Research Assistant - Psychology

The Garvan Institute of Medical Research is widely reputed as the pre-eminent medical research institute in Australia and has strong working links with other leading research groups in Australia, specifically for this project, the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) at the University of New South Wales Sydney. CHeBA is an international centre of excellence in multidisciplinary research into the ageing brain, including examining various aspects of cognitive disorders and dementia, as well as undertaking research into the prevention, treatment and assessment of cognitive ageing. This project, the MetMemory Study, marries the expertise in metabolic research at Garvan and ageing at CHeBA.THE OPPORTUNITYThe Research Assistant will provide research assistance to the MetMemory Study which is a 3-year randomised controlled intervention of the medication metformin on cognitive, metabolic and neuroimaging in older people with mild cognitive impairment. The role involves participating in every aspect of the protocol execution, including screening and recruitment, and collecting data (by telephone, face-to-face physical and cognitive measurements, blood collection). The position requires skills in conducting phone interviews with study participants and assisting them and their informants to complete a range of questionnaires and assessments, which will be online and in person. The position also involves entering the collected data and specimens into databases, maintaining meticulous records, and assisting with general day-to-day tasks in aid of the study. There is scope for involvement in data analysis and manuscript drafting.This role involves specific tasks following a protocol in a randomised controlled trial, therefore the hours are:Monday - Wednesday 8am – 1pmThursday 8am – 12pmNineteen hours per week on-site at the Garvan Institute.Salary: FTE $73,500 + 14% super + salary packaging (Prorated $36,750)Employment Type: 2 year part time opportunity (19 hours per week)SNAPSHOT OF BENEFITSGenerous salary packaging to save you income tax on your wages thereby boosting your monthly take home pay (max. $15,900 general expenses + $2,650 meals/accom)Ample opportunities for on-going training and developmentStimulating, diverse and highly international research environmentFlexible work arrangements e.g. start / finish times18 weeks paid parental leave for both parents including paid superannuationA range of additional leave types to meet your personal needs including cultural leave, conference leave, community service and study leaveDiscounted Health InsuranceLifestyle discounts with our community partnersWHAT YOU WILL DOThe key responsibilities include:Complete structured participant assessments in a timely and accurate manner including conducting phone interviewsCollaborate with a nominated family member/friend (Informant) of participants.Enrol Informants and participants on to an online assessment platform and guide them through the online assessment, including online cognitive testing environment as requiredPerform physical measures on participants, including blood pressure, weight, strength and arterial stiffness and venesection. Training is offered for the latter two skills and it is expected the required degree of competency is acquired within a reasonable time frame.Guide participants through paper-based questionnaires of cognition and other study assessmentsProvide written feedback about results to participants and treating doctors, as requiredPerform accurate data entry, maintain precise records and assist the Study Coordinator with data management and analysisEnsure collection of study participant data is valid and ethicalAttend project meetings, take minutes and follow-up on action items in a timely mannerAssist with the preparation of academic papers and other documents for publication and disseminationPerform other duties as requested by the supervisorsCooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of participants, yourself or any others.ABOUT YOUThe key skills and experience include:A Bachelor degree in either Psychology (Honours 2.1 or higher) or Nursing, or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through any other combination of education, training or experienceDemonstrated experience with client/participant interviewing, preferably with older adults and individuals with dementiaDemonstrated experience in conducting neuropsychological/cognitive assessments; knowledge of/experience with online cognitive assessment is desirableExcellent organisational skills and ability to prioritise own workload and work independently as well as an effective member of a team.Excellent organisational and time management skills, and meticulous attention to detailSkills in data entry with meticulous attention to detail and accuracyKnowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety trainingStrong written and oral communication skillsSkills in venesection and collection of physical measures are desirable. If not present, then willingness to be trained to the standards required in clinical research with competence within a reasonable timeframe is essential. Skills in pipetting and knowledge of infection control in handling and processing blood samples are also desirable. If not present, again willingness to to be trained to competence within a reasonable timeframe is essential.Experience with programs such as RedCap and SPSS is desirable.Excellent computer literacy skills including experience with MS Word and Excel; knowledge of/experience with online survey design is desirableABOUT GARVANThe Garvan Institute of Medical Research is an independent Medical Research Institute (MRI) in Sydney, delivering scientific and clinical impact on a global basis and in partnership with organisations that share our vision. We are proud to be one of Australia’s largest and most highly regarded MRI’s.Our vision is global leadership in discoveries to impact and our enduring purpose is to impact human health, by harnessing information encoded in our genome.We seek to see our world-class discovery research achieve life-changing impacts, not only for individual patients with rare diseases, but for the many thousands affected by complex, common disease.Garvan promotes a diverse workplace and is committed to the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. We are always looking for culture ‘add’, not culture ‘fit’ and are building diverse teams with great sets of complementary styles and skills to help deliver our important work effectively.HOW TO APPLYTo apply for this position, please submit your application with a CV and cover letter as one document, stating why you are interested in this role. If you think you’re the right person for this role, we’d love to hear how your capabilities, achievements and experience set you apart. Only applicants with full working rights in Australia are eligible to apply for this role.