Position Description

Title
Research Assistant (0.6 EFT)
Assessed Level
Level A Step 1 to 4 (depending on experience and training)
Reports To
Susan Sawyer
Personnel Supervised
Not applicable at this point
Theme
Population Health
Group
Health Services Delivery for Adolescents
Organisational Summary
The Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (MCRI), based at the Melbourne Children's, is the largest child health
research organisation in Australia. It includes Victorian Clinical Genetics Services (VCGS) which is a wholly owned
subsidiary of the Institute. Our Vision and Mission is to be a major global contributor to the creation of knowledge
and to obtain knowledge to improve the health of children.
The Institute Organisational Structure comprises
Research Themes, being a collection of common Groups and representing broad areas of research focus. Our Themes
includes Cell Biology, Clinical Sciences, Genetics, Infection & Immunity and Population Health. Each Theme has a
collection of research groups with common research endeavours. Victorian Clinical Genetics Services (VCGS) which
provides diagnostic and clinical genetics services, Core Groups which comprises Quantitative Science, Melbourne
Childrens Trial Centre and Research Support & Operations.
Theme Summary
Population Health is the study of the health of communities and populations, including the determinants, distribution
and management of health at the population level. Our diverse team of researchers aims to improve understanding
of the complex interplay of social, environmental, and biological factors, including genetic and epigenetic factors
which control gene activity, that influence child and adolescent health.
We strive to translate this knowledge into effective prevention, early intervention and treatment strategies
appropriate to diverse populations, particularly those affected by social disparities.
Major platforms for the Population Health Theme include large population-based cohort studies and health services
intervention studies that span the continuum of the universal, primary and secondary care sectors. In many programs
researchers collaborate on an international scale and partner with government and non-government agencies across
health, welfare and education that are aimed at improving the lives of children and adolescents.

Group Summary
The Centre for Adolescent Heath (the Centre) is Australias leader in responding to the health problems that affect
young people between the ages of 10 and 24 years. The vision of the Centre is making the difference to young
peoples health through our core business of advancing adolescent health knowledge, practice and policy. The
Centres research addresses the major health problems that affect young Australians. Research studies aim to
understand the causes and consequences of these health problems and design the best strategies for preventing and
treating them. Ultimately we look to influence health care and health policy nationally and internationally.
The research group Health Services Delivery for Adolescents, is a research group at MCRI within the Population
Health theme, one of two interlinked research groups within the Centre, based at the Childrens Campus. We address
the health issues of adolescence and young adulthood, a life stage characterised by highly dynamic changes in
behaviours (eg substance use) and states (eg mental health) that influence health in adolescence, later adulthood,
and the next generation. Yet, there is often a gap between the health issues young people present with and the
health issues they experience. This research role will sit predominantly within the Health Services for Adolescents
research group which focuses on studies that aim to better orientate health services to young peoples health and
developmental needs. We collaborate widely with different research groups, utilise both qualitative and quantitative
methods, and are multidisciplinary in orientation.
The Centres research has led the way locally, nationally and globally in studies of the health of young people. Locally
we have undertaken internationally unique studies of the factors influencing health as children pass through puberty
and how young people move through the transitions of leaving school, getting a job, leaving home, getting married
and having a family of their own. These studies have moved on to the next generation, where they are considering
the influence of the health and wellbeing of parents prior to pregnancy on the healthy start to life for newborns. Our
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prevention studies have addressed questions about how schools and local neighbourhoods can become healthier
and more nurturing places for adolescents. We have been particularly concerned with the health of young people
who are socially marginalised including young indigenous people, young offenders and those who leave school early.
The Centres global work has included leading two series for the Lancet. Our group recently published a Lancet
Commission in Adolescent Health and Well-being in partnership with Columbia University, University of Washington,
the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and University College London.
The Centres reputation is characterised by:
- The quality and impact of our research
- Our capacity building programs for students and professionals who work with young people
- the quality of care provided by the clinical Department of Adolescent Medicine (formerly part of the Centre for
Adolescent Health)
Position Purpose
This role has been specifically created to provide research support for Professor Susan Sawyer, the Geoff and Helen
Handbury Chair of Adolescent Health and Director of the RCH Centre for Adolescent Health, in her research roles at
the Royal Childrens Hospital, MCRI and the University of Melbourne. The role will work across the breadth of
Professor Sawyers research, including clinical studies (eg clinical audits, clinical trials, systematic reviews, health
service evaluations), population health studies, and global adolescent health.
This role will also work in close collaboration with the research manager of the Centre for Adolescent Health as well
as the various Research Project managers and clinical leads working within the Centre for Adolescent Health and
within Professor Sawyers research group.
Responsibilities
The role is broad, and will include among other tasks:
Conduct literature reviews (including systematic reviews)
Develop human ethics applications
Inform the development of research protocols and tools (eg survey item development)
Inform the development of research methods for individual studies (primarily quantitative)
Recruitment of participants for research, including patients and families of the RCH
Data collection and data entry

