Research Assistant Exercise Physiologist / Physiotherapist

• Parkville, Located near public transport (Trams 59, 58 & 57)
• Attractive salary $82,318 per annum (pro rata) + super
• 12-month part time contract (22.8 hours per week)

What’s in it for you?

• Maximise your pay through salary packaging including entertainment and novated leases
• Be part of a team who are passionate about making a difference
• Work in a supportive and energetic environment with our growing team
• Opportunity to grow and develop within the role
• We value our employees, which is why we offer a health and wellbeing program including free access to an Employee Assistance Program

The OpportunityThe Murdoch Children’s Research Institute is seeking a Research Assistant (Exercise Physiologist or Physiotherapist) to conduct exercise testing, deliver exercise programs and support the research team in clinical exercise trials.

The role will predominantly involve assisting with the implementation of the Congenital Heart Fitness Trial (CH-FIT). This will be the world's largest and most conclusive exercise trial involving both children and adults living with congenital heart disease. The trial aims to determine the safety and efficacy of various modalities of exercise training in people with congenital heart disease. The trial will generate valuable information about body composition, nutrition, physical activity, cognitive function, and other clinical outcomes.

In addition to exercise testing and training, the successful candidate may be involved with coordinating assessment visits, delivering education sessions, performing various clinical and research assessments, participant recruitment, recording and analysing data, performing quality control procedures, and preparing relevant research documents.

The position of Exercise Physiologist or Physiotherapist will be employed by the Australia and New Zealand Fontan Registry, with the position based at the Royal Children’s Hospital. Based at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, the Australia and New Zealand Fontan Registry is the world’s largest registry of health information on people born with a single ventricle. The registry aims to produce high-quality research to improve clinical care, long-term outcomes, and treatment options.

The successful applicant will receive training regarding exercise testing and in congenital heart disease, and gain experience working in major tertiary hospital centers.

New graduates are welcome and encouraged to apply.

Your Responsibilities Include

• Perform clinical and research exercise testing, including cardiopulmonary exercise testing, field fitness testing, and strength testing
• Delivery of exercise training programs via face-to-face or telehealth sessions (individual or small groups) to children
• Development of protocols, databases, and other relevant material such as patient information or education sheets
• Maintaining, recording and analysing exercise testing and training data
• Physical activity/exercise counselling and maintaining follow-up contact to promote exercise adherence

About You

• Bachelor degree or masters qualification in exercise physiology, physiotherapy, or other related disciplines
• Accreditation or eligibility for accreditation with ESSA or APHRA
• Experience conducting Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET)
• Demonstrated understanding of a range of research methodologies and their application in empirical research
• (Desirable) Experience working with young adults, children living with chronic conditions and/or people with special needs
• (Desirable) Experience using various clinical, research or commercial software (e.g., REDCap, SPSS, R, Python, EchoPAC etc.)

Who We AreAt Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, we share a powerful vision; to re-imagine the future of child health. We are the home to many life-changing scientific discoveries. 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. 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.

Please click Apply for further information and viewing of the position description. Any specific questions related to this position should be directed to Carley Clendenning at ***************@mcri.edu.au

To Be Considered, Applicants Should Submit

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Responses to ‘selection criteria’ via the position description.

Please submit your application in one combined pdf document.We welcome all genders, ages, ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, abilities, religions and sexual orientations in our workplace and encourage talented people of any identity to apply to our vacancies. We will provide reasonable adjustments in our recruitment process and in the workplace, please contact the People Leader listed above if this is needed.

Please note, we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.

Closing date: 2 March 2024