Position Overview

The Research Officer will be responsible for supporting effective coordination and day to day management of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) funded Project Grant: Women’s Action for Mums and Bubs (WOMB): A pragmatic trial of participatory women’s groups to improve Indigenous maternal and child health (GNT1146013). This community-based participatory research project aims to improve the quality of Indigenous Primary Health Care in maternal and child health (MCH) through implementing and testing the effectiveness of participatory women’s groups in engaging with MCH audit data and improving service quality and outcomes.

The Research Officer will undertake data collection in rural and remote Indigenous community settings, analyse and interpret qualitative data, within a team setting, write ethics approval requests and reports, liaise with and support participating sites, plan and assist with training sessions, face to face meetings and field trips, organise timely team and stakeholder engagement and assist with evaluating the process, impact and outcomes of the WOMB project. Close liaison and cooperation with the team from the NHMRC Partnership grant the LEAP project will also be required.

Organisational Charts

James Cook University

Division of Tropical Health and Medicine

College of Medicine and Dentistry

Principal Accountabilities

1. Support coordination of the project over a large geographical area (Rural and remote NSW, QLD, NT and WA) and across a number of health and community organisations.
2. Liaise between health service staff and women’s groups, chief investigators, assistant investigators, external stakeholders and data managers.
3. Support participating sites and participate in data collection at those sites.
4. Assist in data collection and analysis (predominantly qualitative).
5. Plan study site visits and field trips and training sessions and support the organisation of timely team and stakeholder engagement and ensure timely delivery of outputs in line with project study proposal timeframes.
6. In conjunction with the research team, support the training of women’s group facilitators from each site, the operation of the groups, and collect and collate audit data from services for calculation of outcome measures.
7. Support ethics approval and reporting processes.
8. Organise and record project team and dissemination meetings.
9. Support the evaluation (in conjunction with other team members) of the process, impact and outcomes of the WOMB project.
10. In conjunction with Lead Investigators and team members, support the dissemination of findings from the WOMB and LEAP projects including academic publications, conference presentations, final reporting, research translation and direct feedback to services, partners and policy makers.
11. Support the University's commitment to the principles of reconciliation, which exemplify respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and the valuing of justice and equity for all Australians.
12. Demonstrate a commitment to the University values.
13. Support the principles of the TropEco program and engage in commitment to JCU sustainability goals and objectives.

Generic Accountabilities  

There are generic responsibilities that apply to all James Cook University staff.  

1. The Research Officer is required to observe the lawful and reasonable directions, policies and decisions of the University Council, understand and comply with the Enterprise Agreement, the Statutes and Rules of the University, the policies and decisions of the University Council and other appropriate University authorities, as in force from time to time.
2. The Research Officer is required to demonstrate a personal commitment to ensure personal safety and the safety of others and contribute to the continuous improvement of our WHS performance. This includes the effective implementation and compliance with James Cook University WHS policies, procedures and safe systems of work, together with all relevant legislation, duties and obligations. Contribute to the continuous improvement of our WHS performance. 
3. The Research Officer is required to exercise proper discretion in all matters affecting the well-being of the University which involve public writing or speaking in accordance with the University’s Code of Conduct.

Special Conditions

• It is a requirement of this position to travel, which may include overnight stays.
• It is a requirement of this position to work after hours on occasion.
• It is a requirement of this position to hold a current ‘C’ class Queensland Driver’s license.
• This position is a designated position for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Selection Criteria

Selection and appointments will be assessed against selection criteria.

Essential

1. A Bachelor degree and research experience, and either working towards a postgraduate qualification, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
2. Experience with project management and community engagement in rural and remote Indigenous settings.
3. Strong communication skills both written and oral with the ability to engage effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders, including Indigenous community organisations, government departments, academics and field researchers. 
4. A knowledge of or willing to learn about health services, and the higher education and research sector, including NHMRC and ARC systems, ethics requirements, code of conduct for research, and an understanding of the primary healthcare service sector.  
5. High level organisational and time management skills; ability to work largely unsupervised and respond to competing priorities.
6. Analytical skills to assist in complex data analysis involving qualitative and quantitative data.
7. Demonstrable understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary health care context.