Research Trainee

About QIMR Berghofer:

QIMR Berghofer is a world-leading translational medical research institute focused on improving health by developing new diagnostics, better treatments and prevention strategies, specifically in the areas of Cancer, Infection and Inflammation, Mental Health and Neuroscience, and Population Health. Based in Herston, Brisbane and working in close collaboration with clinicians and other research institutes, QIMR Berghofer is home to more than 600 scientists, students and non-research staff.

About the Psychiatric Genetics Group:

With about half of all Australians experiencing poor mental health at some stage in their lives, our research group focuses on understanding factors that influence mental health and behaviour. We work on a range of mental health areas including anxiety, depression, ADHD, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and schizophrenia. Our team (has training in psychology, genetics and epidemiology) and is dedicated to improving our understanding of how mental health conditions develop and why different treatment approaches work for some people but not others.

About the Role:

• Work collectively with other interns and project members to design and conduct research on topics such as (but not limited to):
  • The connection between genetics and the environment and their impact on mental health.
  • Investigating individual patients’ responses to treatments for psychiatric disorders, such as side-effects and treatment outcomes.
  • Optimising research participation protocol to improve participant understanding to improve overall research quality.
• Assist in gathering and summarizing relevant literature to form the basis of the research project.
• Working both independently and as part of a group.
• Building expertise in research methodology
• Selected candidates will be expected to adhere to the highest quality and ethical standards, comply with the Institute’s Work Health & Safety policies and any relevant legislative requirements.

We are looking for people who are:

• Interested in and looking to gain experience in research
• Undergraduate students in the fields of psychology, public health, science and related fields
• Curious and willing to engage in discussions and help make decisions on study protocol
• Available for 1-2 days a week with flexibility to allow for arrangement of weekly meetings with the rest of the team.

In your application please include a short statement (no more than 500 words) introducing yourself, explaining why you are interested in the position, and how you think this role might be helpful in your future career. If you have had any previous training or coursework on research methods or working with data or statistics please include a brief summary of this in your statement.

Our team recognises the value brought by supporting diverse voices in the research process and within the research community. We sincerely believe this improves the quality of research we conduct, to ensure our work helps the entire community.

From this perspective, we would like to encourage applications from people of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent.

We would also like to welcome applications from people with culturally- and linguistically-diverse backgrounds, people with lived experience of mental-health challenges and people with LGBTQIA+ identities.

Remuneration: Casual hourly rate is $37.65756 per hour.  This is a casual appointment with an expected commitment of approximately 16-32 hours a fortnight (1-2 days a week)

For further information:  please contact Sarah Medland via email *************@qimrberghofer.edu.au 

Closing Date:  20 June 2024

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid visa (or work permit) with work rights in Australia. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process. 

Expected Commitment: 16-32 hours a fortnight (1-2 days a week)

What we offer:

• State of the art facilities
• Stimulating work setting focussed on cutting edge medical research
• Supportive/collaborative team environment
• Parental Leave Provisions