POSITION DESCRIPTION
POSITION TITLE
Senior Research Officer
REPORTS TO
Professor Jeannette Milgrom/ Dr Alan Gemmill
Parent-Infant Research Institute
AWARD/AGREEMENT/CONTRACT
Equivalent to NHMRC scale dependent on
qualifications and experience
POSITION TYPE
Senior Research Officer salary range dependent on
qualification and experience
e.g. Registered Nurse Div 1,
Occupational Therapist Gr1, etc.
HOURS PER WEEK
1.
0.5 EFT – 0.6 EFT
ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXT
Austin Health is one of Victoria’s largest health care providers. Comprising of Austin Hospital,
Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital and Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre, Austin Health is a major
teaching and research centre with numerous university and research institute affiliations.
Catering to diverse multicultural and veteran communities, Austin Health delivers vital state-wide
services to Victorians and a vast array of specialty services to the people of Melbourne’s northeastern corridor in a safety-focused, team-oriented and stimulating work environment.
2.
LOCAL WORK ENVIRONMENT
The Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital is an acute general hospital in a pleasant garden setting. This
research position is part of Parent-Infant Research Institute affiliated with the Clinical and Health
Psychology Department, Austin Health, which is active in teaching, research and clinical services.
3.
POSITION OBJECTIVE
Background
The Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI) is an innovative Australian research institute committed
to improving the emotional well-being of parents and infants. PIRI has developed as a Centre of
Excellence under the leadership of Professor Jeannette Milgrom (Executive Director of PIRI) and
brings a successful international record in academic and applied research grants and publications,
with potential for enormous growth. This proposal seeks a grant-writer to assist PIRI to reach a size
that will allow the Institute to become self-sufficient. The aim is to increasingly attract post-graduate
students, post-doctoral research fellows and top researchers in this area, catalysed by the affiliation
with the University of Melbourne. The potential of PIRI to make a tangible difference to Australian
mothers, fathers and babies lies in its approach to addressing problems through a combination of
clinical and academic expertise to inform the development and application of cutting edge
interventions. PIRI is considered a world leader in perinatal mental health and infancy, and has
played a major role with beyondblue and the National Perinatal Depression Initiative since 2001 to
make available universal screening for depression for all Australian families.
Funding from the Baker Foundation for a grant writer (post doctoral fellow) will assist PIRI’s
growth which is critical for achieving self sufficiency and a sustainable future. In order to increase
PIRI’s capacity. we need to apply for substantial competitive grants including those of 5-7 year
duration. A grant writer will be invaluable to help us build sustainability.
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Position Objective
This position is for a grant writer with a track record in writing publications and grants with
substantial postdoctoral research experience to assist in future submissions and publications of
PIRI’s innovative research and treatment programs. The SRO will work closely with the Director,
Senior Research Officer and other members of the research team in mapping out, designing, and
writing up original research and new submissions. The potential to create an ongoing position for the
SRO also exists. An ongoing record of publication in the Institute’s principal areas of research is
desirable.
4.
POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES

Report compilation and contribution to funding submissions and academic papers will comprise
a large part of the SRO’s job. This may include presenting the status of ongoing research, ethics
applications/progress reports and disseminating results in the form of conference presentations,
electronic media and in-house journal/newsletter production and updating the PIRI website.

Relevant research experience which may include in the design, conduct and analysis of doubleblind, randomized research trials, familiarity with SPSS, SAS, NCSS/PASS.

A proven capacity to write clearly and accurately to the highest professional standards.

An ability to manage and prioritise tasks and work efficiently to tight timelines and work
independently.

The SRO may be involved with applications not only to research bodies but philanthropic grants
and this may also involve liaising with outside agencies, key donors, other PIRI staff and other
health professionals.

Other duties as required.
Other requirements:
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5.
Abide by Austin Health corporate policies and practices as varied from time to time.
Participate in Austin Health performance appraisal program as required.
Undertake not to reveal to any person or entity any confidential information relating to patients
and employees, policies, processes and dealings and not to make public statements relating to
the affairs of Austin Health without prior authority of the Chief Executive Officer.
Participate in the emergency incident response activities, as defined within the Emergency
Response Manual, as and when required, at the direction of management.
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
Key Attributes
 Wants to be part of building the research portfolio of an Institute
 Energy, drive, vision
 Strong interest in perinatal mental health field
 Record of research writing for peer review
- Publications
- and/or grants
 Able/interest/experience in writing traditional grant submissions and under directions
philanthropic grants
 Willing to network/communication skills, interest
 People skills
 Team player
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Key Selection Criteria
 Professional psychology or science background and extensive experience and substantial
publication record in quantitative research methodology
 Proven track record of science writing of peer-reviewed publication and grant
application/reporting
 Understanding of experimental design and statistical analysis skills
 Knowledge of perinatal depression or related research
 Organisational skills and team management experience
 Ability to follow complex protocols with attention to detail
 Independent worker able to work in busy team environment
 Flexibility and readiness to multi-task
 Interpersonal skills
 Driving license.
Essential for Performance of the Position
 A commitment to Austin Health values: Integrity, Accountability, Respect and Excellence.
6.
OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION
Pre-Existing Injury
Prior to any person being appointed to this position it will be required that they disclose full details of
any pre-existing injuries or disease that might be affected by employment in this position.
Immunisation
Maintain appropriate levels of immunisation in accordance with Austin Health’s Workforce
Immunisation/Screening Policies, in the interests of yourself, all Austin Health staff, patients and
visitors.
7.
AUSTIN HEALTH VALUES
The Austin Health values play a critical role in shaping how we operate as an organisation. They
influence our performance, planning, recruitment, training and development, along with our
relationships with colleagues, work mates, patients and their relatives and friends. The Austin Health
values set the standard that we expect all staff to live up to in the way they undertake their role and
responsibilities across the organisation.
Our Values:
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Integrity
We work in the spirit of collaboration and honesty to build effective working relationships
across the whole organisation.
Accountability
We are transparent, responsible and build trust by fulfilling promises and communicating
effectively.
Respect
We care about others and treat each other with consideration, equality and fairness.
Excellence
We continually strive to advance patient focused care through innovation, research and
effective stakeholder management.
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8.
DOCUMENT REVIEW DETAILS
Date Position First Documented (if known):
____/____/____
Date of this Position Description Review:
____/____/____
Signature of Manager:
Date: ____/____/____
Signature of Employee:
Date: ____/____/____
Austin Health is a Bully Free and Smoke Free Employer
Austin Health is committed to providing employees with a healthy, smoke free work environment
where bullying and harassment does not occur. Consistent with this and Austin Health’s corporate
values of integrity, accountability, respect and excellence, Austin Health will not tolerate employees:
Behaving in a bullying or harassing manner in the workplace; or
Smoking on Austin Health premises or in Austin Health vehicles.
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