Research Officer

• Lead impactful research that drives improvements in patient care
• Utilise your research expertise or nursing background to support a collaborative team of clinicians at the forefront of clinical research.
• Enjoy flexibility and variety in a Part Time Fixed Term (2 days per week) role, fixed term until end of February 2026 and with the potential for contract extensions until February 2027.

Be challenged and imagine with us

Join a dynamic and collaborative research team, where you will coordinate operational activities for the Bounce Back Study — an investigator initiated, single-site randomised clinical trial that is currently recruiting participants within the Orthopaedic department at John Hunter Hospital. Your contributions will directly support research that transform practice and enhances patient recovery outcomes. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced research coordinator or for a research nurse seeking a new challenge, stepping back from direct patient care while remaining deeply involved in impactful research.

As a Research Officer, you will:

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Bounce Back clinical trial.
• Guide and monitor the activities of the research nurse recruitment team to ensure adherence to ethical guidelines, study protocols, and institutional policies.
• Develop and maintain project timelines, track recruitment metrics, and deliver progress reports to stakeholders.
• Coordinate financial management of the clinical trial, including budget oversight and resource allocation, in partnership with institutional finance teams.
• Maintain ethical and governance approvals, support data analysis, contribute to manuscript preparation, and handle other research-related tasks.

This fixed term position is part time at a HEW 6 Higher Education Level, and will be located at the University’s School of Medicine and Public Health at John Hunter Hospital.

About our University

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader distinguished by a commitment to equity and excellence. Our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and creating a better future for our regions and the globe. Underpinned by this vision and our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability, the University of Newcastle’s Looking Ahead Strategic Plan 2020-2025 outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities. 

For more information click here – Our Uni. 

About the Unit  

The Hunter Medical Research Institute’s Injury and Trauma Research Program has a diverse research portfolio, that is driven by a multidisciplinary team of researchers from the University of Newcastle School of Medicine and Public Health, Hunter New England Local Health District and NSW Health. Our research program aims to improve the lives of people affected by injuries and reduce the burden of injuries on our healthcare system and society.  

What we offer

In addition to working for a university that is breaking boundaries, discovering new ways of thinking and cementing a place as a global leader, we offer a range of benefits to our employees to ensure you balance your commitments, stay healthy and work effectively. 

These include: 

• The remuneration for this position is pro-rated from $99,655 - $112,112 FTE + superannuation and is commensurate with skills and experience
• Flexible working arrangements (in line with the University’s Flexible Work Policy
• 17% super and salary packaging
• Additional University Holiday days, generous personal leave and parental leave, annual leave loading and additional purchased leave scheme
• Discounts in private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more
• Wellbeing programs

Your next steps 

Please visit here for a guide on how to apply for a role. 

If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy before commencing your application. 

Your application must include: 

• Your resume
• A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity
•  A separate statement addressing the Essential Criteria listed below demonstrating your qualifications and experience with examples.

1. Completion of a relevant Bachelor degree, with subsequent relevant research experience; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/ or education/ training.
2. Detailed knowledge of relevant guidelines and best practice in clinical trial conduct, research ethics and governance.
3. High level organisational and project management skills.
4. Demonstrated experience with research methods, such as research design, data collection processes, creation of study documents, data management.
5. Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, including the capacity to build relationships and an inter-disciplinary way of working.
6. Knowledge of, and experience in adhering to workplace policies and procedures in the areas of work health safety, equity, diversity and promoting a respectful workplace culture.

To ensure that your application receives full consideration, it's important to structure and address the selection criteria outlined in the application process. This helps us better understand your experience and suitability for the role. We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to reviewing your application.

Your combined Cover Letter and Response to the Essential Criteria should not exceed 4 pages (approximately 2,000 words).

For specific position enquiries, please contact Kristy Atherton, Research Coordinator on (02) 4042 0889 or via email Kristy.Atherton@newcastle.edu.au

Having Difficulties? Please reach out to us: employment@newcastle.edu.au

Closing date: Monday 3rd March 2025 at 11.59pm AEST

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you