Senior Research Officer

The Menzies School of Health Research

POSITION TITLE: Senior Research Officer - Research Support and Training
(Reference: "Outback Epidemiologist" advertisement)
DIVISION / SECTION: Evaluation and Research Support Unit (ERSU)
SUPERVISOR: Assoc Prof Sue Skull
CLASSIFICATION LEVEL: Senior Research Officer/Level C
SALARY RANGE: $81,865 to $89,385
STATUS (FTE): 1.0 FTE - 1 year term (part-time considered)
NO. OF POSITIONS REPORTING DIRECTLY: -nil
NO. OF POSITIONS REPORTING INDIRECTLY: -nil

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

This position is a wonderful opportunity to experience working in a high quality academic institution based in the Northern Territory. The Menzies School of Health Research (Menzies) is Australia’s only health and medical research centre with a primary focus on the health of Indigenous communities and people living in tropical and remote areas in our region.

The Evaluation and Research Support Unit (ERSU) is responsible for delivering research education (working closely with Menzies’ Education and Training Division) and direct research support both internally for researchers and research students, as well as some external stakeholders of clinical, public health and academic backgrounds from junior to senior level. These include management and policy staff of the NT Department of Health and Families. The unit aims through training and the establishment of efficient systems for supporting researchers, to improve quality and quantity of high impact research and evaluation projects by bringing consistency and professionalism throughout the research process. ERSU comprises experts in biostatistics, data management, evaluation and epidemiology.

ERSU is seeking a highly motivated individual who will make a major contribution to developing and delivering research education and support initiatives, including contributing to the Menzies research skills teaching program, the research consultation service and providing advice to researchers on a one-on-one basis.

This position could be considered as a secondment.

There is also potential for a coordination/first author role in a fully-funded research project for persons interested in undertaking a part-time PhD or equivalent professional development activity.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

In close collaboration with supervisor(s), the successful candidate will:

1. Have ongoing input to design, development and delivery of research skills training initiatives in consultation with other experts at Menzies (from developing a clear and worthwhile research question, epidemiological methods etc through to interpretation of research findings and communication of results). He/she will be expected to design and deliver through formats including on-line short course, workshop and seminar formats.

2. Coordinate and contribute to the research support consulting system for managing requests for research support at various stages of the research process, including linking researchers with appropriate experts within ERSU or the wider Menzies expert base.

3. Develop additional processes for Menzies to support researchers and research students to improve their research productivity and quality.

4. Undertake administrative responsibilities consistent with teaching and support roles within the frame of ERSU’s area of responsibility.

5. Contribute to the writing and preparation of research papers, reports and other materials for publication.

6. Establish performance indicators and undertake evaluations of research education and support programs.

7. Liaise with Education and Training Division and NT DHF as required.

SELECTION CRITERIA:

Essential:

1. Relevant tertiary qualification in a health- and/or epidemiology-related field.
2. A sustained record of research scholarship with sound knowledge and capacity to critically assess a broad range of research skills and methodologies and/or demonstrated quality teaching experience in a tertiary education environment
3. Willingness to contribute at a practical and routine level to effective and efficient administration and management processes.
4. A demonstrated record of inspiring and guiding researchers and research students.
5. Demonstrated ability to take initiative, work independently and meet deadlines.
6. Demonstrated capacity to work as part of a team.
7. Excellent communication skills.
8. Good interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with colleagues across a wide range of health and research disciplines.

Desirable:

1. Demonstrated capacity to consult or advisory experience with government and non-government organizations.
2. Strong publication and conference presentation record in area of expertise/interest.

Contact: Dr Sue Skull, sue.skull@menzies.edu.au
Expressions of interest for this role should be sent to humanresources@menzies.edu.au.
Website: http://www.menzies.edu.au.
Phone: 08 89435081/5082