Research Assistant - [Archived Advertisement]

ABOUT BURNET

Burnet Institute is a leading Australian medical research and public health organisation focused on achieving better health for vulnerable communities in Australia and internationally by accelerating the translation of research, discovery and evidence into sustainable health solutions. The Institute is headquartered in Melbourne with programs that operate across Asia, the Pacific and in Africa.

Burnet’s culture links innovative discovery-oriented research and implementation research with development and humanitarian action. World-class laboratory and field-based research is integrated into multidisciplinary programs aimed at the prevention, detection and treatment of diseases of global significance. This unique approach allows the Institute to make a tangible and sustainable impact on health in both developed and developing countries.

The Institute has three major thematic programs – Disease Elimination, Behaviours and Health Risk, and Maternal and Child Health, and two expansion programs – Healthy Ageing and Health Security.  Staff within these Programs are supported by cross-cutting communities of practice; the disciplines of Life Sciences, Public Health and International Development

THE OPPORTUNITY

Working in a public health role you will provide research assistance and administrative support to a range of program activities spanning disease elimination, risk behaviours and other public health initiatives.  The main focus of work will be on either:

• Increasing the numbers of people accessing hepatitis C treatment across Australia as part of the Eliminate Hepatitis C (EC) Australia Partnership.
• Improving our understanding of illicit drug use, related harms such as overdose and responses such as take home naloxone and supervised injecting facilities.

 The position is funded for an initial period of 12 months. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The key responsibility areas will include:

• Work to provide administrative and research assistance to a range of research studies
• Support project implementation, recruitment and project tasks: data collection (including outreach in community settings), entry and analysis
• Support coordination with partners
• Contribute to the preparation and dissemination of project progress reports and other project documentation
• Assist in the development of publications and resources
• Ensure maintenance of high scientific and ethical standards across projects
• Undertake policy analysis and associated report writing
• Assist with organising of education and training activities as required
• Support media, website, communications and dissemination of activities as required
• Plan and coordinate events in project development and conduct stakeholder engagement

CRITERIA

The successful incumbent will have:

• Bachelor degree with Honours (or equivalent)
• A driver’s license valid in the state of Victoria
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to engage professionally with stakeholders, display empathy and understanding in dealing with marginalised people and practice assertiveness in challenging situations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, including being able to manage multiple research-related tasks
• Excellent working knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite and other database and statistical packages such as Stata
• Capacity to work well under minimal supervision, and willingness to contribute to broader research and administrative tasks
• Experience with conducting health related research or health sector development (preferable)

Benefit from ongoing support, a monthly accrued day off and attractive salary packaging working for this leading not-for-profit organisation.  Remuneration will be commensurate with skills and experience. 

Burnet Institute is committed to providing our people with a supportive working environment. We value diversity and gender equity at the institute and provide flexible working arrangements for our staff. Burnet is participating in the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) Pilot of the Athena SWAN Charter in Australia.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply HERE attaching the following documents:

• Statement addressing the selection criteria (as outlined above and in the position description)
• Resume including the names and contact details of three referees

Applications close 14th December 2018.

As part of our commitment to gender equity, we have included a question in the application process on gender. This will allow us to monitor and report on gender in relation to our recruitment process. This field is not compulsory.

Burnet is a child safe organisation. The successful applicant may be required to apply for a Working with Children check and/or criminal record check from the Australian Federal Police.