Psycho-Oncology Cooperative Research Group
Faculty of Science
School of Psychology
Reference no. 1227/0515

• Opportunity to help improve outcomes for people affected by cancer
• Participate in research focused on optimising psychosocial and supportive care
• Full-time, fixed term for 2 years, remuneration package: $79K-$98K p.a. which includes leave loading and up to 17% super

The University of Sydney is Australia's first university and has an outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence. It employs over 7500 permanent staff, supporting over 52,000 students.

Psycho-oncology Co-operative Research Group (PoCoG) is one of 13 national cooperative cancer clinical trials groups, with a mandate from Cancer Australia to increase collaboration and innovation in psycho-oncology research. Our aim is to improve outcomes for people affected by cancer by developing and facilitating high quality, collaborative and clinically relevant research focused on optimising psychosocial and supportive care.

We are seeking a Research Assistant or Officer to provide technical knowledge and expertise to the Chief Investigator, Senior Research Academics and the research team to support the research requirements of PoCoG. You will be responsible for undertaking varied research activities mainly related to a Translational Program Grant concentrating on the implementation of screening for depression and anxiety of patients with cancer funded by the Cancer Institute NSW and will include liaison with a number of stakeholders including researchers, IT consultants, hospital clinic staff, patients and their families, organising meetings, writing reports and literature reviews. Your primary role will be to contribute to research activities related to the support of health professionals and patients including the design of research protocols, undertaking core aspects of research work analysis and key findings. You will collate and record research data, draw insights and analyses, and report information from the research undertaken.

To be successful you will need to demonstrate (at HEO 5):

• tertiary qualifications in appropriate discipline and/or relevant experience in related field
• excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills with sound negotiating and conflict resolution skills and a demonstrated level of tact and discretion in dealing with day to day operational matters
• ability to work both independently and as part of a team, taking initiative and exercising sound judgement in resolving matters that may arise as part of normal daily work
• strong problem solving skills and the ability to use initiative and exercise sound judgement and ability to prioritise workload during busy periods
• demonstrated understanding of research methodology and understanding of confidentiality issues of accessing patient records in research settings
• experience in developing and working on research projects, including expertise in using research protocols, experimental design, ethics submissions and grant applications
• excellent computer skills in data entry and management (e.g. Microsoft Access, Excel, SPSS)
• research experience in health related research, preferably oncology
• working understanding of relevant aspects of the Work Health and Safety Policy and relevant legislation as applicable to the work environment
• demonstrated understanding of IT infrastructure, website development, IT network compatibility issues and multimedia user functionality issues (desirable).

To be successful you will also need to demonstrate (at HEO 6):

• honours Degree in Psychology, (or one of the Behavioural Sciences), Health Informatics, Public Health or related field
• extensive experience in developing and working on research projects, including expertise in using research protocols, experimental design, ethics submissions and grant applications.

This is an exciting opportunity for a researcher to build a career in an applied health setting. This position within the Psycho-oncology Cooperative Research Group (PoCoG) is relevant to applicants with skills and interest in disciplines such as, psychology, health and behavioural sciences, public health, health informatics or other relevant disciplines; ideally, suitable candidates will have experience within the Health Sector. It provides a unique opportunity to join a well-established and internationally reputed research centre within the School of Psychology and work with a leading international investigator team to improve psychological care of patients living with cancer.  There are opportunities to work with researchers and health professionals, patients and health consumers and to develop research skills in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Other: The suitable candidate’s appointment will also be subject to a successful criminal record check.

All applications must be submitted via the University of Sydney careers website.  Visit sydney.edu.au/recruitment and search by the reference number for more information and to apply.

CLOSING DATE: 5pm 13 August 2015

The University is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Applications from equity target groups, including women and people with disabilities are encouraged. As the University of Sydney has established a scheme to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff employed across the institution, applications from people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent are also encouraged.

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The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.