ABOUT MENZIES:As one of Australia’s leading medical research institutes dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, 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.SUMMARY OF THE POSITION:The Opportunistic Pneumococcal Immunisation Trial in Malnutrition (OPTIMAL) is a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) in children recovering from severe acute malnutrition. The project is funded by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). Based in Dili, Timor-Leste, the Clinical Research Nurse Coordinator is responsible for implementing the study and supporting project staff to ensure positive outcomes. Reporting to the Senior Project Coordinator and working under the guidance of the Chief and Principal Investigators, this role is critical in upholding Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines and ensuring adherence to the study protocol. Key responsibilities include safeguarding participant safety, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining high standards of data quality and completeness. Lead the coordination of HNGV site activities and staff, overseeing daily operations, supporting team performance, and ensuring study delivery is conducted efficiently, safely, and in accordance with protocol and regulatory requirements, while maintaining effective stakeholder engagement with HNGV clinical teams, hospital leadership, and partner organisations to support study implementation and integration within routine care.The Clinical Research Nurse Coordinator specific duties, detailed in the statement of responsibilities, are essential for the ethical and successful implementation operation of the trial.PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:The following responsibilities are not exhaustive and may include others as directed by the Supervisor:Under the direction of the site Principal Investigator, support the Senior Project Coordinator in the delivery of the clinical trial in compliance with protocol, funding agreements and contractual obligations.Lead participant recruitment and study activities at HNGV, including identifying, screening, informed consent, data collection, vaccine administration, and sample collection, whilst ensuring compliance with GCP, protocol, and confidentiality. Collaborate with the Senior Project Coordinator and broader leadership team to contribute to the planning of field activities including participant follow-up and home visits.Under the direction of the Senior Project Coordinator, supervise and contribute to the delivery of training and capacity-building activities to strengthen research staff skills and knowledge, including task allocation, mentoring, and supporting performance oversight and review.Coordinate and oversee participant safety monitoring activities at HNGV, including adverse event reporting, clinical follow-up, and escalation of safety concerns, in close collaboration with the Principal Investigator, hospital clinical teams, and the broader study team.Collaborate with the Senior Project Coordinator assist with cold chain compliance for vaccines stored in the pharmacy at HNGV, provide education and training to pharmacy staff, and ensure appropriately trained unblinded team members are available and ready to support unblinding activities.Contribute to quality assurance activities by monitoring adherence to protocol and SOPs, supporting data quality checks, and identifying and addressing any issues to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with regulatory requirements.Manage and liaise with community health service teams, including immunisation and nutrition services, to coordinate discharge referrals and participant follow-up, while facilitating effective linkage to ongoing careAct as the primary point of contact for study coordination at HNGV, maintaining strong relationships with ward staff, clinical leads, and hospital administrators.Lead the development and delivery of training and capacity-building activities for HNGV staff and relevant stakeholders, including in-services and ongoing support to ensure understanding of study procedures and requirements.Coordinate and support meetings, communications, and reporting activities at HNGV to ensure timely and effective information sharing.Assist in the development and implementation of standard operating procedures, data collection tools, and guidelines. Work with a high level of autonomy in managing assigned responsibilities, demonstrating initiative and accountability.Identify opportunities for improvement and contribute to the enhancement of study processes and systems, including proactively assessing potential risks, developing mitigation strategies, and supporting the implementation of solutions to ensure continuous quality and operational efficiency.Actively participate in project meetings as required. Support other Menzies research projects in Timor-Leste, as required and in consultation with the Investigators and supervisor. Any other tasks as reasonably required by the Investigators and supervisorSELECTION CRITERIA:1. Qualifications:Minimum bachelor’s degree in nursing.Minimum 4 years post-graduate clinical experience.Previous experience and knowledge of child health, including vaccine handling and administration.Minimum 1 year of study coordination experience in a clinical trial.2. Essential Criteria:Demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills in both Tetum and English and proficient in the use of computer applications e.g. Microsoft office.Extensive experience in child health nursing, with a solid understanding of child-specific healthcare needs and considerations in a clinical research setting.Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines and their application in clinical research to ensure ethical and regulatory compliance. Experience in designing and delivering clinical education or trainingPrevious experience liaising with clinical teams and health facility leaders.Proven leadership experience in a clinical environment.Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision, manage competing priorities, and make informed decisions in a clinical or research environment.Demonstrated initiative, including ability to design and develop procedures and processes using sound judgement and strong problem-solving skills.Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment, demonstrating flexibility and ability to motivate collaboration among team members. Excellent time management skills, with a proven ability to work efficiently while maintaining a high level of accuracy and quality in all tasks. Ability to manage sensitive issues with discretion and maintain strict confidentiality. Understanding of and commitment to Menzies’ values, the principles of Equal Opportunity, and contribute to a safe and inclusive workplace. Ability to engage with local leaders and Ministry of Health staff to communicate study activities.3. Desirable Criteria:Research experience and/or relevant work experience involving evidence-based medicine and clinical research.Clinical experience in a paediatric setting including care of children with severe acute malnutrition, blood collection, and vaccination.STATEMENT OF DUTIES:Duties include:Coordinate day-to-day research activities at HNGV, ensuring alignment with protocol requirements and integration within routine clinical workflows.Supervise and support site-based research staff, including task allocation, mentoring, and performance oversight.Coordinate vaccine logistics and administration in line with randomisation requirements, ensuring appropriate preparation and documentation processes are followed, and maintain vaccine storage, cold chain, and handling conditions in accordance with protocol and regulatory requirements.Liaise with laboratory teams to coordinate the timely processing of study samples following the collection of blood, saliva, nasopharyngeal and stool from participants in accordance with study protocols, ensuring correct labelling, documentation, transport, and tracking of results in accordance with protocol and laboratory requirements.Collect and manage study data, entering information accurately into the electronic data capture system, and conduct regular data quality checks to maintain data integrity.Act as the primary point of contact at HNGV for study-related matters, providing clear and timely communication to all stakeholders.Build and maintain effective working relationships with HNGV clinical teams, ward staff, hospital leadership, and administrative personnel.Liaise with community health services on nutrition and immunisation to support participant care pathways, including discharge and follow-up processes.Facilitate regular communication across the study team and stakeholders, including coordination of meetings, briefings, and updates.Identify and address operational challenges at site level, working collaboratively with stakeholders to implement practical solutions.Support planning and coordination of site requirements, including staffing, training, and resource allocation.Ensure appropriate stock management of all necessary clinical consumables required for the study, ensuring all items are available, stored appropriately, and used according to best practices.Ensure site activities are conducted in accordance with protocol, GCP, and local hospital policies and procedures.Promote a collaborative and culturally appropriate working environment that supports high-quality research and patient care.Contribute to reporting on site progress, including updates to investigators and relevant stakeholders.Identify opportunities to strengthen site processes and stakeholder engagement to improve study delivery.Collaborate with the Senior Project Coordinator to plan field activities, ensuring they are organised and conducted according to project timelines. This includes contacting participants families and travel to municipalities for home visits.Maintain regular communication with the Senior Project Coordinator to provide updates on team operations and report any issues or challenges encountered. Travel to municipalities across Timor-Leste, including remote locations, to facilitate study activities. This includes participant home visitsHow To Apply:To apply for this position, please refer to http://careers.menzies.edu.au/ and select / click on the Clinical Research Nurse Coordinator OPTIMAL Study role.Applicants are required to provide the following support documents:Updated Resume/CV with three referencesCover LetterA statement addressing the selection criteriaCopy of Electoral/BI cardCopy of Good behavior certificate (kelakuan baik)Applications are accepted exclusively through our online recruitment system. Please note that CVs or unsolicited applications submitted by email will not be considered.Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.Closing date: 11th May 2026 (6 PM Dili Time)Antonio FernandesHR OfficerEmail: TL.HumanResources@menzies.edu.auMenzies Timor-Leste is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workplace and gender equality. Government employees recommended to seek support from immediate supervisor.Position Description AUDDili