Casual Research Assistant - HowWeSurvive
About HowWeSurvive HowWeSurvive is a new, ambitious, long-term funded initiative focused on reshaping disaster recovery. Our work centres on elevating the voices and experiences of disaster-affected communities and bringing these perspectives directly to decision-makers. We are a small, highly collaborative team united by a commitment to meaningful, community-driven change. Why Work at UNSW? UNSW offers a collaborative and inclusive work environment where you can contribute to meaningful projects that make a real impact. As a Go8 university, we are globally recognised for making an impact—and it’s our people who make this happen. We are Australia’s #1 university for research impact and one of the top 20 employers in Australia. You’ll have the opportunity to develop your skills, work alongside experienced professionals, and be part of a university committed to excellence in education and research. In this role, you will contribute to impactful, policy-relevant research and support the development of high-quality research outputs and materials.
About the Role
We are seeking motivated Research Assistants to support a short-term project analysing Australian emergency management policy. Working closely with our Senior Research Fellow, Dr Kate Brady, you will contribute to research, data collection, and project coordination tasks. This role is ideal for someone with prior research experience who is detail-oriented, organised, and interested in disaster recovery, policy, or community-focused research.
Key Responsibilities
Assist with data collection, data entry, and basic analysis tasks Attend research meetings and training sessions Liaise with research participants and follow up via phone, email, or surveys Support preparation of research materials including interview booklets, questionnaires, and reports Assist with formatting manuscripts, abstracts, and conference materials Contribute to routine research administration, including support for ethics or grant documentation Help coordinate project-related meetings and events (e.g. registrations, logistics, basic AV coordination) Respond to routine research-related enquiries Undertake general research support tasks aligned with established methodologies Comply with all relevant health and safety policies and procedures About You Completed (or near completion of) a relevant qualification (e.g. social sciences, public policy, disaster management, or related field) Previous experience supporting a research project Strong organisational skills and attention to detail Proficient in Microsoft Office (or equivalent tools) Comfortable working independently in a remote team environment Strong communication skills, particularly when engaging with stakeholders or participants Additional Information The role is 21 hours per week from 15 June to 10 July 2026 Work hours are flexible by agreement across the contract period Candidates must be available on 15–16 June 2026 and for scheduled team meetings Pre-employment checks may apply depending on the project scope To be considered, please outline your experience in policy analysis, including any relevant projects or roles, in your cover letter. Please note that applicants must have existing working rights in Australia, as visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Submit your application including your resume & cover letter online before Sunday, 10th May 2026 at 11:55pm. A copy of the Position Description can be found on jobs@UNSW. For any enquiries, please contact Katy Brady - [email protected]. CVs submitted to this email will not be considered. Apply To This Job