PRIMARY DETAIL

- 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

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 solid 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. .

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

If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: and go to the Careers App
Find Jobs.

Applications Close: 24/08/2026 11:59 PM

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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 .

Versatile 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 page.

📌 Research Assistant - Spinal Pain Research (Sydney)
🏢 Macquarie University
📍 Sydney