Ensure quality of data collection and maintenance of data within the databases

Ensure data is recorded accurately, legibly and securely, and complies with Ethics procedures for the project
Statistical analysis of data
Research synthesis and analyses, quantitative and / or qualitative
Liaise and maintain positive relationships with participants and stakeholder groups
Preparation of reports for stakeholders and funding bodies
Convening research meetings
Other activities as requested.
Principal Outcomes
Research
Assists in / contributes to data generation, collection and research translation
Data entry, data cleaning and data analysis as required
Assists in writing and synthesis of research outputs for publication
Works to improve skill base in research productivity and methods
Attends professional development opportunities
Assists in high calibre, competitive research studies
Translation
Assist with writing for the Centre for Adolescent Health Blog and Website
Assist with writing for other translational research forums
Is aware of and adheres to MCRI policy on Intellectual Property / Material Transfer Agreements /
Contracts / Clinical and Public Health Outcomes
Education
Participates in education activities across the breadth of Centre activities, including the weekly staff meeting
and the Department of Adolescent Medicine when appropriate.
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Leadership
Is involved in professional development activities
Shares information and presents to others within the Research Group or Theme and seeks opportunities
to contribute to the skill development of others
Contributes to student supervision and teaching in the area of research expertise consistent with the
conditions of the award.
Finance and Administration
Complies with MCRI financial management policies and procedures and those of the funding body
Contributes effectively to administrative and other requirements of MCRI and undertakes effective day
to day management of areas of responsibility
Contribution to Scientific Community and MCRI
Contributes to fundraising and promotion activities of the Institute and the Centre for Adolescent Health
Is involved, where appropriate, in the promotion of research links with outside bodies
Contributes to the research culture of the research group and theme through attendance at meetings
and/or membership of a limited number of committees relevant to the groups research outputs
Generates creative solutions to new and existing problems by demonstrating initiative relative to the
position held
Boards and Committees
The Research Assistant is a member of the following Centre and / or Institute Committees:
CAH social committee
CAH journal club
Selection Criteria (Education, Knowledge and Skills required)
Essential
Working with Children & National Police Clearance (if appointed)
A tertiary qualification in BSc/Honours/Masters or related discipline plus an appropriate level of expertise gained
from a combination of experience, training or professional accreditation
Experience in quantitative methodology and data collection
Experience in statistical analysis preferably with STATA
Experience undertaking literature reviews
Experience writing Human Ethics applications
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Experience writing for peer review publication
Highly motivated and reliable, with high level of initiative
Proven organisation and time-management skills, with capacity to prioritise tasks and work to targets,
organise and run meetings
Excellent attention to detail
Demonstrated strong computing skills, including Microsoft Office and STATA
Ability to work independently and be self-motivated, as well as work as part of a dynamic, collaborative
team
High level of professionalism, integrity, and sensitivity to confidentiality and privacy
Desirable
Formal training or experience in systematic reviews
Experience in qualitative methodology and data collection
Background in Psychology
Experience writing for translational publication (ie the conversation / online blogs)
Experience writing reports
Commitment to Core Values of MCRI
Understands and complies with policies, procedures and the requirements of the Murdoch Childrens Code of
Conduct, EHS, Unacceptable Behaviour and Conduct, Risk Management and Handling and Resolving Breaches of
the NHMRC Code & Scientific Misconduct at the Royal Children's Hospital Campus
Displays professionalism in the workplace and is a role model and contributes to the Institute
As a Line Manager, investigates workplace hazards and ensure corrective actions are implemented and that
incidents are reported and control measures implemented
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As the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute evolves to meet its changing strategic and operational needs and objectives, so will the roles
required of its staff members. As such, staff should be aware that this document is not intended to represent the position which the occupant
will perform in perpetuity. This position description is intended to provide an overall view of the incumbents role as at the date of this
statement. In addition to this document, the specifics of the incumbents role will be described in local area work and project plans, and in
performance plans developed by the incumbent and relevant supervisor as part of MCRIs performance evaluation, development and
progression process.