Research Assistant, Level A
College/Division: College of Science and Engineering
School/Section: Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies
Location: Canberra
Classification: CRA1
Reporting line: Reports to Dr Rebecca Shellock

Position Summary
The University of Tasmania is building a vision of a place-based University with a mission to enhance the intellectual, economic, social and cultural future of Tasmania, and from Tasmania, contribute to the world in areas of distinctive advantage. The University recognises that achieving this vision is dependent on the people we employ as well as creating a people-centred University that is values-based, relational, diverse, and development-focused.

We are seeking to appoint a Research Assistant within the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies in the College of Sciences and Engineering. The Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre is dedicated to seeking knowledge and innovation to provide adequate and sustainable nutrition to an increasing world population. The Centre’s fisheries research supports the long-term sustainable harvest of wild marine resources, and their aquaculture research is aimed at delivering significant increases in production while minimising environmental impacts. 

The position will be hosted by IMAS and affiliated with the Centre for Marine Socioecology (CMS). CMS was established to address the current and future use of our marine coasts and oceans. CMS is a unique collaboration between the University of Tasmania and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), with support from the Australian Antarctic Division. It brings together disciplinary expertise in physics, law, economics, biology, sociology, psychology, human health, art, media, philosophy and governance. CMS uses this expertise to focus on the complex issues that are developing in the management of the marine estate.

The candidate will be contributing to a project which has been funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR). The project will inform and support the implementation of the ACIAR 2022-2027 Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Strategy as well as monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the GESI action plan across ACIAR and its portfolio. The candidate will be based in the GESI hub at ACIAR and will work with a team to coordinate, implement and research the GESI action plan. 

The primary focus of the position is to undertake monitoring, evaluation and learning research for the project. Research support activities include reviews of literature, undertaking interviews, transcription and data analysis, contribution to the writing of academic papers and progress reports, and assisting with the day-to-day running of the project.

We are an inclusive workplace committed to ‘working from the strength that diversity brings’ reflected in our Statement of Values. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people and are committed to inclusive principles. We celebrate the range of diverse assets that gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age and life course bring. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community. Tell us how we can make this job work for you.

What You’ll Do

• Make an effective and sustained contribution to the University in achieving its strategic objectives and fulfilling its operational responsibilities.
• Conducting desktop research and synthesis activities on gender equity and social inclusivity (e.g., scoping reviews and policy briefs).
• Undertaking qualitative and quantitative research on gender equality and social inclusivity. This includes data collection (e.g., interviews, workshops, horizon scanning, surveys), transcription and analysis of primary and secondary data.
• Assisting with the writing of high-quality academic papers and other outputs with internal and external stakeholders, including development of regular progress reports and presentation of outcomes to investigators and collaborators.
• Providing general research administrative functions connected with the funded project and assist the Principal Investigators with the day-to-day running of the project.
• Undertake other duties as reasonably assigned by the supervisor.

What We’re Looking For (success criteria)

• Completion of an Honours degree in Gender Studies, Sociology, Anthropology, Environmental Social Science, or a related discipline and/or equivalent qualifications and/or professional experience. 
• Evidence of experience in research and the ability to work effectively under limited supervision or independently. For example, this can include research projects conducted as part of an Honours or Masters degree.
• A demonstrated ability and understanding of research in the field of social science, demonstrated by a strong academic record.
• Experience of working in R4D and an understanding of gender equity and social inclusivity is highly desirable.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to interact effectively with people from a diverse range of backgrounds. 
• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team in a cooperative and collegial manner. 
• Demonstrated high level of self-motivation and personal management skills. 
• Excellent skills in Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and Excel. 
• Experience in quantitative data analysis, qualitative data analysis and transcription and/or NVivo software would be desirable. 

Other position requirements

• Current Working with Vulnerable People registration (or to be obtained)
• Occasional intrastate/ interstate/ international travel
• Visiting and working in the field in remote locations.
• Travel (e.g., interstate and internationally) and working outside of normal working hours (e.g., evenings and weekends).
• A record of contributing to building and maintaining effective and productive networks with the discipline, profession, industry (where relevant) and wider community.

To express your interest in the role, please could you send your CV and a one-page statement. In this statement, please could you tell us why you are the right person for the position, what you can offer and how your skills, knowledge, experience, and qualifications are relevant to the role. Please send your expression of interest or any questions or queries about the position to Dr Rebecca Shellock (Rebecca.shellock@utas.edu.au).