Research Officer

$72, $90,000.00

NSW

About the Institute

Located on the lands of the Bidiagal Clan of the Dharawal Nation (Randwick, NSW), Black Dog Institute is the only Medical Research Institute in Australia to investigate mental health across the lifespan, our aim is to create a mentally healthier world for everyone.  Emphasising a devoted focus to into suicide prevention, digital mental health, a workplace mental health, we undertake a unique 'translational' research approach that allows us to turn our world-class findings into new treatments, prevention strategies, clinical services, educational programs, and e-health products. We join the dots by connecting research answers, expert knowledge, and the voices of lived experience to deliver solutions that impact and boost the health care system for patients and practitioners alike. Our work is used to drive evidence informed change across the rapidly expanding mental health sector and sets the foundations for a brighter and healthier future for all.

Benefits

• Hybrid work, 1-2 days per week in office (choose your days, consistent team collaboration days where possible)
• 35 hour work week, flexible hours agreements & 9-day fortnights
• Salary Packaging: $15,900.00 of your base salary tax free & up to $ meal & entertainment
• Family first, people first culture, we put our research into action at work to make sure we maintain mental health and wellbeing at work
• We in the Innovate stage of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), actively embedding reconciliation into our workplace culture.
• Pet friendly workplace
• Leave benefits including public holiday swap, gifted annual leave, and wellbeing leave
• Employee discounts and gym membership benefits

The Role

A Research Officer plays a key role in supporting research projects as part of a multidisciplinary team of researchers in the area of Adolescent Mental Health. Reporting to the Senior Research Program Manager, this position will support the ClearlyMe Blended Care project. Blended care refers to the integration of face-to-face therapy with a digital intervention and this project will develop and evaluate a blended care treatment framework combining ClearlyMe with face-to-face therapy for depression in adolescents. This role will provide a high level of technical, operational and research support to senior research staff, and will have responsibility for managing day to day operations of the project and liaising effectively with internal and external stakeholders. A key part of this role will be to liaise and work closely with external mental health professionals (counsellors, psychologists) in the development and trial of the blended care model. The role will also provide operational support as required to other projects within the Adolescent Mental Health research program at Black Dog Institute.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Support in the conceptualisation, design, and successful conduct of research project. 

• Coordinate, plan and complete day-to-day research activities within the framework of agreed project timelines and responsibilities.

• Undertake literature searches and reviews 

• Develop ethics applications and amendments, manage the submission to relevant HRECs, oversee and maintaining the master study file and archiving of ethics forms and study documents 

• Perform data analysis as required by the research project

• Prepare and contribute to the production of technical reports, manuscripts for publication and funding applications

• Manage the technical aspects of databases, including coordinating and executing data cleaning, data entry, analysis, data management processes and ensuring research integrity in research databases, in adherence to the projects research data management plan

• Recruit research participants into studies, in accordance with study protocols

• Monitor research protocols, provide problem solving and resolution to any evolving problems related to design, implementation and analysis, in collaboration with the supervisor

• Adhere to all research ethics and governance codes and regulations

• Coordinate and liaise with clinical and/or community stakeholders, organisations, provide administrative support and actively participate in meetings and discussions as required

Work Health and Safety

• Cooperate with all health and safety policy and procedures of the Institute and take all responsible care to ensure your actions or omissions do not impact the health and safety of yourself and others

• Undertake mandatory training, including Good Clinical Practise and UNSW Research Integrity training 

• Ensure self and all staff comply with all WHS legislation WHS Policy and Procedures

• Report any WHS hazards and significant issues to Director, People & Culture delegate

Note: the list of responsibilities is not exhaustive, and the Institute may change or request additional activities to meet the operational needs of the business

Selection Criteria

Essential Criteria

• An honours degree in Psychology or a related discipline, or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through a combination of relevant experience and/or education/training

• Demonstrated experience working on research projects, including participant recruitment and data collection, ethics applications, and preparation of reports and/or other publications

• Previous experience in collecting, analysing and interpreting research data including use of statistical software (e.g. SPSS, STATA, SAS or NVivo)

• Knowledge of a variety of research protocols, study design and planning as involved in developing research projects, timelines and reporting against milestones

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and productively within a team, but also to take initiative and work independently while managing competing demands

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of attention to detail and the ability to liaise effectively with a range of stakeholders

• Demonstrated interpersonal communication skills to initiate and maintain effective stakeholder relationships whilst exercising discretion and confidentiality

• Good time management skills, with a demonstrated ability to respond to changing priorities, manage multiple tasks and meet competing deadlines by using judgment and initiative

• An understanding of and commitment to BDI's aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines

• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training

• A valid Working with Children Check, or eligibility to obtain one on starting the role

Desirable Criteria

1. Experience working on clinical trials

2. Experience working with adolescents and/or mental health professionals

3. Experience working in e-health and digital technology, including experience with research software (e.g. Qualtrics, REDCap)

EEO Statement
Black Dog Institute is committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects our wider community. We ensure equal employment opportunity for all, regardless of age, appearance, carer status, cultural and/or racial background, disability, gender identity, lived experience, religion or sexual orientation.

How to Apply
To become a part of the Black Dog Institute team, follow the link to our careers site on ELMO and submit your most up to date resume and a detailed cover letter addressing the selection criteria for the role. f you are shortlisted for the role, we will call you and let you know you are successful. Please do not respond to any suspicious emails requesting you to upload your ID or personal details.  We are a 2022 Circle Back Initiative Employer and commit to respond to every applicant.