Research Sleep Technician: Ludwig Engel Centre for

**Introduction**:
Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR) is one of Australia’s leading medical research institutes located at the heart of the Westmead Health Precinct, designated as the lighthouse precinct for Biomedical technology by the NSW Government. WIMR is an independent medical research institute governed by a Board. It is a multi-disciplinary institute with research across key themes being:

- Infection and Immunity
- Cancer
- Liver and Metabolic
- Neuroscience and Vision
- Cardiorespiratory

Closely affiliated with the University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, the Institute’s research extends from the laboratory to the patient using the basic tools of molecular and cell biology, genetic epidemiology, imaging technology and clinical research.

Biomedical research in the Institute extends into clinical research programs across a wide range of disciplines which may interface with the many clinical trials in progress at any one time. This “bench to bedside” approach enables greater translation of research from biomedical discovery to the development of new prevention strategies, diagnostics and more effective treatments.

**Description**:
Research Sleep Technician reporting to Associate Professor Kristina Kairaitis and Associate Professor Terence Amis, Associate Director of the Ludwig Engel Centre for Respiratory Research. The primary purpose of this position is to provide competent technical support for research projects requiring overnight polysomnography studies in the WIMR Sleep Research Facility (SRF). The position requires performance of overnight sleep monitoring, the scoring of sleep studies, assisting with the day-to day management of the SRF, maintenance of relevant equipment, and assisting with specific research protocols as required. ies. A focus on ensuring the well-being of individuals who have consented to participate in an overnight research study will be an important responsibility.

Flexible working hours are required, including eight hour day and evening shifts and 12 hour night shifts as required for specific study protocols, all within the limitations of set weekly rostered hours.

This position is a 12 month contract position. Renewal is dependent on performance and funding availability.

**The research sleep technician is responsible for**:
Performing all the required duties of a polysomnographic technologist (including, setup, configuration and monitoring of sleep study beds, actigraphy, limited channel home sleep studies, and repairs/software management).
Equipment calibration.
Recording of anthropometric and questionnaire data and preparation of study participants for overnight polysomnography (set-up).
Serving research participant meals.
Overnight monitoring of research sleep study participants.
Morning “take down” and clean up procedures.
Provision of technical support for sleep research activities, including maintenance of equipment, quality control, equipment trouble shooting and record keeping.
Liaison with investigators, research participants, WIMR information technology personnel, WIMR operations, building management and security personnel, and equipment and service suppliers.
Scoring of polysomnography studies.
Coordinating the initiation and continued conduct of research protocols under the direction of the relevant principal investigators.
Assisting with orientation of new research staff as required.

Institute Requirements

Ensure that administrative systems, procedures and protocols are fully adhered to.
Comply with the Institute’s Code of Conduct, Research Code of Conduct, policies and procedures.
Strive to obtain objectives and performance measures set for the role and participate positively in performance and development reviews.
Demonstrate a genuine commitment to safety by taking reasonable care and cooperating with actions taken to protect the health and safety of everyone working at the Institute.
Report all accidents, incidents and hazards in line with the Institute’s Work Health & Safety policy.

**Skills and Experiences**:
To be successful in this role you will need to have the following education, experience, and technical knowledge:
Experience

At least 3 years’ experience in polysomnography, current registration as a polysomnographic technician.
Degree in science or health related area

Skills/Knowledge

Technical proficiency in performance of in-laboratory polysomnography
Technical proficiency in scoring sleep studies
Experience with management of a sleep laboratory.
Experience with Compumedics polysomnography software platforms would be an advantage.
An understanding of basic sleep physiology concepts

Behaviours/Attributes

Excellent communication and organisational skills and ability to work independently
Attention to detail, especially technical detail
A proactive positive approach, motivation and a willingness to take on challenges and be flexible and open to new opportunities
Ability to interact positively and suppor