Faculty of Science
School of Psychology, Academic Operations
Reference no. 954/0518F

• Research Position focused in the University of Sydney with the Lambert Initiative
• Full-time, Fixed Term for 3 Years, Located at Camperdown Campus
• Base Salary: $90.276 p.a. to $124,962 Level A – Level C, plus leave loading and a generous employer’s contribution to superannuation.  

About the opportunity 

The major responsibility of this role is the co-ordination of the clinical activities undertaken by the Lambert Initiative with a particular emphasis on the initiation of new clinical trials involving cannabinoid products. These trials are likely to be in the areas such as dementia, anorexia nervosa, alcohol dependence, epilepsy, PTSD and chronic pain.

Establishing these trials involves the management of key collaborative relationships with clinicians, community partners, industry representatives, and academic researchers and the preparation of clinical trial protocols, HREC submissions and other documents necessary for the trials to proceed. The role also involves oversight of data management and data retention, some statistical analysis, development and submission of research publications, and presentations at national and international conferences. The successful applicant should know how to (or be willing to learn to) handle, transport and appropriately store human biological samples collected during clinical trials. Some community outreach may also be required to assist patients seeking knowledge about avenues of access to medicinal cannabis products.  From time to time, engagement with media will be required.

The successful applicant should have good knowledge of ICH-GCCP guidelines and be familiar with the current regulatory framework regarding use of scheduled medicines in clinical trials. This role would suit an autonomous self-starter, with an interest in the rapidly evolving medicinal cannabis field, and who is prepared to make an active contribution to identifying key research opportunities and implementing research programs within them. The role may also involve contributing to expert reports for external stakeholders such as government bodies regarding cannabinoid research and policy. 

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Clinical Research Associate / Fellow who possesses:

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant area (e.g. Biomedical Science, Pharmacology, Psychology).
• Relevant postgraduate qualification such as Masters/PhD by Research or Clinical Masters in Psychology/Neuropsychology. Relevant work experience (e.g. running clinical trials) may be an acceptable alternative to postgraduate qualifications.
• Evidence of high-quality scientific output through scholarly publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• 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.
• Extensive experience in developing and working on research projects, including expertise in using research protocols, experimental design, ethics submissions and grant applications.
• Experience in carrying out scientific literature searches and preparing reviews for further analysis.
• Numeracy skills together with experience in controlling income/expenditure for reconciliation/budget tracking and managing invoice payments and purchases.
• Working understanding and current knowledge of relevant aspects of the Work Health and Safety Policy and relevant legislation.
• Experience in a research-intensive environment or interest in teaching and working in academia (Desirable)
• Demonstrable interest in the field of medicinal cannabis (Desirable)

Please refer to the Candidate Information Pack for a detailed Position Description. To be considered, it is essential that you upload a resume and address the online selection criteria.

About us

The Faculty of Science is one of six faculties operating within the University and includes the Schools of Chemistry, Geosciences, Life and Environmental Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, Physics, Psychology, the Sydney School of Veterinary Science and the Unit for History and Philosophy of Science. The Faculty stewards a range of research entities including the Sydney Institute of Agriculture and the Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, and partners with University-wide research centres including the Charles Perkins Centre (CPC), the Brain and Mind Centre (BMC) and the Australian Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology (AINST).

The Lambert Initiative is an Australian first in the field of medicinal cannabinoid research, established with a generous and unprecedented gift from the Lambert family to the University of Sydney. The goal of The Lambert Initiative is to advance cannabinoid-based treatments and introduce safe and effective cannabinoid therapeutics into mainstream medicine in order to alleviate human suffering – caused by illnesses such as paediatric epilepsy, neurodegenerative diseases, chronic pain, cancer, obesity and mental health. Our approach involves medicinal chemistry, cellular and preclinical research, early human testing and clinical trials in patients.

Since our inception 160 years ago, the University of Sydney has led to improve the world around us. We believe in education for all and that effective leadership makes lives better. These same values are reflected in our approach to diversity and inclusion, and underpin our long-term strategy for growth. We’re Australia's first university and have an outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence. Across our campuses, we employ over 6000 academic and non-academic staff who support over 60,000 students.

We are undergoing significant transformative change, which brings opportunity for innovation, progressive thinking, breaking with convention, challenging the status quo, and improving the world around us.

For more information on the position and University, please view the candidate information pack available from the job’s listing on the University of Sydney careers website.

All applications must be submitted via the University of Sydney careers website.  Visit sydney.edu.au/recruitment and search by the reference number 954/0518F to apply.

Closing date: 11:30pm 20 June 2018

The University of Sydney is committed to diversity and social inclusion. Applications from people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; equity target groups including women, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTIQ; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged.

If we think your skills are needed in other areas of the University, we will be sure to contact you about other opportunities.

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