Research Assistant – Physiotherapy / Exercise Physiology

Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why.
Griffith was created to be a different type of university. You’ll find we’re about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you’ll achieve them.

Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence.

About BioSpine
BioSpine is an ongoing research project conducted within the Griffith Centre of Biomedical and Rehabilitation Engineering (GCORE). The project develops and translates integrated rehabilitation technologies to restore voluntary movement in people with spinal cord injury. The main project deliverables are developing and testing an electromechanical robotic rehabilitation system integrating brain-computer interfaces, human-machine interfaces, gamified cross reality, and controlled by a digital twin comprising of a personalised neuromusculoskeletal model.

GCORE represents people from Griffith University, the Gold Coast University Hospital, and other hospitals on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane, that are passionate about innovation, research and education across the ‘Lifecycle’ of orthopaedic, cardiovascular and neuromusculoskeletal conditions. GCORE embraces an active collaborative environment between researchers, engineers, designers, ICT, clinicians and health professionals, and organisational partnerships.

About the Opportunity
The objective of this position is to deliver a novel clinical rehabilitation intervention and collect outcome measures for participants enrolled in BioSpine’s studies, with prescribed professional and ethical standards, within well-established protocols, best practice and effective risk management.

In this role, you will:

• Apply broad clinical knowledge to support the delivery of the research.
• Perform tasks related to study recruitment such as advertising, online screening and conducting telephone interviews with potential research participants to assess their suitability for inclusion in the clinical trial component of the project.
• Act as the primary contact person for research participants to schedule study visits, coordinate study related assessments and appointments with health care providers as per protocol timelines.
• Provide day-to-day coordination, management and support for the study participants.
• Liaise with BioSpine project teams to ensure timely completion of project deliverables.
• Monitor study compliance: (1) Assess and ensure participant safety throughout participation in the trial; (2) Maintain close communication with principal investigator/co-investigator/senior research staff regarding trial progress/concerns; (3) Recognise, track and report adverse events and protocol deviations to the principal investigators.
• Support the BioSpine project manager and senior researchers in the preparation of material for submission to ethics committees when required.
• Adhere to all relevant legislation, regulations, agreements, standards, best practice and policies in the project, including maintaining AHPRA registration where applicable.
• Perform work activities relevant to the position key responsibilities as approved by the BioSpine project leader and senior research staff, and commensurate to the role’s classification level.
• Maintain appropriate networks with other members of the research team.
• Provide project reports on program status to the research team, as required.
• Liaise with external networks and industry partners to foster collaborative partnerships and recruit participants.
• Ensure Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) and Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) responsibilities as outlined in Section 5 are adhered to within the research work environment.

This is Full-time, Fixed Term position based at the Gold Coast campus. As Griffith is a multi-campus University you may be required to work across other campus locations. Griffith University’s campuses are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Salary range
The full-time equivalent base salary for RA Grade 1 position is in the range of $70,229.7 - $74, 275.72 per annum, plus 17% employer superannuation. The total FTE package is in the range $82,168 - $86,903 per annum.

What matters most is your drive to create a brighter future that benefits all. Through our core principles of excellence, ethics and engagement, you’ll thrive on seeing the direct and lasting impact you’ll have on every community and every future.

You will also have: 

• Tertiary education in a health-related discipline (e.g., exercise and human movement science, Exercise Physiology, physiotherapy, or other related discipline) and be eligible for registration/membership with the relevant allied health registration board and/or professional body.

Why Griffith?
As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer:

• Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment
• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts
• Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading
• Support with future learning opportunities through our educational staff assistance scheme
• Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives – on campus Gym facilities

How to apply
At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s Modern Slavery Policy.

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following:

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role (please refer to the qualifications above and the position description)
• Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details
• Names and contact details of at least three professional referees (no contact will be made without your permission)

Applicants must have unrestricted working rights. VISA sponsorship is not available for this position.

Further Information
For further information about this role, please contact Kyle Mulholland, Project Manager on ************@griffith.edu.au

For further application and recruitment advice, please contact Esra Vollenhoven on *************@griffith.edu.au.

For application support, please contact People Services on  373 54011 and quote reference number REF4431Y

Closing date: 01 March 2024, 11.59PM AEST. All applications must be submitted online.