Who Are We?

At MCRI we share a powerful vision; to re-imagine the future of child health. We are the home to many life-changing scientific discoveries. We believe that no question is too impossible to try and answer. We are renowned for our cutting edge focus on early interventions, improved diagnosis, prevention and development of potential cures. Our success is founded on a philosophy of collaboration through a multi-disciplinary approach to solving the toughest questions in child health. MCRI is a proud member of the Australian Network on Disability. We are committed to creating a positive working environment which values all backgrounds and experiences.

Your Opportunity:

• The HealthNuts study of 5,300 children, is the world's first comprehensive population-based study of food allergy with objective measurement of true food allergy, the oral food challenge. HealthNuts research is examining why some children develop food allergies, how food allergies are related to other allergic diseases including asthma, hay fever, eczema, and is aiming to develop strategies to overcome and prevent allergic reactions.
• Participants were followed up again when they were 4, 6 and 10 years old. This year, we will begin conducting the 5th wave of the HealthNuts study and will following up all participants as they turn 15 years of age, over a three-year period.
• The Research Assistant will conduct the participant allergy assessments (for the 15-year-olds) primarily in the participants’ homes in after-school hours (mostly metropolitan Melbourne). Some of these allergy assessments will also be conducted at the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) in Parkville.
• The allergy assessments involve conducting skin prick tests to food allergens and aero allergens, anthropometric measurements (height, weight, waist circumference), eczema assessment, respiratory testing (testing lung function using a spirometer and FeNO), and biological sample collection (blood).

Your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Conducting adolescent allergy assessments at participants’ homes and at RCH.
• Effectively communicating with participants (primarily parents) over the telephone for recruitment and booking visits.
• Effectively communicating with participants (adolescents) during clinical assessments.
• Meeting set target for number of visits and bookings that have been set for number of assessments and bookings to be completed per week.
• Ensuring all data is recorded accurately and securely.
• Entering data as required.
• Conducting ethical research at the highest level of integrity and in line with the Australian Code for Responsible Conduct of Research and MCRI policies.

Selection Criteria

• Degree/Honours/Masters qualification in Science or related discipline.
• Appropriate level of expertise gained from a combination of experience, training or professional accreditation.
• Flexibility and commitment to undertake assessments at different times according to requirements of the study: (1) after school hours (up to 7pm) during the week in the school term; (2) during office hours (particularly on school holidays); (3) Occasional Saturdays. Minimum requirements are: availability to work evenings 4-5 days per week (if full time), and some Saturdays (Sat 9am to 5pm).
• Experience and confidence in working with young people.
• Prior experience in research data collection.

What’s in it for you:

• 12 Month Contract (Possible Extension).
• Attractive Salary $77,592-$86,456 per annum (pro rata if Part Time) + Super (with Salary Packaging).
• Full Time or Part Time (22.8 hours per week).
• Flexible Working Options.
• Ongoing Career Development and Training.
• Paid Parental Leave Scheme.
• Health and Wellbeing Program and an Employee Assistance Program.

Apply Now!!

Download the position description. Any specific questions not answered in the position description should be directed to Megan Mathers on [email protected], using the subject line: Research Assistant enquiry via EthicalJobs

If you believe you have what we're after please click 'Apply Now' to proceed with your application. In one document only please place your:

• Cover Letter
• Response to Key Selection Criteria
• Resume

If you experience technical difficulties when submitting your application, please contact [email protected].

On occasions where we receive a large number of applications, we may close the advert ahead of the publicised closing date. We would therefore advise that you submit your completed application as soon as possible.

All applicants please be aware that in line with the Victorian Chief Health Officer’s Directions, all MCRI and VCGS workers must be fully vaccinated, unless a medical exception applies. Applicants will be required to provide their Australian Government COVID-19 Digital Immunisation Certificate/s or evidence of medical exception or evidence of vaccination booking as part of our pre-employment requirements.

We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, all members of the LGBTQI community and people with disability.

Should you require any specific support or adjustments please talk to us and we will be happy to accommodate.

All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory Police Check and a Working with Children check is compulsory.

Please note, applications will only be considered when submitted via the MCRI website.

Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.