reports, or visualisations of findings that may contribute to publications, presentations, or community feedback; and
• provide extensive research administrative support.

About you

You are a detail-oriented and proactive research professional with strong analytical and organisational skills, capable of managing multiple tasks and meeting deadlines with precision. Your sound judgement, initiative, and adaptability allow you to thrive in dynamic research environments, ensuring confidentiality and accuracy at every stage. With excellent written and verbal communication skills, you build productive relationships and engage effectively with participants, communities, and diverse stakeholders, contributing to high-quality research and meaningful outcomes.

You will possess:

• Completion of a relevant degree combined with a sound understanding of research methodologies;
• Experience in analysing data using qualitative methodologies qualitative;
• Ability to use qualitative analysis software’s (e.g. NVivo) for coding purposes;
• Experience working in a research environment and/or within the education (e.g. schools) sector will be highly regarded; and
• Hold a current working with children blue card or ability to obtain one.

UniSC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, women in STEM, First Nations Peoples, and individuals of diverse cultures, genders, abilities, and experiences. We value achievement relative to opportunity and encourage your commentary on your achievements in this context. For additional support during the application process, please contact us at unisc-careers@usc.edu.au or call +61 7 5430 2830.

UniSC values a diverse and talented workforce and invites applications from candidates who already have legal work rights in Australia.

All applications must be lodged through the Careers at UniSC website.

UniSC does not accept unsolicited applications. For agency inquiries, contact unisc-careers@usc.edu.au

Applications for this position close midnight, Friday 10 October 2025.

Your completed application must include:

• a resume, noting your application will be reviewed in alignment to the specified Selection Criteria as outlined within the advertisement.

Further information regarding how to prepare your application is available on our website: Join our team

We would love the opportunity to get to know you better, but we know it works both ways. To get to know a little more about us, visit us at: Welcome to UniSC and LinkedIn Life

Have questions or want to know more? For a confidential discussion, please contact:

Dr Azhar Potia
Senior Research Fellow – Behavioural Economist, Thompson Institute
Email: apotia@usc.edu.au

Discover UniSC

We're all about doing work that matters, connecting with great people, and being part of an incredible journey. We’re not the biggest university. But we’re growing every day, and doing big things. Like ground-breaking research, championing sustainability, producing gold-winning athletes and award-winning alumni.

We're one of the fastest growing universities in Australia, growing to over 2,000 people across 5 campuses in South East Queensland and a growing footprint in major capital cities.

Teaching excellence is at the heart of what we do, and our commitment to sustainability is integrated into our teaching, research, and daily operations. Our research tackles the most pressing challenges of our time, with 13 research fields ranked well above world standard, characterised by evidence of outstanding performance according to the Excellence Research for Australia Rankings. At UniSC you will have the opportunity to contribute to the educational landscape for future generations.

We foster a collaborative and supportive environment, encouraging continuous professional development and providing resources to enhance your career. We recognise and value the contributions of each team member to our culture and success. We're not afraid to be different, and we're looking for people who share our values and want to be part of a team that is working together to improve our local and global challenges.

Our Culture & Benefits:

• Our collaborative, passionate and welcoming culture is what really sets us apart.
• Modern teaching & research facilities.
• Professional development and career pathway opportunities.
• We are a proud recipient of the prestigious Athena SWAN Bronze Award, granted as part of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) initiative.
• EAP, fitness passport & discounted private health.