Research Officer

Role Type: 12-month contract (full time or 2 part-time roles at 0.5 FTE)
Salary: 112,614 - 120,880 per annum plus superannuation

The opportunity:

Join a world-leading research team improving outcomes for infants born extremely preterm
.

The Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) is seeking a highly organised and motivated Research Coordinator to support the Victorian Infant Collaborative Study (VICS), one of Australia's longest running and most significant longitudinal research programs investigating the outcomes of infants born extremely preterm or with extremely low birth weight.

Working within the Prematurity Research Group, you will coordinate the day-to-day delivery of research activities across VICS cohorts, ensuring studies are conducted efficiently, ethically, and in accordance with regulatory requirements.

This is a hands-on role combining research coordination, participant engagement, ethics and governance management, data management, and project administration. You will work closely with researchers, clinicians, participants, and families, helping to deliver high-quality research that influences clinical practice and policy.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to research that has shaped neonatal care for decades and continues to improve the lives of children and families across Victoria and beyond.

About the study

The Victorian Infant Collaborative Study (VICS) is a statewide initiative evaluating the care and long-term outcomes of infants born extremely preterm (EP) or with extremely low birth weight (ELBW).

The study follows cohorts born since the 1970s, with current research focusing on participants born in 1991-1992, 2016, and 2022-2023. Research examines survival, health, developmental, educational, functional, and psychosocial outcomes across the lifespan.

What you’ll do

• Coordinate the day-to-day operations of research studies and participant follow-up activities.
• Prepare and manage human research ethics and governance submissions, amendments, annual reports, and study closure documentation.
• Develop, maintain, and manage REDCap databases, surveys, and participant tracking systems.
• Coordinate participant recruitment, scheduling, assessments, and retention activities.
• Maintain accurate study records and ensure compliance with privacy and data governance requirements.
• Perform data entry, validation, quality assurance, and database management activities.
• Assist with data extraction, cleaning, management, and preparation of datasets for analysis.
• Support research activities in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), ICH-GCP guidelines, and institutional policies.
• Build strong relationships with participants, families, clinicians, researchers, and external collaborators.

What you’ll bring

• A degree in psychology, health sciences, public health, allied health, epidemiology, neuroscience, education, or a related discipline (Honours or higher preferred), or equivalent research experience.
• Experience coordinating research studies, participant appointments, assessments, or research visits.
• Experience preparing and submitting human research ethics and governance documentation.
• Strong REDCap experience, including database development and management.
• Excellent organisational and project coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities.
• Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), research governance, ethics processes, and participant confidentiality requirements.
• Strong data management and quality assurance skills.

Please view the position description here.

Any questions? Please reach out to Jeanie Cheong at jeanie.cheong@mcri.edu.au.

What you’ll enjoy

• Access a range of salary packaging options—covering entertainment, novated leases, and more
• The opportunity to contribute to research that improves outcomes for children and families.
• A collaborative, supportive, and multidisciplinary research environment.
• Flexible working arrangements
• Professional development and training opportunities
• The option of one full-time appointment or two part-time appointments for suitably qualified candidates
• Access to MCRI's wellbeing, diversity, and inclusion initiatives

Who we are

Murdoch Children’s Research Institute envisions a transformative future for child health. Our institute is a hub of impactful scientific breakthroughs, particularly in early interventions, enhanced diagnosis, prevention, and potential cures. We thrive on collaborative, multidisciplinary problem-solving to address challenging queries in child health. Committed to inclusivity and respect, we foster a positive working environment that values diverse backgrounds and experiences. As a proud member of the Australian Network on Disability and a dedicated supporter of Science Australia Gender Equity (SAGE), we uphold principles of equal opportunity and diverse representation.

We are committed to the safety of children and young people and takes a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of child abuse, exploitation and harm. Child safety is prioritised in our decision-making at all levels of the Institute.

Apply now!

Flexible work options available: We are open to appointing one full-time Research Coordinator or two part-time Research Coordinators for the right candidates. If you are seeking part-time employment, we encourage you to apply.

If you believe this role is a good fit for you, please apply by submitting:

• Your resume
• A cover letter addressing the selection criteria

Ensure these documents are combined into a single PDF file.

We welcome individuals of diverse genders, ages, ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, abilities, religions, and sexual orientations in our workplace. We actively encourage talented individuals from all walks of life to apply for our job openings. Our commitment lies in fostering a workplace that is barrier-free and inclusive, aiming to attract the most skilled candidates.

For any questions related to the recruitment process, feel free to reach out to our Recruitment Team at recruitment@mcri.edu.au. Ensure that you include the position number and job title in the subject line. Please refrain from sharing your application to this email address.

Please note, we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.

No recruitment agencies please.
Applications close: Friday 13 November 2026

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