Research Officer

The School of Population Health delivers a range of public health and psychology undergraduate courses and specialist postgraduate courses, as well as short courses designed for those working in the health sector who want to add new or specialist skills to their repertoire.

The school recognises the strain placed on community health and mental wellbeing from the emergence of new diseases, the threat of global climate change and terrorism, the steady increase of the world’s population, and the globalisation of world economies.

About the role

This position presents an exciting opportunity, in collaboration with the WA Cancer Registry and WA Cancer and Palliative Care Network Clinical Implementation Unit, to make a major impact in the development of the collection of cancer staging information and related epidemiological reports and research. The WA Cancer Registry is the only complete and accurate source of cancer incidence and mortality data for Western Australia since 1982 and plays a vital role in improving outcomes for Western Australian cancer patients by monitoring cancer related trends and survival, supporting research studies, and evaluating cancer prevention and health promotion programs. Cancer stage at diagnosis is the most significant risk factor determining cancer patients' prognosis and is critical in understanding early diagnosis yet has never been routinely collected at the population level.

This project will develop critical foundation work in developing operational business rules using available data sources to estimate stage at diagnosis using standardised methodology enabling national and international benchmarking. This position will provide opportunities to strengthen local and inter-jurisdictional networks across health systems, academic sectors, and non-government organisations.

Responsibilities will include:

• To work with chief investigators and the Research Fellow to manage the WA Cancer Staging project.
• Support the Research Fellow to establish the business rules required to undertake Registry-Derived-Stage developed as a result of this project.
• Coordinate and prepare documentation relating to the stakeholder consultation and working groups.
• Support the development of the processes and documentation required for the ongoing collection of registry-derived staging at diagnosis data.
• Prepare project reports, workshops, seminars, conference papers and high-quality journal articles as required.
• Liaise with internal and external collaborators as appropriate.
• Collate, synthesise, review and summarise information from literature searches and data analyses.
• As a member of the University community, demonstrate the highest possible standards of professional and personal conduct, modelling the University’s Values and Signature Behaviours.
• Undertake other activities which the incumbent might reasonably be expected to do, and which are consistent with the accountabilities and responsibilities as listed above.

• Curtin continues to be a leader in reconciliation in the Higher Education sector, being one of the first Universities to receive accreditation for an Elevate RAP - the highest level within Reconciliation Australia’s Workplace RAP Framework.
• The University has recently been named as one of Australia’s Inclusive Employers for 2019-2020 by the Diversity Council of Australia (DCA)
• A major global player, with well-integrated campuses in Singapore, Malaysia, Mauritius and Dubai.

For further information on Curtin and all of our employee benefits visit https://about.curtin.edu.au/jobs/

We are looking for someone with

• An undergraduate degree incorporating any of the following areas: epidemiology, health research methods, public health, medicine or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in health/ epidemiological research methods, techniques and protocols.
• Demonstrated organisational skills with the ability to coordinate and implement project activities, prioritise work activities and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability analyse and present data.
• Demonstrated effective written communication skills with the ability to construct clear and concise reports.
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal and oral communication skills with the ability to communicate professionally with people of all levels with cross cultural sensitivity.
• Demonstrated competence in the use of computer applications and relevant digital technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively, independently and with others as a team.
• Previous experience undertaking research in the cancer area (desirable).
• Demonstrated knowledge of cancer related diagnostic and treatment procedures (desirable).

• Prior to appointment, the recommended applicant/s will need to have a current criminal record check in accordance with the University's National Police Certificate Assessment Procedures.  

Candidates should note that Curtin University has implemented a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy and Procedures which covers all staff, students, campuses and activities, effective 21 February 2022.

If you are invited to attend the next stage of assessments, you may be required to provide evidence of your COVID-19 vaccination status, including your booster if eligible (or formally granted exemption) upon arrival, and if you are offered a role at Curtin, you will be required to provide evidence of your COVID-19 vaccination or exemption status prior to commencing employment.

Please apply on-line with a cover letter addressing the specific selection criteria and resume to enable us to assess your suitability for the role.

Applications close: 10pm AWST Sunday 12th June 2022

Contact details

If you have any queries in relation to the requirements of this role, please contact:
Prof Rachael Moorin – Deputy Head of School, Curtin School of Population Health on [email protected]
Inclusion and Diversity at Curtin

We are committed to ensuring that Curtin has an inclusive environment, free from harassment, in which all students, staff and the community feel respected, valued and welcome.

We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, women, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and are committed to making reasonable adjustments to enable people with disability to participate fully in our recruitment, selection and appointment processes.

We have received recognition in this area:

• Voted one of Australia’s Inclusive Employers for 2019-2020 (Diversity Council of Australia).
• Have become one of the first Universities to receive accreditation for an Elevated Reconciliation Action Plan.
• Achieved Athena Swan Bronze Accreditation (2018-2022).
• Voted 16th best workplace for new dads in Australia (HBF - Direct Advice for Dads, 2019).

Curtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time. We reserve the right to remove the advert earlier than the date on the advert.