Research Assistant

Alfred Health

Alfred Health is a leader in health care delivery, improvement, research and education. We are the main provider of health services to people living in the inner southeast suburbs of Melbourne, from ambulatory to inpatient and home and community-based services.

• Fixed Term Appointment - 12 Months
• Full-Time - 76 Hours Per Fortnight
• Classification: Community Development Worker ($75k - $85k)
• Location: MAPrc, Level 4, 607 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Vic 3004

About the team

The Monash Alfred Psychiatry research centre (MAPrc) is one of the largest and most impactful clinical research centres in Australia and is based at 607 St Kilda Road, Melbourne. The centre has been a constant source of output in the areas of cutting-edge clinical research, innovation in clinical practice, and a strong voice of advocacy and understanding for people living with mental illness. For researchers aspiring to innovate treatments that have a meaningful impact on the community, MAPrc is the ideal environment. As a joint centre of Monash University and Alfred Health, MAPrc benefits from the Monash-Alfred synergy. Being based in the Alfred Hospital, MAPrc researchers are in the ideal setting to identify specific clinical problems or draw from the lived experience of service consumers to inform their research. We excel in the translation of cutting-edge science to world-class clinical trials and studies, aimed at making a transformative difference to people living with poor mental health.

The TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) Research Unit focuses on translating cutting-edge neuroscience to clinical trials. The Unit aims to launch impactful research which includes 1) clinical trials to improve the therapeutic efficacy of non-invasive therapeutic brain stimulation using pharmacological facilitation of synaptic neuroplasticity and signal transmission and 2) Developing transdiagnostic treatment applications for therapeutic brain stimulation modalities by using neuroimaging biomarkers and causal networks to inform novel, individualised neurostimulation therapies.

About the role

An exciting opportunity exists for a Research Assistant to join the TMS Clinical Research Unit at MAPrc. The primary purpose of this position is recruitment and coordination of participants for current interventional clinical trials, investigating TMS treatment in depression. This position will conduct recruitment related activities and procedures to enhance recruitment of participants into a number of clinical treatment trials being conducted by the TMS Clinical Research Unit at MAPrc. The position reports Dr Leo Chen, Head of the Unit. This role is based at MAPrc on St Kilda Road, although may require some travel to other sites and partnering community services.

Activities to be performed will include: promoting/advertising the study, recruitment and assessment of suitable participants for inclusion in the trial, conduct of clinical measures, data collection, data entry/curation, minor data analysis and preparation of data for publication, along with liaising with other research staff and entering and analysing data. Training will be provided, if required, to enable the successful candidate to become familiar with the provision of TMS therapy.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• A doctoral qualification in the relevant discipline or a closely related field OR substantial relevant skills and work experience.
• Demonstrated experience in subject recruitment with proven ability to establish rapport with patients.
• Highly organised with proven ability to prioritise tasks in a busy environment.
• High-level of written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to work both independently in a research environment and as part of an inter-disciplinary research team.
• Ability to develop positive and constructive working relationships both internally and externally within the work environment.
• Demonstrated computer literacy and proficiency in the production of high-level work using software such as Microsoft Office applications and statistical programs, with the capability and willingness to learn new packages as appropriate.

Desirable

• Familiarity and competence with brain stimulation techniques and interventional trials.
• Clinical Trials experience and sound knowledge of ICH-GCP guidelines.
• Experience in administering clinical rating scales, in particular for depression.

Benefits

• Salary Packaging & Novated Leasing through Maxxia.

• On-site car & bike parking opportunities, Deducted Pre-Tax!!

• Fantastic onsite fitness facilities at The Alfred through ProSport Health and Fitness.

All enquires to Dr Lizzie Thomas on 03 9076 5***

Applications close: 11pm Thursday, 07 December 2023

Alfred Health is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce that reflects the community we serve.  Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are encouraged.

In accordance with the Health Minister's Covid-19 Mandatory Vaccination Order, all Alfred Health employees are required to be fully vaccinated (3 doses) for COVID-19 or hold an acceptable medical exemption. Furthermore, in accordance with the Health Services Amendment (Mandatory Vaccination of Healthcare Workers) Act 2020, health care workers in Category A or B roles (as determined by the department’s risk ratings) are required to be vaccinated against influenza or hold an acceptable medical exemption.