Job description:

Join the accomplished Plastic/Oral Surgery research group within MCRI's Clinical Sciences department, aligned with The Royal Children's Hospital's Plastic & Maxillofacial Surgery division. Our team leads pioneering work across key clinical streams — vascular anomalies, hand and microsurgery, cleft and craniofacial, and maxillofacial surgery — and has published more than 200 peer-reviewed articles in the past decade.

As a Research Assistant, you will collaborate closely with clinical staff, surgeons, nurse specialists, and physiotherapists at RCH. In this 0.6 FTE role, you'll be instrumental in coordinating and managing current and upcoming research initiatives, supporting all stages from planning and data collection to ethics and governance, to dissemination and publication.

Your responsibilities include:

• Support all phases of research projects—from conception to dissemination—across the Plastic & Maxillofacial Surgery department
• Contribute to the strategic planning and direction of departmental research
• Perform essential administrative tasks: prepare agendas and minutes, manage ethics documentation, and ensure compliance within national and local governance frameworks
• Maintain accurate and well-organised data records and storage
• Follow standard operating procedures, study protocols, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP/ICH) guidelines
• Assist in drafting and submitting ethics applications, research protocols, grant proposals, and governance paperwork
• Aid in participant recruitment, data collection, statistical analysis, and manuscript preparation
• Support timely project delivery by managing competing priorities and deadlines

What we need from you:

• A Bachelor's, Honours, or Master's degree in Science, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field
• Proven experience preparing and submitting human research ethics applications
• Hands-on experience in clinical or basic science research, including statistical analysis and experience preparing work for publication
• Strong project management capabilities with excellent organisational and time-management skills
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, database systems (e.g., REDCap), and patient management platforms
• High attention to detail and accuracy in data handling, communication, and reporting
• Ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively in a team environment

For full viewing of responsibilities and requirements please refer to the position description.

Any specific questions related to this position should be directed to Daniel Wilks at [email protected].

What's in it for you?

• Benefit from salary packaging, including entertainment and novated leases
• Be part of groundbreaking research with tangible benefits for children's health.
• Work closely with leading clinicians and specialists in a supportive, multidisciplinary team.
• Access training, mentorship, and opportunities to present at conferences and publish.
• Enjoy the blend of institute-based research at MCRI and hands-on engagement at RCH.
  
  

Who we are

Murdoch Children's Research Institute envisions a transformative future for child health. Our institute is a hub of impactful scientific breakthroughs, particularly in early interventions, enhanced diagnosis, prevention, and potential cures. We thrive on collaborative, multidisciplinary problem-solving to address challenging queries in child health. Committed to inclusivity and respect, we foster a positive working environment that values diverse backgrounds and experiences. As a proud member of the Australian Network on Disability and a dedicated supporter of Science Australia Gender Equity (SAGE), we uphold principles of equal opportunity and diverse representation.

We are committed to the safety of children and young people and takes a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of child abuse, exploitation and harm. Child safety is prioritised in our decision-making at all levels of the Institute.

Join Us!

If you believe this role is a good fit for you, please apply by submitting:

• Your resume
• A cover letter addressing the selection criteria
  
  

Ensure these documents are combined into a single PDF file.

We welcome individuals of diverse genders, ages, ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, abilities, religions, and sexual orientations in our workplace. We actively encourage talented individuals from all walks of life to apply for our job openings. Our commitment lies in fostering a workplace that is barrier-free and inclusive, aiming to attract the most skilled candidates.

For any questions related to the recruitment process, feel free to reach out to our Recruitment team at [email protected]. Ensure that you include the position number and job title in the subject line. Please refrain from sharing your application to this email address.

Please note, we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.

No recruitment agencies please.

Position Description

Applications close: 18 July 2025 AUS Eastern Daylight time