Research Assistant - Multiple Sclerosis

• Part-time (17.5 hours per week), 12-month fixed-term opportunity

• Join a leading neuroimaging research team at the University of Sydney and contribute to groundbreaking multiple sclerosis research while developing your expertise in MRI analysis, Python-based data pipelines, and clinical research coordination

• Base Salary $89,755 - $100,495 (pro-rata) + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

Join the Save Sight Institute at the University of Sydney and play a key role in a major MRFF-funded multiple sclerosis neuroimaging study that is advancing the understanding of disease progression and treatment outcomes. Working within a multidisciplinary research team, you will contribute to the delivery of cutting-edge research through a combination of advanced MRI data processing, neuroimaging workflow coordination, and study administration.

We are seeking a highly organised and technically capable Research Assistant to support a large MRFF-funded multiple sclerosis imaging study based at the University of Sydney. The role combines advanced neuroimaging data management and MRI pipeline execution with day-to-day study coordination responsibilities. The successful candidate will work with large-scale longitudinal clinical and imaging datasets derived from the MSBase Registry and MSBase Imaging Repository (MSBIR), including extraction and organisation of treatment and MRI timepoint data, coordination of imaging workflows, and execution of MRI preprocessing pipelines to prepare data for downstream lesion analysis. Responsibilities will include image registration, quality control, pipeline management, coordination of data flow across collaborating sites, and assisting with overall study administration and project coordination. The position requires experience working with MRI analysis pipelines and neuroimaging software (e.g. FSL, ANTs, FreeSurfer, MRtrix or similar), proficiency in Python and command-line scripting for data processing and automation, strong organisational skills, and the ability to work independently within a multidisciplinary MS neuroimaging research team. The role is expected to involve approximately 80% MRI/data processing work and 20% study coordination activities.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Coordinate and support the delivery of a large-scale multiple sclerosis neuroimaging research study, ensuring research activities are completed accurately and within agreed timeframes.

• Manage and process complex longitudinal clinical and MRI datasets, including data extraction, organisation, quality control, and preparation for downstream analysis.

• Execute and maintain MRI preprocessing and analysis pipelines, supporting image registration, workflow management, and data integrity across collaborating research sites.

• Write and maintain Python and shell scripts to automate data extraction, cross-reference large longitudinal datasets across registries and clinical records, and generate reproducible outputs (tables, plots, summary statistics) to support pipeline execution and reporting.

• Collaborate with researchers, clinicians, and external partners to facilitate study operations, coordinate imaging workflows, and contribute to project objectives and outcomes.

• Prepare and maintain study documentation, reports, ethics and governance records, research outputs, and other project-related materials in accordance with regulatory and institutional requirements.

• Support the administrative and operational requirements of the research program, including stakeholder communication, financial processing, compliance activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.

About you

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field.

• Demonstrated experience working with MRI analysis pipelines and neuroimaging software such as FSL, ANTs, FreeSurfer, MRtrix, or similar tools, with the ability to manage and process complex imaging datasets.

• Proficiency in Python (e.g. pandas, numpy, matplotlib) and command-line/terminal environments, with demonstrated ability to write scripts for data wrangling, automation, and generation of graphs and summary reports from large, complex datasets.

• Strong data management, analytical and problem-solving skills, including experience handling large-scale longitudinal research data and maintaining high standards of data quality and accuracy.

• Excellent organisational, communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple priorities and work effectively across multidisciplinary research teams and collaborating organisations.

• Experience working in a research-intensive environment, including supporting research administration, literature reviews, data reporting, and the preparation of research outputs and project documentation.

• A proactive and collaborative approach, with strong attention to detail, sound judgement, and the ability to work independently while contributing positively to team objectives.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks and declarations 

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University.  Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement 

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion. 

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.  

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Roshik Prasad, Recruitment Operations by email to [email protected]

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