Who we are?

The Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) is home to significant scientific discoveries. We believe there is an answer, a cure or a better treatment for every childhood condition and we’re determined to find it. We are a diverse team of world-leading researchers, doctors, engineers, and hardworking professionals in corporate and scientific services from all corners of the world with one shared goal — to transform child health worldwide. Our strength lies in our partnership and co-location with The Royal Children’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne — the Melbourne Children’s Campus. This rare model amplifies opportunities to quickly translate research into clinical care.At MCRI, you’ll also find our subsidiary organisation, the Victorian Clinical Genetics Services (VCGS), a specialist childhood, prenatal and adult genetics service. VCGS provides an integrated genetic consultation, counselling, testing and diagnostic support service to children, adults, families and prospective parents.

Together, we share a powerful vision: re-imagine the future of child health.

The Opportunity:

The role of the Research Psychologist(s) is to administer the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scale (VABS, comprehensive interview by telephone or in-person) and the Wechsler Preschool and Primary School I-IV (WPPSI-IV) assessments (on-site) with the PALM study children aged 2-7 years. The ideal candidate will be responsible for scoring assessments, preparing individual reports for families outlining their child’s performance and data entry. The position will involve working closely with the PALM chief investigator team and the Reproductive Epidemiology group. This position is casual and includes weekday and Saturday sessions (minimum 3 hours per session). Hours will be flexible, subject to accommodating participant scheduling and availability, and COVID-19 restrictions. The ideal canddiate will have a psychology degree, preferably with clinical research and child assessment experience. Supervision will be provided by A/Prof Lisa Hui, Principal Investigator of the PALM study, and the CI team at the MCRI - Prof. David Amor, Prof Jane Halliday and Dr Sharon Lewis.

Your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Conducting and scoring neuropsychological assessments (VABS and WPPSI-IV). These will be a combination of phone interviews (VABS) and on-site assessments at the Melbourne Children’s Trial Centre.
• Working closely with the PALM study coordinator and the study paediatrician to coordinate the clinical assessments for mothers and children.
• Preparing individual assessment reports for participating families.
• Liaising with clinical associate investigators if follow up clinical review is required following study assessment.
• Contributing to related administrative research duties, including assisting with accurate data collection and entry.
• Attending and contributes to team meetings.
• Conducting ethical research at the highest level of integrity and in line with the Australian Code for Responsible Conduct of Research and MCRI policies.
• Assisting and contributes to data generation for research and publications.
• Following standard operating procedures, study protocols and study guidelines.
• Continuous maintenance of neat and orderly records and data storage.
• Understanding and following field work guidelines GCP / ICH.
• Fostering relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Engaging in the campus culture including professional development activities and attending internal/external campus conferences and seminars.
• Awareness of, and adheres to, MCRI policy on Intellectual Property/Material Transfer Agreements/Contracts/Clinical and Public Health Outcomes.

Selection Criteria

Essential

• Degree/Honours/Masters qualification in Psychology or related discipline.
• Appropriate level of expertise gained from a combination of experience, training or professional accreditation to administer the study scales (WPPSI-IV and VABS) and score results.
• Psychology Board of Australia registration is advantageous but not essential.
• Experience in working with families and children.

Desirable

• Clinical research and/or recruitment experience.
• Demonstrated capacity to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Excellent time management, organisational and analytical problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated computer skills, including spreadsheets, REDCap, database programs, statistics and word processing.
• Demonstrated understanding of a range of research methodologies and their application in empirical research.

What’s in it for you:

• Casual Contract (Flexible Hours).
• Attractive Salary $50.62 - $64.98 per hour (inclusive of 25% loading).
• Salary Packaging, Well Being Program and much more.
• Flexible working options also available.
• Be part of a happy team of people who like what they do and are passionate about making a difference.

Apply Now!!

For a full list of responsibilities and the key selection criteria download the position description.

Only applicants who address the key selection criteria will be considered. In one document please place your cover letter, key selection criteria, and resume. Applications will only be considered when submitted via the MCRI website.

For specific questions not answered in the PD please contact Lisa Hui [email protected], using the subject line: Research Assistant (Psychologist) enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Click apply to proceed with your application.

Position Reference: 28893

On occasions where we receive a large number of applications, we may close the advert ahead of the publicised closing date. We would therefore advise that you submit your completed application as soon as possible.

MCRI is a proud member of the Australian Network on Disability. Should you require any specific support or adjustments please talk to us and we will be happy to accommodate.