The Garvan Institute of Medical Research brings together world-leading clinicians and basic and translational researchers to break down barriers between traditional scientific disciplines and find solutions to disease.

The MetMemory Study represents a collaboration with experts from the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) at the University of New South Wales Sydney and the University of Sydney. CHeBA is an international centre of excellence in multidisciplinary research into the ageing brain, including examining various aspects of cognitive disorders and dementia, as well as undertaking research into the prevention, treatment and assessment of cognitive ageing. This project, the MetMemory Study, marries the expertise in metabolic research at Garvan and ageing at both CHeBA and the University of Sydney.

The Opportunity

We have an exciting opportunity to join our team at Garvan as a Study Coordinator. This role will oversee every aspect of study execution in the MetMemory Study, a 3 year randomised controlled intervention of the medication metformin on cognitive, metabolic and neuroimaging in older people with mild cognitive impairment.

Snap Shot of benefits (full list of benefits available)

Generous salary packaging ($15,900 for general household expenses and $2,650 for meal/entertainment allowance on top of base salary)

On going training and development

Flexible work arrangements

18 weeks paid parental leave

Additional day’s leave as Garvan Day

2 days cultural leave per year

Employee Assistance Program

Discounted Health Insurance

Lifestyle discounts with our community partners

This is an initial two-year, part-time role (4 days per week) with an annual base salary of ranging from $66,000 - $90,000 (FTE), plus 10% superannuation. As a Not-For-Profit, Garvan offers salary packaging on top of your base pay.

Key Responsibilities

Key responsibilities and activities include but are not limited to:

Maintain study materials including, but not limited to, the informed consent (PICF), case report forms (CRF), source documents, enrolment logs and medication accountability logs.

organises and maintains study documents, including but not limited to, regulatory binders, study specific source documentation, trackers and other materials in adherence with study protocols.

Recruit and screen volunteers for eligibility using protocol-specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, documenting each potential participant’s eligibility or exclusion.

Coordinate and conduct participant screening tests and procedures

Conduct study assessments and collect data in line with the protocol and standard operating procedures and policies, including venesection. Assure timely completion of eCRF and response to queries.

Provide nursing care to research study patients

Maintain study timelines and report protocol deviations.

Maintain adequate inventory of study supplies.

Complete study documentation and maintain study files in accordance with sponsor requirements and PBI policies and procedures including, but not limited to, consent forms, source documentation and progress notes.

Liaise with pharmacy contractors for provision of study medication (active or placebo) to participants, following all due procedures in blinded, randomised medication trials, including follow-up of potential adverse effects and pill counts.

Provide day to day management of employees working on the project, including training and supervision related to study design, data collection, reporting, and project management

Prepare written reports on study progress and prepare summaries and deliver presentations of study findings for a range of stakeholders, including professional bodies and consumer organisations.

Assist the PI with scientific, safety and compliance reporting requirements in accordance with Sponsor, TGA, NHMRC and HREC policies and procedures. Develop and monitor ethics amendments and new proposals.

Manage the study’s biospecimens, access processes and policies, including transferring biospecimens to any authorised investigator(s). Completing sample releaser/shipment documentation as necessary.

Prepare study documents for archiving that will be maintained according to PBI policies and procedures for the contracted length of time.

About You

The following key skills and attributes are essential to undertaking the role:

Bachelor of Nursing (Division 1-8) and registered with AHPRA

Previous experience in clinical trials as either a nurse or coordinator

Proven project management experience, including a general understanding of the project life cycle and documentation together with the ability to meet project requirements and deadlines.

Demonstrated experience in and accuracy with data management, with high level competence in analysis of datasets, including the checking of anomalies (missing data etc.) together with demonstrated statistical and data application skills including proficient use of software packages such as RedCap, SPSS, or SAS. RedCap experience is highly desirable.

Knowledge of medical terminology, drug calculation skills, clinical medicine, clinical trials

Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Word and Excel, electronic health systems and databases used in research environment

Consistently demonstrates a professional demeanour, strong communication skills with the public and their supports, including people with physical or mental disabilities, as well as physicians and co-workers, in addition to a strong sense of compassion and patience, since many participants will have cognitive impairment

Excellent organisational skills with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.

Demonstrated high level of interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.

Detail-oriented and meticulous in all aspects of work

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please submit your application with a CV and cover letter as one document, stating why you are interested in this role. We are reviewing applications as they are received. If you think you’re the right person for this role, we’d love to hear how your capabilities, achievements and experience set you apart. Only applicants with full working rights in Australia are eligible to apply for this role.