Research Assistant

3.5 year part time (0.5 FTE) contract based in DarwinAbout Menzies:Menzies School of Health Research is one of Australia’s leading medical research institutes dedicated to improving Indigenous, global and tropical health. Menzies has a history of over 30 years of scientific discovery and public health achievement. Menzies works at the frontline, joining with partners across the Asia-Pacific as well as Indigenous communities across Northern and Central Australia.About the position:The NT Safety and Efficacy of Iron in Haemodialysis Study (INFERR study) is a clinical Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) to establish the benefits and harms of IV iron therapy use for Indigenous Australians with hyperferritinaemia in the setting of anaemia. The INFERR study will be conducted in collaboration with all Renal units across the NT and we will recruit and randomise 576 patients over 40 months.The successful applicant will work closely with the INFERR research nurse and be responsible for day to day activities involving assisting with recruitment of study participants and performing study visits for the INFERR study. This position will be based in Darwin and will require some travel (by light aircraft or 4WD) to remote communities including Katherine and Wurrumiyanga (Tiwi Islands) for up to 1-5 days at a time, multiple times per year.This position is designated for an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.  The Research Assistant will:Recruitment of participants both in Darwin and in remote communities within the Top End (Katherine & Tiwi Islands - Wurrumiyanga). This will involve frequent travel for up to 1-5 days at a time, multiple times per year.Undertake procedures relevant to the research with limited supervision including: obtaining informed consent; clinical assessments of eligibility; review medical records and laboratory reports; data collection/entry; collection, processing and transport of specimens for analysis, monitoring and reporting of adverse events and follow-up contact with study participants families as required.Responsible for being the local community contact in remote communities working with the study.Ensure study documentation is recorded in study participants case report form as per study procedures.Ensure the research is conducted in accordance with good clinical practice, as per protocol and study specific procedures.Communicate and coordinate effectively with study participant’s families, investigators and other study staff.Ensure data is collected and stored appropriately and in accordance with ethical and cultural guidelines.Work closely with the INFERR Indigenous Reference Group (IRG) to ensure the study is conducted in a culturally appropriate and sensitive manner.Attend the weekly INFERR Coordinating Centre group meetings. Provide study updates, advice and advocacy on Indigenous social, cultural and health issues relevant to the INFERR study.To undertake training as required to perform study visits and data collection.The successful applicant will have:A degree or Aboriginal Health Practitioner qualification and /or a combination of health-related research experience/education/training with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people.Willingness and ability to travel regularly to remote communities in the Top End for 1 to 5 days at a time, multiple times per year.A willingness to undertake training in the skills required to perform study visits and data collection.Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to a range of audiences including a multidisciplinary team, Aboriginal people and people from diverse cultures.Demonstrated ability to work independently without direct supervision within scope of practice.Proven Working knowledge or ability to learn to conduct -clinical trials according to good clinical practice guidelines, research ethics and governanceDemonstrated organisational and time management skills, punctuality and strong record keeping abilities.The ability to maintain a current Australian driver license and Working with Children Clearance (Ochre Card).Contact: Darren Germaine on (0) 431 421 923 or darren.germaine@menzies.edu.auWhat we offer:6 weeks annual leaveOption to increase super to 14%Attractive salary package and benefits $89,658 - $114,604 pro-rata salary package (comprising gross salary $68,797 - $90,576 pro-rata, superannuation and salary packaging benefits.Closing date: 5 July 2020 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.For information on how to apply for this position and to obtain the Position Description and Selection Criteria please visit www.menzies.edu.au/careers or phone 08 8946 8626.  POSITION DESCRIPTION AUD Darwin