Trial Coordinator - Psychology

• One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities
• Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion
• Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.

The School of Psychology at UNSW is the leading Psychology school in Australia. It is located in the Faculty of Science and is recognised nationally and internationally for its excellence in research and teaching. It offers world class undergraduate psychology degrees, as well as postgraduate professional Masters training in Clinical and Forensic Psychology, an online Graduate Diploma program, and a PhD research program with over 120 students. 40 academic staff conduct experimental research in many areas of Psychology, including behavioural and cognitive neuroscience, perception, learning, memory and cognition, as well as health, social, developmental, clinical and forensic psychology. UNSW Psychology is the only School in the southern hemisphere ranked in the top 30 by discipline in the THES, QS and ARWU rankings. The School has well equipped research and teaching facilities and attracts outstanding staff and students from Australia and overseas. UNSW is located 5 km from the centre of Sydney and is close to other research centres, teaching hospitals, transport, shopping, and beaches.

For further information about the school please visit www.psychology.unsw.edu.au

The Trial Coordinator supports the activities of a Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) funded CogCoach project. Led by Professor Kaarin Anstey, this project aims to reduce the risk factors for chronic disease in older adults who experience Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).

As Trial Coordinator you will play a key role in managing and coordinating the project, including the contribution and application of knowledge in SCD and MCI, overseeing participant recruitment, establishment of trial site and protocols, ethics submissions, liaising with stakeholders and collaborators and preparation of reports.

About the role

• LEVEL 6 ($96k – $103k) plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 3 years
• Part time (28 hours)

The role reports to Professor Kaarin Anstey, supporting the Faculty of Science and the School of Psychology, and has no direct reports.

Specific responsibilities for this role include:

• Provision of practical and efficient research support to stakeholders, assisting in the conduct of an online randomised controlled trial of dementia risk reduction interventions for individuals with Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).
• Assist in the planning and start-up of the project including research ethics applications, trial registration, equipment purchase, set up online surveys and scheduling, develop lab manuals and procedures.
• Prepare, contribute and manage participant communications, project team meetings, reports in relation to study progress and timeline.
• Oversee data management and storage in line with Good Clinical Practice ensuring integrity in research databases, quality control and ethical standards.
• Perform quantitative/qualitative data analyses as required by the research project.
• Monitor research protocols, provide problem solving and resolution to any evolving problems related to design, implementation, and analysis.
• Coordinate, plan and complete day-to-day research activities within the framework of agreed project timelines and responsibilities.
• Assist with the preparation and submission of applications for approval through institutional Human Research Ethics Committees, Risk Assessment and Safe Work protocols.
• Assist with recruitment of participants with SCD and MCI, including liaising with a range of clinics, volunteer lists, advocacy organisations, and community groups.
• With training, conduct structured interviews and standardised assessments with older adults with dementia and their care partners, manage recording and collection of sensitive data, and adhere to Good Clinical Practice guidelines.
• Liaise with key internal and external stakeholders and senior research staff.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the UNSW Values in Action: Our Behaviours and the UNSW Code of Conduct
• Cooperate with all health and safety policy and procedures of the University and take all reasonable care to ensure your actions or omissions do not impact on the psychosocial or physical health and safety of yourself and others.

About the successful applicant
(Selection Criteria)

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A tertiary degree in Psychology (Bachelor’s degree with Honours or Master’s degree), or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through a combination of education, training or experience.
• Experience in supporting the conduct of human clinical trials and an understanding of research protocols, design, planning and experimental methods.
• Experience in participant recruitment, survey design, implementation, data collection and data management.
• Experience working with a range of computer systems and applications, including REDCap, Qualtrics or similar survey and research database software/platforms, Teams and Zoom.
• Demonstrated superior interpersonal communication skills to initiate and maintain effective stakeholder relationships whilst exercising discretion and confidentiality.
• Excellent time management and project 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.
• Demonstrated interest in cognitive ageing, epidemiology, and dementia.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives, and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety (psychosocial or physical) responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

You should systematically address the selection criteria listed within the position description in your application.

Please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed.

Contact:
Ranmalee Eramudugolla
E: [email protected]
Applications close: May 19th, 2024

Find out more about working at UNSW at www.unsw.edu.au

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.