Project Officer

Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC)

Are you passionate about collaborating with people and communities to improve health outcomes? Do you have an interest in health promotion, community development, and/or research? Are you looking for a flexible, part-time opportunity that uses your strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills?

Your new role:

Menzies School of Health Research is looking to engage a First Nations Project Officer to join The Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Scoring in Women with Novel Cardiovascular Risk Factors trial (CAC-Women’s Trial). 

The CAC-Women’s Trial is a national, multi-site trial, looking to recruit 700 participants across Australia. The aim of the trial is to evaluate if a computed tomography (CT) scan of the arteries and heart in women with non-traditional cardiovascular risk factors, can detect premature atherosclerosis and improve their risk factors. This trial will evaluate the overall potential, feasibility, and acceptability of a CAC-guided approach to primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in women, and its impact on cardiovascular risk factor management.

The Project Officer will be responsible for the engagement of potential participants and will involve working independently and within a team in multiple health care services and the community.  The successful applicant will undertake daily research activities and participant assessments under the supervision of the CAC project coordinator according to the trials and Menzies protocols and procedures, including: the recruitment of participants within Darwin, gaining consent, recording and collecting data, performing and analysing clinical assessment, reviewing and inputting medical records, conducting surveys and coordinating education, following up participants, results, and specialist appointments.

The successful applicant will ensure participant information and data are recorded accurately into relevant databases/systems (e.g. MS spreadsheet and REDCap) and that data is managed appropriately in accordance with ethical, cultural and confidentiality requirements (including Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Guidelines, Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, and National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research).

Some additional responsibilities for appointment at a higher level GSL6:

• Initiate and facilitate the development of appropriate processes, education, and resources necessary for the project delivery.
• Develop and carry out health promotion and health education information sessions for participants, including feedback discussion sessions in urban settings.
• Assist in the preparation and submission of reports, project promotional material, research ethics applications, and their associated reporting obligations.
• Provide initiative and sound judgment in management of complex issues related to the conduct of the project.

Please see the Position Description for a full list of primary responsibilities and selection criteria.

What we would like you to bring to the role:

The ideal candidate will bring transferrable skills and experience in any of a broad range of human or health-related services, e.g. health, education, health promotion, nutrition, dietetics etc. You will possess exceptional verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills, self-confidence, the ability to communicate effectively in writing, prepare basic correspondence in accordance with required formats, and commitment to maintaining confidentiality.

Other ideal qualities:

• Tertiary qualification in a related health field; or an Aboriginal Health Practitioner with experience; or a combination of health-related research experience and education with a certificate, advanced certificate or diploma qualification.
• Experience of working with Aboriginal people, families and communities in a culturally sensitive and accountable manner that is supportive and collaborative for the betterment of Aboriginal health and wellbeing.
• Experience or willingness to undertake training in doing health surveys with participants, and/or taking blood pressures and body measurements (e.g. height, weight, waist and hip circumference).
• Good computer skills including previous use of Microsoft outlook, work, excel or similar applications, and use of databases or other software. (eg REDCap).
• Strong understanding of ethics relevant to working with health/community health services and/or research settings, and a willingness to learn and adhere to relevant guidelines (Good Clinical Practice Guidelines, Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, and National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research).

Some additional selection criteria for appointment at higher level (GSL 6):

• Degree qualification in a related health field and subsequent experience, or extensive and specialist expertise or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/ training.
• Excellent management skill, ability to multitask and prioritize workloads with minimal guidance in a fast-paced environment whilst achieving results and meeting tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to work flexibly and independently with minimal supervision, and experience in adapting processes or techniques as required to achieve objectives without impacting on other areas.

Why Menzies

Menzies is one of Australia’s leading medical research institutes dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and a leader in global and tropical research into life-threatening illnesses. If making a positive health impact in Australia and across our region excites and motivates you, join us as we continue to translate our research into effective programs and partnerships in communities across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region, and find enduring solutions to health problems that matter.

What Menzies can offer:

• Professional development opportunities and mentoring
• Exceptional leave entitlements including: 6 weeks annual leave, 3 weeks personal leave and 16 weeks paid parental leave, with option to purchase an additional 4 weeks leave.
• Up to 14% employer superannuation contribution, significant salary packaging benefits and other market leading conditions.
• Base Salary $73,670 – $87,901 per annum pro rata
• Total Renumeration Package $95,232 – $111,559 per annum pro rata

If you have any questions regarding the role, please contact:

Sue Cottle | CAC Project Coordinator
Wellbeing and Preventable Chronic Diseases Division

susan.cottle@menzies.edu.au

Ph: 08 8946 8663

How to Apply

Please click on the link below to view the Position Description and to submit your application –

Job Details

Applicants are required to provide the following supporting documents:

• Cover letter stating your interest in the role and summarising how your experience matches the selection criteria
• Updated resume
• Any other relevant supporting documentation   

Closing date:  11 June 2023

Applicants are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The successful candidate will be required to provide suitable evidence of vaccinations to Menzies Human Resources.

Special considerations:

This position will only be open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants. The filling of this position is intended to constitute a special/equal opportunity measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 and section 57 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1992 (NT) 

Please note this is a female identified role. An applicant’s gender is a genuine occupational requirement of this position, authorised by s35 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1992 (NT) and Division 4 (s30, ss1 & ss2a,c,g,e,& h) of the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 

For more information on how to apply for this position please visit https://www.menzies.edu.au/page/Careers/Information_for_applicants/  or phone 08 8946 8663