Research Assistant/research Officer

Parkville
Attractive salary $101,035 - $108,451 per annum + super
12-month full time contract with Australia's largest child health research institute

What’s in it for you?

Maximise your pay through salary packaging, including entertainment and novated leases.
Work in a supportive and energetic environment with our growing team
Enjoy flexible working options
Conveniently located next to public transport (Trams 59, 58 & 57).

**The opportunity**:
BabyScreen+ is an exciting new Genomics Health Futures Mission funded research project investigating the use of genomic testing in newborn screening in Victoria. The project, led by A/Prof Sebastian Lunke and Prof Zornitza Stark, is based at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) in Melbourne. We are looking for an experienced and motivated researcher to join the Implementation Science and Psychosocial Research Team.

The BabyScreen+ Implementation Science and Psychosocial Research Assistant/Research Officer will be responsible for coordinating the Implementation Science and Psychosocial Research Team and undertaking Implementation Science and Psychosocial research into the design and implementation of genomic newborn screening.

Implementation research encompasses a full range of ‘complex intervention’ methods requiring a strong theoretical component. Some strategies work and some are not effective, and implementation research seeks to build an evidence base about which strategies are likely to lead to improvements in the quality and efficiency of care. In the genomics context, psychosocial research explores the psychological and social impacts of genomic technologies including how people make decisions about testing, how they experience the testing process, and the impact of genomic testing results. This project will contribute to the operationalisation of the BabyScreen+ project and add to the psychosocial and implementation science bodies of knowledge.

The Research Assistant/Research Officer will be line managed and supported by the BabyScreen+ Implementation Science and Psychosocial Research leads A/Prof Stephanie Best and Dr Alison Archibald. The successful applicant is expected to be responsible for contributing to this project with mínimal supervision, requiring a high degree of responsibility, self-motivation and organisation. The Research Assistant/Research Officer will be expected to function as an effective and central team member across the multidisciplinary research team.

**Your responsibilities include**:
Planning and conducting research in the BabyScreen+ project building upon an understanding of the key areas of implementation science and psychosocial research
Providing general co-ordination of sub-projects within the implementation science and psychosocial research stream
Working with relevant team members to facilitate recruitment of participants and data collection
Collating and analysing data for exploratory studies and for the development and evaluation of implementation interventions

**About you**:
Bachelor’s degree in Behavioural Science or health-related discipline, with post-graduate applied health sciences or implementation science/psychosocial/health services research expertise, PhD desired but not essential
An emerging record of publications, conference papers and/or reports, or professional or technical contributions which provide evidence of strong research potential
(Desired) Experience in knowledge sharing, development, mentoring and support of employees and students
(Desired) Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with healthcare professionals
(Desired) Project management of multi-method studies

Who we are

At Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, we share a powerful vision; to re-imagine the future of child health. We are renowned for our cutting-edge focus on early interventions, improved diagnosis, prevention, and development of potential cures. Our success is founded on a philosophy of collaboration through a multi-disciplinary approach to solving the toughest questions in child health. We are the home to many life-changing scientific discoveries. Murdoch Children’s is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity, equity and respect that celebrates and values the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our people. We strive to foster a positive working environment that is underpinned by equal opportunity for all and consideration for the diverse voices of our people and the communities we serve. Murdoch Children’s is a proud member of the Australian Network on Disability and is a committed subscriber to Science Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) and its principles.

**To be considered, applicants should submit**:
Cover letter
Resume
Responses to ‘selection criteria’ via the position description

All applicants, please be aware that in line with the Murdoch Children’s and VCGS COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, all Murdoch Children’s and VCGS workers must be fully vaccinated (boosted), un