Research Assistant: Social & Global Studies Research Centre

• Casual Vacancy Expression of Interest
• $46 to $55 per hour and Flexible Working Arrangements
• The hours are between 250-300 

About us

RMIT is a multi-sector university of technology, design and enterprise with more than 91,000 students and 11,000 staff globally. RMIT offers postgraduate, undergraduate, vocational education and online programs to provide students with a variety of work-relevant pathways.

Our purpose is to offer life-changing experiences for our students, and to help shape the world with research, innovation, teaching and industry engagement. With strong industry connections forged over 130 years, collaboration with industry remains integral to RMIT’s leadership in education, applied and innovative research, and to the development of highly skilled, globally focused graduates.

About you

We are seeking expressions of interest from an exceptional and suitably qualified Research Assistant (RA) to work with Associate Professor Nicola Henry in the Social and Global Studies Centre at RMIT University to assist with her Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellowship. The project examines the efficacy of digital tools and interventions to detect, prevent and respond to image-based sexual abuse (defined as the non-consensual taking or sharing of intimate images).

The Research Assistant will be work closely with A/Prof Henry to undertake a digital ethnography of 30-60 digital platforms that host non-consensual imagery. The RA will undertake and/or assist with data design, collection, analysis and management. The digital ethnography will combine qualitative content analysis of text and visual images with ‘virtual participant observation’ to observe platform architecture, cultural dynamics and user interactions. Access to surface, deep and dark webs will be accessed safely in consultation with an ICT security consultant (e.g. using a VPN, TOR browser). Other ethical measures include mandatory reporting guidelines, a prohibition against downloading images, and a vicarious trauma protocol for researchers (including access to psychological services). Sites will include: pornography sites, ‘deepfake’ sites, ‘revenge porn’ sites, social media, imageboards, online community forums, video-sharing sites, and blogging sites.

This role is due to start in mid-June.

Key Selection Criteria

The RA will have:
•An honours or postgraduate degree in sociology, criminology, anthropology or digital media studies.
•Previous experience, or capacity, in conducting qualitative research on mobile or digital technologies.
•Proficiency in the use of qualitative data analysis software and Excel spreadsheets in order to collate, analyse and synthesise the data.
•Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
•Ability to conduct research on sensitive subject topics (please note: the RA work involves exposure to pornographic and/or abhorrent violent material).
•Ability to work autonomously and also in a team environment.

Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children Check.

Bring Your Whole Self to Work

We are better for our diversity. When we listen to those who are different to us, or challenge us, we grow stronger together. When we feel like we belong, we can achieve so much more. We respect each other, embrace our differences and build a sense of belonging in our team and beyond.

We are proud that our dedication to diversity has been recognised by a broad spectrum of external organisations. Visit our Linkedin Life pages to learn more and see some of our most recent wins.

RMIT has a strong dhumbali (commitment) to the employment, development and retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within a culturally safe environment; we strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

To Apply 

Please submit your CV and covering letter addressing your suitability/the Key Selection Criteria for this position by clicking on the ‘Apply’ link below.

•Cover letter, outlining interest and alignment with the proposed research, and addressing the selection criteria; and
•CV (including the names of two referees).

Applications close on 19th May at 11:55pm with the aim of a start date of 15th June 2021

If you have any questions, please contact the Casual Recruitment Team on casualrecruitment@rmit.edu.au

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RMIT is a Disability Confident Recruitment Team and we are happy to adjust the recruitment process for your accessibility requirements. Please contact us at TalentSupport@rmit.edu.au telling us your preferred type of communication and we will be in touch as soon as possible to discuss your requirements.

RMIT is an equal opportunity employer committed to being a child safe organisation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.

Please note that whilst we still accept applications from any persons interested in our roles, due to the impacts of COVID-19, we are currently prioritising applications from those with current working rights in Australia and who are not affected by travel restrictions. Please see the latest updates to Australia’s immigration and border arrangements during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/

We are a 2021 Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant.

Trans and Gender Diverse applicants

Inclusion is at the durrung (or heart) of who we are. We aim to create an environment where staff and students who identify as trans and gender diverse feel supported to succeed and belong.

We recognise the challenges faced by the trans and gender diverse community when applying for a new role.

At RMIT, we aim to support you from the start. Our Talent Acquisition team are active members of the RMIT Ally network.

For enquires or support through the application, recruitment and onboarding process, applicants who identify as trans or gender diverse are invited to contact Mat Lewis at mat.lewis@rmit.edu.au