The Role

A Research Officer plays a key role in supporting research projects as part of a multidisciplinary team of researchers in the area of suicide prevention. The position will provide technical and research assistance to senior research staff in activities associated with various research projects, including the contribution and application of knowledge to a range of projects conducted at Black Dog Institute. The role reports to program lead, health services and population approaches to suicide prevention, and has no direct reports

Duties & Responsibilities

 • Provision of practical and efficient research support to stakeholders, assisting in the conduct of research that contributes to a better understanding of suicide prevention, contributing where appropriate.

• Provision of administrative and clerical duties, including attendance at research meetings, preparing meeting agendas, preparing and distributing minutes, as required.

• Support in the conceptualisation, design, and successful conduct of projects within suicide prevention.

• Prepare and contribute to the production of technical reports, manuscripts for publication and funding applications.

• Manage the technical aspects of databases, including coordinating and executing data cleaning, data management processes and ensuring research integrity in research databases, in adherence to the project’s research data management plan.

• Undertake literature reviews and/or systematic analysis as required

• Perform quantitative/qualitative data analyses as required by the research project.

• Proactively assist with research reports, peer-reviewed publications, presentations, ethics applications and progress reports.

• Recruit and interview research participants using various types of interview and survey methodologies

• Develop the ethics applications and amendments for submission, maintaining the master study file.

• Liaise with organisations, data custodians, stakeholders and collaborators and actively participate in meetings and discussions as required.

• Coordinate, plan and complete day-to-day research activities within the framework of agreed project timelines and responsibilities.

• Undertake mandatory training, including GCP and integrity

• Cooperate with all health and safety policy and procedures of the Institute and take all reasonable care to ensure your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself and others.

Selection Criteria

• A four year (honours) degree in psychology, public health or related discipline, or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through a combination of education, training, or experience.

• Knowledge of research protocols, experimental design, and planning as involved in developing research projects and reporting against milestones. • Experience working with a range of computer systems and applications, including statistical analysis software such as SPSS, R, or STATA.

• Experience working with research participants who have a history of mental ill-health, high levels of psychological distress, or suicidal thoughts.

• Demonstrated superior interpersonal communication skills to initiate and maintain effective stakeholder relationships whilst exercising discretion and confidentiality.

• Excellent time management skills, with a demonstrated ability to respond to changing priorities, manage multiple tasks and meet competing deadlines by using judgement and initiative.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of attention to detail and the ability to liaise effectively with a range of stakeholders.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and productively within a team, but also to take initiative and work independently while managing competing demands.

• An understanding of and commitment to BDI’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines. 

EEO Statement
Black Dog Institute is committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects our wider community. We ensure equal employment opportunity for all, regardless of age, appearance, carer status, cultural and/or racial background, disability, gender identity, lived experience, religion or sexual orientation. 

How to Apply
To become a part of the Black Dog Institute team, follow the link to our careers site on ELMO and submit your most up to date resume and a detailed cover letter addressing the selection criteria for the role. If you are shortlisted for the role, we will call you and let you know you are successful. Please do not respond to any suspicious emails requesting you to upload your ID or personal details.  We are a 2022 Circle Back Initiative Employer and commit to respond to every applicant.