Introduction:
WIMR is one of Australia's leading medical research institutes located at the heart of the Westmead Health Precinct, designated as the lighthouse precinct for Biomedical technology by the NSW Government. WIMR is an independent medical research institute governed by a Board. It is a multi-disciplinary institute with research in:
Infection and Immunity Cancer Liver and Metabolic Neuroscience and Vision Cardiorespiratory Closely affiliated with the University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, the Institute's research extends from the laboratory to the patient using the basic tools of molecular and cell biology, genetic epidemiology, imaging technology and clinical research.
Biomedical research in the Institute extends into clinical research programs across a wide range of disciplines which may interface with the many clinical trials in progress at any one time. This "bench to bedside" approach enables greater translation of research from biomedical discovery to the development of new prevention strategies, diagnostics and more effective treatments.
Description:
The Research Assistant (RA) position will help with data collection of the ALIGNED Study (AustraLIan trial of GeNotype-guided pharmacothErapy for Depression). The ALIGNED study is an investigator-initiated, randomised-controlled trial of pharmacogenomics-guided therapy versus standard care for people with moderate to severe depression, and is sponsored by The George Institute (TGI). The RA will mainly focus on recruiting and assessing participants for this project, in addition to assisting in the carrying out of other clinical research as directed. They will work with other BDC and TGI staff, GPs and/or Psychiatrists, and the participants themselves.
This is a 12 month part time position, 2-3 days per week.
The position reports to Prof Anthony Harris, the Clinical Director of the Brain Dynamics Centre who is the principal investigator of the ALIGNED project based at WIMR. He will be responsible for the allocation of duties, review of performance and overall management of the position.
Major Responsibilities
The research assistant is responsible for the following:
Help with the recruitment and screening of participants, and collection of data.
Liaise with BDC researchers to ensure proper running of the ALIGNED study and other projects.
Complete documentation of participants in clinical students (including use of Excel, Word and REDCap)
Establishing and maintaining good rapport with participants and their clinicians
Maintaining longitudinal follow-up of participants where necessary.
Assess participants using structure and semi-structured instruments including the DSM-5 MINI, MADRS, and other instruments where required.
Perform other research and related activities as directed by Prof Anthony Harris
Help prepare ethics and other reports for BDC studies.
Ensure that administrative systems, procedures and protocols are fully adhered to.
Comply with the Institute's Code of Conduct, Research Code of Conduct, policies and procedures.
Strive to obtain objectives and performance measures set for the role and participate positively in performance and development reviews.
Demonstrate a genuine commitment to safety by taking reasonable care and cooperating with actions taken to protect the health and safety of everyone working at the Institute.
Report all accidents, incidents, and hazards in line with the Institute's Work Health & Safety policy.
Skills and Experiences:
To be successful in this role you will need to have the following education, experience, and technical knowledge:
Experience
In working with people with depression, trauma, and general neurodivergence (e.g. ADHD, ASD, etc.).
In working in a research environment including use of REDCap and software packages.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Demonstrated ability to stay organised and consistent.
Skills/Knowledge
Bachelor's degree in psychology, occupational therapy, social work, health, or science-related fields.
Excellent interpersonal skills incl. with people from diverse and/or marginalised populations.
Familiarity with mental health services.
Familiarity with research ethics requirements.
Behaviours/Attributes
Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team to achieve study goals.
Demonstrated ability to stay organised and consistent with data collection and correspondence with participants and their clinicians.
Ideal Attributes
Lived experience with depression and/or neurodivergence.
Why join WIMR?
Be part of an organisation that has a strong foundation of encouraging curious, solution focused thinking and collaboration. The incredible pride that comes with supporting a team who are literally striving to change the world and save lives. Beautiful building incorporating professional cafe, bike storage facilities, showering facilities, world class equipment and facilities. Close to public transport / on-site parking. NFP ability to salary sacrifice for tax benefits (increase your take home pay!) Option for novated leasing. Paid parental leave program. Access to employee assistance program #J-18808-Ljbffr