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Research Assistant

About the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) 

The RFDS is a national, charitable, health organisation delivering primary healthcare and 24-hour emergency services for those that live in rural and remote Australia. Long known as one of the largest aeromedical organisations in the world, the RFDS delivers health care where mainstream health services are not available, using the latest in aviation, medical and communications technology and a broad-reaching ground-service fleet.

About the Role

At the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), we are committed to improving the health of the communities we serve through using a range of research methods to highlight and understand the complexity in contemporary healthcare and find innovative solutions. 

An exciting opportunity exists to join our important work at the RFDS Public Health and Research Unit (PHRU). The PHRU undertakes a variety of research to improve rural / remote healthcare and health outcomes. 

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct literature searches, evaluating the quality and usefulness of research papers and data sources.
• Extract key information from research papers, data sources and articles to inform RFDS research projects, and using appropriate referencing processes.
• Contribute to the development of conference papers and peer-reviewed publications.
• Supporting the organisation and management of current tools being used in project management.
• Maintain data and information files and IT sensitive needs, including backing up and cataloguing of projects.
• Supporting Public Health Research Unit with RFDS ethics applications. 
• Provide administrative support to the RFDS Health Research Working Group.
• Provide administrative support to the Public Health Research Unit as directed.
• Provide administrative and research support to support organisational strategic and business objectives as directed.

Experience, knowledge and skills:

Required

• An undergraduate degree in public health, health science or a related field. Demonstrated research experience in a similar research setting will be highly regarded.
• Good knowledge of the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research, the ability to apply these principles to research conducted by the RFDS and experience in preparing ethics applications.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct literature searches in a systematic manner and prepare literature summaries.
• Demonstrated understanding of the importance of research protocols/methods (includes development and adherence)
•  Demonstratable academic writing skills that show attention to detail, including accurate referencing, data entry and formatting, with proficiency in a referencing program such as Endnote.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft suite
• Ability to plan and organise workload to achieve targets and deadlines.
• Self-motivation and ability to work under limited supervision.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for liaising with the research team, and when required, internal and external partners.
• Working respectfully under the RFDS confidentiality code of conduct, including data management, and sensitivity to political considerations arising while working in areas of health policy research.

Desirable

• Demonstrated experience conducting quantitative data analyses in SPSS, tableau or an equivalent package will be highly regarded.
• Experience with project management tools e.g., Smartsheet
• Good understanding of the contemporary issues in rural and remote health care
• Good understanding of the contemporary issues in Indigenous research

Work Requirements & Benefits

• To be located in Canberra (office located in Barton)
• Part time vacancy of 2 days per week. Compulsory work day is a Tuesday to attend weekly staff meeting, however flexible on the other day per week (excluding weekends) with working from home part week options available.
• free staff parking
• Not-For-Profit tax benefits & salary packaging
• On the job coaching, training and support

How to Apply

To Apply: Please send your Resume and 1-page Cover Letter addressing the key responsibilities and your suitability towards the experience, knowledge and skills requirements for role to: recruitment@rfds.org.au. For further information about the role, please contact Fergus Gardiner on 02 6269 5513. Applications close COB 15 April 2024. Applications that do not include a Cover Letter may not be considered. Shortlisting may take place for suitable candidates whilst the job is open. 

The Royal Flying Doctor Service is committed to eliminating all forms of discrimination. We welcome and embrace diversity and strive to provide a culturally safe and inclusive workplace for all employees. 

The Royal Flying Doctor Service acknowledges and pays respect to the past and present Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation.