Research Assistant - Eating Disorders

Alfred Health

Alfred Health is a leader in health care delivery, improvement, research and education. We are the main provider of health services to people living in the inner southeast suburbs of Melbourne, from ambulatory to inpatient and home and community-based services.

• Fixed Term Appointment - 12 Months
• Full-Time - 76 Hours Per Fortnight
• Classification: Community Dev Worker Class 2AB
• Great Staff Benefits
• The Alfred location

The Department

HER Centre Australia is an impactful clinical research centre dedicated to improving women’s mental health, based at 607 St Kilda Road, Melbourne. The centre has been a constant source of output in the areas of cutting-edge clinical research, innovation in clinical practice, and a strong voice of advocacy and understanding for women living with mental illness. For researchers aspiring to innovate treatments that have a meaningful impact on the community, HER Centre Australia is the ideal environment.

HER Centre Australia is a Monash University research centre with affiliations with both Alfred Health and Cabrini, enabling direct translational pathways from research to clinical practice. Being based in the Alfred Hospital, HER Centre Australia researchers are in the ideal setting to identify specific clinical problems or draw from the lived experience of service consumers to inform their research. We excel in the translation of cutting-edge science to worldclass clinical trials and studies, aimed at making a transformative difference to people living with poor mental health.

The Transformative Hub for Research in Eating Disorders (THRED) – is a new innovative research and clinical trials program to revolutionise our understanding and treatment of eating disorders, and anorexia nervosa in particular. THRED comprises a multidisciplinary team of researchers based in HER Centre Australia but also in other Departments and Centre’s within Monash University. THRED is delivering in the first instance a series of clinical trials or promising new approaches to treating anorexia nervosa. THRED will also provide education on eating disorders and the most scientifically validated treatment options to mental health clinicians, GP’s, people with lived experience and the general public.

The Role

The primary purpose of this position is coordinate recruitment and management of participants in the initial series of clinical trials in anorexia nervosa, and to work with senior researchers and clinicians with THRED to ensure trials are conducted with scientific rigour. This role is based at HER Centre Australia, Monash University on St Kilda Road, although will also require some travel to other clinical sites from where participants can be recruited.

Activities to be performed will include: promoting/advertising the studies, recruitment and assessment of suitable participants for inclusion in the trials, clinical assessments, data collection, data entry/curation, minor data analysis and preparation of data for publication, along with liaising with other research staff and entering and analysing data. Training and supervision will be provided.

Qualification & Experience Required

Essential

• A post graduate qualification in the relevant discipline (Psychology / Behavioural Sciences / Nursing) or a closely related field OR substantial relevant skills and work experience.
• Demonstrated experience in subject recruitment with proven ability to establish rapport with patients.
• Highly organised with proven ability to prioritise tasks in a busy environment.
• High-level of written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently in a research environment and as part of an inter-disciplinary research team.
• Ability to develop positive, constructive working relationships internally and externally.
• Demonstrated computer literacy and proficiency in the production of high-level work using software such as Microsoft Office applications and statistical programs, with the capability and willingness to learn new packages as appropriate.

Desirable

• Experience working with people with an eating disorder
•  Clinical Trials experience and sound knowledge of ICH-GCP guidelines

All enquires to Eva Gregertsen on 03 9076 9802

Applications close at 11.00 pm on Wednesday 10th of April 2024.

Alfred Health is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce that reflects the community we serve.  Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are encouraged.

In accordance with the Health Minister's Covid-19 Mandatory Vaccination Order, all Alfred Health employees are required to be fully vaccinated (3 doses) for COVID-19 or hold an acceptable medical exemption. Furthermore, in accordance with the Health Services Amendment (Mandatory Vaccination of Healthcare Workers) Act 2020, health care workers in Category A or B roles (as determined by the department’s risk ratings) are required to be vaccinated against influenza or hold an acceptable medical exemption. 

Website: www.alfredhealth.org.au