The Role

The Research Assistant will provide project coordination, research administration, and clinical research support to the mood disorder team led by A/Professor Aswin Ratheesh. The Research Assistant will support the delivery of two interrelated clinical research projects by coordinating participant recruitment, conducting research and clinical assessments, monitoring participant engagement and adherence to digital data collection protocols (including actigraphy and ecological momentary assessment), and ensuring high-quality data management and project administration. Working collaboratively with the broader research team, the Research Assistant will contribute to the successful delivery of clinical research projects and the translation of research findings, in alignment with the strategic objectives of the Black Dog Institute.

Duties & Responsibilities

Coordinate participant recruitment and retention

• Prepare study advertisements and recruitment materials in accordance with ethics approvals to support participant recruitment.
• Screen and recruit eligible participants, obtain informed consent, and coordinate participant enrolment and study visits in accordance with approved study protocols.
• Monitor participant completion of study procedures, especially the passive wearable data collection of daily physical activity and actigraphy, and completion of ecological momentary assessment tasks for Detect-ME project and assessments and questionnaires for BLEND Project.
• Identify missed or incomplete assessments, follow up with participants by sending timely reminders and providing appropriate support, and facilitate resolution of issues to optimise adherence and data completeness.
• Maintain regular communication with participants throughout the study to support participant engagement, retention, compliance, and ongoing safety monitoring.

Conduct clinical and research assessments 

• Conduct structured clinical and research assessments in accordance with study protocols, ethics requirements, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines.
• Administer study questionnaires, interviews, and other research measures.
• Undertake participant safety and risk assessments, escalating any concerns to the PI or clinician in accordance with study procedures.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and confidential research records to ensure data quality and regulatory compliance.

Provide project coordination and research administration support 

• Support ethics and governance processes, including the preparation and submission of study documents, amendments, progress reports, and other regulatory documentation.
• Prepare and manage trial documentation and materials, including developing, reconciling, and distributing study documents and equipment.
• Participate in research team meetings, providing updates on progress and escalating issues as needed.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with clinical teams and other stakeholders.

Support the delivery of clinical research projects

• Coordinate study activities across research sites to facilitate efficient project delivery and effective communication among the research team.
• Manage adverse event reporting in collaboration with the project manager and the lead investigator.
• Monitor project timelines, recruitment targets, and study milestones, escalating potential issues or delays as appropriate.
• Undertake other project-related duties as required. 5. Contribute to research quality and knowledge translation
• Support data quality assurance through timely data entry, data verification, and maintenance of accurate research records.
• Assist with the preparation of study reports, presentations, manuscripts, and other research outputs.

Work, Health and Safety

• Ensure self-compliance with all WHS legislation and BDI WHS Policy and Procedures.
• Report any WHS hazards and significant issues to Director, People & Culture, or delegate and the reporting tool Rely.
• Work In a safe manner, applying duty of care.

Note: the list of responsibilities is not exhaustive, and the Institute may change or request additional activities to meet the operational needs of the business

Selection Criteria

Essential Criteria

1. Relevant tertiary qualification in health sciences, psychology, psychiatry, medicine, or a related discipline.
2. Demonstrated experience or interest in clinical research, mental health research, or clinical trials.
3. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, identify and resolve problems proactively, prioritise workload effectively, and adapt to changing priorities to ensure the timely delivery of research projects.
4. High level of attention to detail and accuracy in data collection, data entry and cleaning, and documentation.
5. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and communicate effectively with participants, clinicians, researchers, and other stakeholders.
6. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team.
7. Demonstrated commitment to maintaining participant confidentiality, handling sensitive information appropriately, and ensuring compliance with research ethics, governance requirements, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
8. Proficient computer skills, with experience in or the ability to learn electronic data capture systems (e.g., REDCap).
9. Current Working with Children Check (or willingness to obtain prior to the commencement of the role), National Police Check, and unrestricted right to work in Australia

Desirable Criteria

1. Previous experience conducting/supporting clinical research regarding participant recruitment, informed consent processes, and coordinating research activities.
2. Previous experience administering structured and semi-structured psychiatric assessment tools such as the MINI or SCID
3. Experience or interest in collecting digital health data using wearable devices (e.g., actigraphy).
4. Basic statistical analysis and/or programming skills, with experience using statistical software (e.g., R, SPSS) considered advantageous.
5. Experience working with adolescents and young adults, and an appreciation of developmental issues in this population

Inclusion at BDI  

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience where all candidates can fully participate in the process.

We warmly encourage applications from First Nations peoples, culturally and racially diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and others from underrepresented backgrounds.

We recognise that not everyone has had equal access to opportunities, and valuable skills and perspectives can be gained through diverse life experiences.

If this role excites you but you don’t meet every listed requirement, we still encourage you to apply as your lived experience and insights are important to us.

Accessibility

If you have accessibility requirements or require information in an alternative format, please email workplaceadjustments@blackdog.org.au or phone 02 9382 4530 

Privacy

We respect your privacy and confidentiality. We only provide information to other staff where it is needed to arrange workplace adjustments.

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. 

Commencement of employment with the Institute is subject to the completion of relevant pre-employment checks, include reference checks, a National Criminal History Check, and other role-specific requirements.
These checks are conducted in line with the Institute’s commitment to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all employees, and check outcomes are reviewed and applied fairly and in accordance with the inherent requirements of the role