Cancer Research Coordinator

Purpose:

• To study and make assessments on exposures to cancer causing agents and other carcinogenic toxic substances in rural and remote Northern Territory communities; to evaluate their exposures and related harmful effects and design cancer prevention, screening or awareness surveys & programs for reducing cancer incidence and cancer related mortality rates in rural and remote NT.

Key responsibilities:

• Design and conduct programs to study and examine the effects of cancer-causing agents and toxins such as UV radiation, tobacco smoke, vaping, alcohol and other carcinogenic substances on general population and diseases it can lead to.
• Make observations and measurements, research information, analyze data, prepare or supervise the reports including scientific writing, present findings at scientific meetings, symposiums and conferences.
• Examine the exposure and the impact of cancer-causing agents among the public and use the knowledge gained to create and develop new, and improve programs, education materials, and processes related to cancer prevention.
• Investigate the effects of environmental factors and other toxic components, such as UV radiation, tobacco smoke, and alcohol, on public health and develop reports based on surveys or questionnaires.
• Plan and undertake programs to study, measure, and understand the impact of exposure to toxins or carcinogens on public health
• Develop engagement strategies to effectively communicate scientific toxicology research findings on cancer to key stakeholders, including government and non-government entities, local community groups, and the broader public, ensuring evidence-based insights from studies are translated into community awareness and action.
• Coordinate cancer prevention programs based on evidence-based toxicology study across the state in collaboration with relevant managers and the CEO.
• Design, implement, and evaluate programs that promote a healthy lifestyle and educate on minimizing exposure to carcinogens such as UV radiation, tobacco smoke, alcohol and other risk factors for cancer.
• Apply toxicological evidence to design and guide the implementation of national level evidence-based programs in rural and remote areas to educate general public on cancer risk and prevention, including specific programs on sun safety, tobacco and vaping cessation, and alcohol moderation.
• Engage all forms of media to promote health messages and cancer prevention services and activities of the organization based on the scientific research and toxicology studies conducted, including social media, print, TV, and radio.
• Undertake special projects around general population and advocacy initiatives at the direction of the CEO.
• Provide guidance and support in the development of evidence-based organizational policies focused on cancer prevention, incorporating research on carcinogens, their impact on public health, and effective risk mitigation strategies.
• Identify funding sources and assist in the preparation of submissions to access funding for organizational programs.
• Lead the Commonwealth indigenous fast track cancer diagnosis program to benefit indigenous population and implement evidence-based strategies to educate indigenous people.
• Participate in the organization committee and ensure the dissemination of information back to the organization.
• Provide a monthly report to the CEO on research and implementation activities.
• When required, assist with the day-to-day management and training of university clinical student placements in cancer risk factors and prevention.

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Qualifications including minimum bachelor's degree or higher in any life Sciences or health-related degree with minimum 2-3 years of relevant work experience.

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience including study, design and making observations on exposures to cancer causing agents, carcinogenic toxic substances or any closely related discipline.

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in conducting safety assessments or adverse effects evaluation including basic research and analytical skills to deliver Cancer Council's study, prevention and screening programs.
• Understanding of  various tumour types, cancer-causing agents and other toxic substances, their associated risk factors, its harmful effects on the people and related types of cancers it leads to.
• High level of communication skills both verbal and written, along with the ability to work unsupervised and with excellent time management skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, with demonstrated experience working with databases; and web administration/content management.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize work and perform daily tasks efficiently and within deadlines.
• Sound stakeholder engagement for coordinated scientific investigations and dissemination of information's, excellent verbal communication skills and demonstrated experience in public speaking.
• Excellent report writing skills with the ability to write submissions, research proposals, and evaluation reports.
• A confident self-starter who demonstrates initiative and a solution-orientated approach, an ability to learn new skills and to work without supervision.
• Ability to work as a member of the team and to facilitate collaborative action.
• Current Northern Territory Driver's License (with no restrictions)
• Current Ochre Card (Working with Children's Check NT).

Desirable

• Demonstrated experience in grant writing, project management and acquittal reporting.
• Experience in closely working with indigenous communities

Personal Attributes:

• Highly motivated, honest, mature person with a proactive work ethic.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills.
• High degree of creativity and flexibility in working across a broad range of issues within a team environment.
• Collaborative working style and a demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Demonstrated personal commitment to a healthy lifestyle