Research Assistant - Spinal Pain Research

• Salary Package: From $88,670 per annum (HEW 5) plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading.
• Appointment Type: Full-time, fixed-term position for 2-years (part-time may be considered for the right candidates).
• Location: Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus (North Ryde)

Are you an organised and motivated person looking to contribute to research that makes a real difference? Macquarie University is seeking a Research Assistant to support an MRFF funded clinical trial, investigating the implementation of the WalkBack (walking and education) program lead by the Macquarie University Spinal Pain Research Centre and Professor Mark Hancock. This role offers an opportunity to work alongside a team dedicated to improving outcomes for people living with spinal pain through high-quality, clinically relevant research.

About Us
The Macquarie University Spinal Pain Research Centre conducts multidisciplinary, high-quality research focused on reducing the personal and societal burden associated with spinal pain across all stages of life.

Our vision is to conduct clinically important research that contributes to substantially reducing the burden of spinal pain on individuals, healthcare systems, and society.

Our mission is to provide world-class research, clinical trial leadership, and implementation science expertise characterised by innovation and scientific rigour, with a focus on problems that are important to healthcare providers, patients, and healthcare policy makers.

We seek to:

• Conduct innovative and impactful research that improves the prevention, management, and outcomes of spinal pain
• Lead high-quality clinical trials and implementation research that translates evidence into practice
• Collaborate with healthcare providers, patients, researchers, and policy makers to address clinically important questions
• Develop and evaluate effective strategies to improve the delivery of evidence-based care.

About the Role
The successful applicant will provide research support for a multi-institutional program lead by the Macquarie University Spinal Pain Research Centre and Professor Mark Hancock. This research project will focus on the implementation of the WalkBack (walking and education) program. Working closely with the research team, the Research Assistant will assist with participant and clinician recruitment, data management, and general research activities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Assisting with recruitment and advertising strategies to engage clinician participants
• Contacting and screening clinician participants via telephone or in person to determine eligibility for the study
• Using online platforms, including REDCap, to support participant recruitment and study administration
• Entering study data into Excel databases and assisting participants with data entry where required
• Reviewing and cleaning data to support accurate and high-quality study records
• Providing general research assistance and administrative support as required.

About You
You will be a highly organised individual with strong communication skills and an interest in health or clinical research. You will be comfortable working both independently and collaboratively within a research team and be able to manage competing priorities effectively.

Essential Selection Criteria

• Excellent organisational and communication skills,
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage data accurately,
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team,
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing project requirements, and
• Experience using Microsoft Excel and other common workplace software.

Desirable Selection Criteria

• Previous research assistant experience, including data entry, data cleaning, data analysis, and experience with online data collection systems (e.g. REDCap), and
• Experience working within a research context.

Note: Appointment to this role will be subject to the successful completion of a police check.

How to Apply
To be considered for this position, please apply online by submitting your CV and a separate (1 page maximum) cover letter that demonstrates your suitability for the role and how you meet the following selection criteria above.

*** Note this position is only open to Australian citizens, permanent residents, and those currently residing in Australia with full working rights for the duration of the appointment.

Role Enquiries: Dr. Deborah Wareham at ••••@mq.edu.au

Applications Close: 24th August 2026 at 11:59pm (AEST)

*** Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date. We also reserve the right to close the advert early if a sufficient number of qualified applicants is received.

*** Early applications are encouraged.

Pre-Employment Checks
Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.

Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University.

Why Join Us?
Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation in 1964, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today.

We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index. Explore the fantastic benefits available to you when you become part of the team at Macquarie University.

• Flexible, hybrid work arrangements
• 17% Superannuation
• Subsidised onsite parking options
• Extensive training and professional development programs
• Onsite childcare facilities to support working parents
• Onsite vacation care during school holidays
• Discounted health insurance
• Subsidised membership at our Sport & Aquatic Centre
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program for free and confidential support
• Convenient onsite GP, imaging, and physiotherapy clinics

A Place Where You Belong

At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework.

Flexible Work

At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, visit our Jobs at Macquarie page.