Volunteer Research Assistants / Interns

We are seeking highly motivated, reliable volunteer research assistants/interns to assist with research projects within our Mental Health and Health Behaviours teams during 2019.
 
The BSU is part of the Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital and sits within the School of Women’s and Children’s Health, UNSW Medicine. We are a psycho-social research group within paediatric cancer research, with studies covering mental health interventions, health psychology, neuropsychology (social skills and cognitive development), genetic counselling and psycho-oncology.

What might volunteering involve?

  • Assistance with the preparation of research manuscripts, literature searches and reviews
  • Transcription of participant interviews (with doctors, patients, parents, grandparents)
  • Data entry and analysis
  • Creating participant packages and mail-outs
  • Preparation of research ethics applications
  • Website and intervention content development
  • Time commitment: volunteers must commit to at least 1 full day per fortnight, for a minimum of 6 months (or equivalent). Alternatively, we are also open to negotiating more extensive internships e.g. 3-5 days per week for a month during holidays/stu-vac.

Essential skills

  • Undergraduate or postgraduate volunteers who have completed at least 2nd year studies in psychology, medicine or human sciences (we are also happy to accept applicants with research experience from other related disciplines)
  • SPSS (primarily data entry and data management)
  • Microsoft office – word and excel
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • High attention to detail
  • Friendly and team-oriented
  • Punctual and reliable
  • Working with children check (free for volunteers)
  • National Police Check (~$24)​

Desirable skills

  • Motivated and able to work independently
  • Creativity and design skills
  • Familiarity with NVivo, Microsoft Access, Endnote and STATA is preferred but not essential 

How to apply

If you are interested in volunteering at the BSU please contact Dr Kate Hetherington (Mental Health) or Christina Signorelli (Health Behaviours) and include:
  • a copy of your CV,
  • a writing sample (e.g. previous assessment or publication),
  • the potential time frame of your commitment, and
  • an outline what you would like to achieve while working with us (500 word limit)
 
Please be aware that not all applications for volunteer work will be successful. If you are successful you will be required to comply with both Sydney Children’s Hospital Code of Conduct and UNSW Code of Conduct. You will be asked to supply evidence of a national police check and working with children check.

See what other volunteers have to say

"I joined BSU as a volunteer at the end of my second year in Psychology at UNSW. BSU has offered me the opportunity to work alongside researchers who are not only the leaders in their field of psycho-oncology, but working on practical implementations that can benefit young cancer survivors. This intervention component is something I cannot find in my university curriculum, and the work I am able to do is rewarding and has provided me with a new insight into psychology and oncology." 
​Yuki Wen, 2018
"I began volunteering at the BSU at the beginning of 2018 while completing my undergraduate degree in Psychology. The BSU has given me an excellent opportunity to gain real-world research experience beyond that offered in my university studies. It has been highly rewarding to further develop my research-specific skills and get a greater sense of what it’s like to work in a multidisciplinary professional environment. It has also been great to meet and work with the many kind, dedicated and knowledgeable staff at the BSU. Most importantly, I have been able to contribute to the great work the BSU does in addressing the various difficulties faced by sufferers and families affected by paediatric cancer.’
Lachlan Munro, 2018
Lachlan now works with the BSU full-time as a Research Officer