We are seeking someone with a strong interest in alcohol and drugs research who wants to help shape the way drug use, markets and harms are monitored in Australia into the future. The Research Officer position will play a key role working on research projects forming part of the Drug Trends program at the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), UNSW, collecting important data to inform policy and practice in Australia.

NDARC was established at UNSW by the Commonwealth Government in 1986 to extend the knowledge base required for effective treatment of individuals with alcohol and other drug-related problems and to enhance the overall research capacity in the drug and alcohol field. NDARC is highly regarded for its contribution to drug and alcohol research. NDARC

The Drug Trends program is an internationally-renowned system which NDARC has coordinated since 1996. The program is key to identifying emerging problems in substance use in Australia, and providing impetus for policy responses and intervention. The Drug Trends program is entering an exciting new phase, adopting novel methods to respond to new challenges in monitoring substance use (e.g., online drug marketplaces, availability of new psychoactive substances) and innovative communication strategies to reach national and international audiences.

The Opportunity  

• Full time, Fixed-term opportunity until 30^th June 2022
• Level 6: $88K - $94K (+ 17% superannuation & leave loading)
• Sydney, Australia based.

The Research Officer position is a diverse role that is involved in all Drug Trends projects but predominantly contributes to the Illicit Drug Reporting System (IDRS) and Ecstasy and Related Drugs Reporting System (EDRS) projects. The IDRS and EDRS are long-established national illicit drug monitoring systems intended to identify emerging trends of local and national concern in illicit drug markets. The Research Officer will be involved in all stages of these key projects – from survey design, data collection and analysis, report writing, information dissemination, and planning for future projects.

The role reports to the Senior Research Officer in the Drug Trends team and will have several casual interviewing staff reporting to them during data collection. Please see the attached position description for full details  Research Officer Lev 6 PD NDARC

Skills and Experience

• A university degree in health, public health, psychology, social work, or related discipline, or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through a combination of education, training or experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of issues affecting people who use illicit drugs and of the challenges and opportunities when working with disadvantaged or minority communities.
• Experience working in the field of drug and alcohol research or service provision would be advantageous.
• Training and experience in quantitative statistical analyses. Experience using SPSS and/or Stata would be advantageous.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and superior interpersonal communication skills to initiate and maintain effective stakeholder relationships whilst exercising discretion and confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and productively within a team, but also to take initiative and work independently while managing competing demands, with excellent time management skills.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

Please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed.

Contact (For job related queries only):

Dr Rachel Sutherland                   E: rachels@unsw.edu.au

Applications close: 11pm, 28^th February 2021

Find out more about working at UNSW at https://med.unsw.edu.au/

UNSW is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity

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