Research Assistant

The Garvan Institute of Medical Research is widely reputed as the pre-eminent medical research institute in Australia and has strong working links with other leading research groups in Australia, specifically for this project, the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) at the University of New South Wales Sydney. CHeBA is an international centre of excellence in multidisciplinary research into the ageing brain, including examining various aspects of cognitive disorders and dementia, as well as undertaking research into the prevention, treatment and assessment of cognitive ageing. This project, the MetMemory Study, marries the expertise in metabolic research at Garvan and ageing at CHeBA.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Research Assistant will provide research assistance to the MetMemory Study which is a 3-year randomised controlled intervention of the medication metformin on cognitive, metabolic and neuroimaging in older people with mild cognitive impairment. The role involves participating in every aspect of the protocol execution, including screening and recruitment, and collecting data (by telephone, face-to-face physical and cognitive measurements, blood collection). The position requires skills in conducting phone interviews with study participants and assisting them and their informants to complete a range of questionnaires and assessments, which will be online and in person. The position also involves entering the collected data and specimens into databases, maintaining meticulous records, and assisting with general day-to-day tasks in aid of the study. There is scope for involvement in data analysis and manuscript drafting.

This role involves specific tasks following a protocol in a randomised controlled trial, therefore the hours are:
Monday - Wednesday 8am - 1pm

Thursday 8am - 12pm

Nineteen hours per week on-site at the Garvan Institute.

**Salary**: FTE $73,500 + 14% super + salary packaging (Prorated $36,750)

Employment Type: 2 year part time opportunity (19 hours per week)

SNAPSHOT OF BENEFITS- Generous salary packaging to save you income tax on your wages thereby boosting your monthly take home pay (max. $15,900 general expenses + $2,650 meals/accom)- Ample opportunities for on-going training and development- Stimulating, diverse and highly international research environment- Flexible work arrangements e.g. start / finish times- 18 weeks paid parental leave for both parents including paid superannuation- A range of additional leave types to meet your personal needs including cultural leave, conference leave, community service and study leave- Discounted Health Insurance- Lifestyle discounts with our community partners

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The key responsibilities include:
- Complete structured participant assessments in a timely and accurate manner including conducting phone interviews- Collaborate with a nominated family member/friend (Informant) of participants.- Enrol Informants and participants on to an online assessment platform and guide them through the online assessment, including online cognitive testing environment as required- Perform physical measures on participants, including blood pressure, weight, strength and arterial stiffness and venesection. Training is offered for the latter two skills and it is expected the required degree of competency is acquired within a reasonable time frame.- Guide participants through paper-based questionnaires of cognition and other study assessments- Provide written feedback about results to participants and treating doctors, as required- Perform accurate data entry, maintain precise records and assist the Study Coordinator with data management and analysis- Ensure collection of study participant data is valid and ethical- Attend project meetings, take minutes and follow-up on action items in a timely manner- Assist with the preparation of academic papers and other documents for publication and dissemination- Perform other duties as requested by the supervisors- Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of participants, yourself or any others.

ABOUT YOU

The key skills and experience include:
- A Bachelor degree in either Psychology (Honours 2.1 or higher) or Nursing, or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through any other combination of education, training or experience- Demonstrated experience with client/participant interviewing, preferably with older adults and individuals with dementia- Demonstrated experience in conducting neuropsychological/cognitive assessments; knowledge of/experience with online cognitive assessment is desirable- Excellent organisational skills and ability to prioritise own workload and work independently as well as an effective member of a team.- Excellent organisational and time management skills, and meticulous attention to detail- Skills in data en