Project Officer

Full-time (100% FTE), fixed- term contract until 31 December 2023, based in DarwinAbout MenziesAs one of Australia’s leading medical research institutes dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of Indigenous Australians, and a leader in global and tropical research into life-threatening illnesses, Menzies School of Health Research continues to translate its research into effective partnerships and programs in communities across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.About the position:The Pregnancy And Neonatal Diabetes Outcomes in Remote Australia (PANDORA) Study is a longitudinal birth cohort study. The PANDORA Wave 2 phase involves following up mothers and children at 5.5 – 10 years of age who were recruited from urban and remote communities across the Northern Territory. It includes assessment of risks for diabetes, heart, and kidney conditions.The Project Officer will be responsible for undertaking daily research activities like contacting and booking participant appointments, managing equipment stock and purchasing consumables, doing research assessments and conducting surveys with study participants. The Project Officer will work under the supervision of the Project Manager.The Project Officer will:Undertake daily research activities and participant assessments with the PANDORA wave 2 team, such as: obtaining informed consent, recording of participant information (data collection), performing child and adult clinical assessments, reviewing medical records (including those in electronic format e.g. PCIS, CareSys and Communicare), conducting surveys and assisting processing and storage of pathology specimens.Assist the research team to provide health promotion and health education information to participants in both the urban and remote settings. This involves assisting in giving presentations/ discussions with study participants, and assisting with the preparation of written information (i.e. brochures).Effective communication with study participants, investigators, and other members of the team. This includes timely and constructive feedback regarding issues associated with participant assessment processes.Assisting in contacting participants and booking participant appointments, stocktake, purchasing consumables required for participant appointments. To laboratories and storage as requiredAdditional responsibilities for GSL6: Develop and carry out health promotion and health education information sessions for participants, including feedback discussion sessions in both urban and remote settings.Facilitate the development of appropriate processes, education, and resources necessary for project deliveryAssist in the preparation and submission of reports, project promotional material, research ethics applications, and their associated reporting obligations.Provide initiative and sound judgment in management of complex issues related to the conduct of the project.The successful applicant will have: Tertiary qualification in a related health field; or an Aboriginal Health Practitioner with experience; or a combination of health-related research experience and education with a Certificate, Advanced Certificate or Diploma qualification.Experience working effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and/or children in a clinical and/or health promotion and/or research setting.Experience or willingness to undertake training in doing health surveys with participants, and/or taking body measurements (e.g. height, weight, waist circumferences).Good computer skills including previous use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel or similar applications, and use of databases or other software (e.g. Access, REDCaps)Previous experience of working effectively with health and/or research institute.Sound communication skills that enable sensitive and effective communication with a wide range of people including internal and external stakeholders and people from diverse cultures.Ability to effectively explain the project (using non-medical terms) to potential participants, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, in line with ethics and study requirements.Ability to handle private with confidential research data or personal information of participants.Proven organisational and time management skills, punctuality and strong record keeping abilities. Additional essential selection criteria for GSL 6: Degree qualification in a related health field with subsequent experience, or extensive experience and specialist expertise or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.Excellent management skills, ability to multitask and prioritise workloads with minimal guidance in a fastpaced environment whilst achieving results and meeting tight deadlines.Demonstrated initiative and capacity to work independently without direct supervision as part of a multidisciplinary team.Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, build strong productive relationships within the organisation and collaborative partnerships with people from diverse cultures and a wide range of stakeholders.High degree of computer literacy including expertise in Microsoft Office.Desirable:Experience with the collection and processing of blood and urine samples, including phlebotomy in adults and children.Experience in the delivery of health promotion programs/activities with a focus on diabetes, diabetes in pregnancy and/or other chronic conditions.Experience working in primary or secondary prevention settings.Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.What we offer:6 weeks annual leaveOption to increase super to 14%Attractive salary package including superannuation and salary packaging benefits $95,232 - $111,579 pa, pro-rata (comprising a gross salary of $73,670-$87,901).Contact: Katie Michell on 08 8946 8695 or email katie.michell@menzies.edu.auClosing date:  Sunday 24th OctoberApplicants are required to address the selection criteria. For information on how to apply for this position and to obtain the Position Description and Selection Criteria please visit https://www.menzies.edu.au/page/Careers/Information_for_applicants/ or phone 08 8946 8409.  To apply for this position please click this link and click apply or phone 08 8946 8626Position Description AUD Darwin