Research Assistant: Brain Dynamics Centre

**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**:
The Research Assistant (RA) position will help with data collection of the Mood Disorders project. This project, in addition to assisting in the carrying out of other clinical research as directed. They will work with other BDC staff to recruit and assess participants for BDC research projects.

The position reports to A/Prof Mayuresh Korgaonkar, the Research Director of the Brain Dynamics Centre who is the chief investigator of the Mood Disorders project based at WIMR. He will be responsible for the allocation of duties, review of performance and overall management of the position.

**The research assistant is responsible for the following**:
Help with the collection, processing and cleaning of data.
Assist in laboratory investigations (electroencephalography, magnetic resonance imaging).
Liaise with BDC researchers to ensure proper running of the mood disorders study and other projects.
Complete documentation of participants in clinical studies.
Maintain longitudinal follow-up of participants where necessary.
Perform other research and related activities as directed by A/Prof Mayuresh Korgaonkar.
Assess participants using structured and semi-structured instruments including the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 and other instruments where required.
Ensure that administrative systems, procedures and protocols are fully adhered to.
Present this data as requested by
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
Help prepare ethics and other reports for BDC studies.

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

In electrophysiological (EEG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and other biological investigations of mental illness.
In working with people with depression, bipolar or severe mental illnesses.
In working in a research environment including use of software packages.
Demonstrated ability to work independently.

Skills/Knowledge

Bachelor degree in health or science related field.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Familiarity with mental health services.
Ability to work with statistical software and other research related software packages e.g. MATLAB, SPM, FSL, PsychoPy.
Familiarity with research ethics requirements.

Behaviours/Attributes

Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team to achieve study goals.