Part-time 2 to 2.5 days per week (15.2 – 19 hours per week), 6-month maximum term contract.
The Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC) has just secured the opportunity to develop a patient-partnered cancer research project across Australia and New Zealand (ANZ). The longer-term aim of the project will be to bring together existing clinical data and tumour specimens, collecting patient-reported data and additional biospecimens, and generating genomic data from both adult and paediatric research participants across the ANZ. Data would be de-identified, pooled internationally, and made freely available to the international cancer research community for discovery research.
Having secured initial funding, we are now at the first 6-month stage of scoping, planning and producing a project proposal describing how the patient-partnered research project would be conducted across ANZ and the resources required to implement the project. The project will be strongly aligned with an existing international patient-partnered cancer research project model, which will provide a framework as the project is adapted to suit the ANZ environment. When complete, this proposal will provide the approval gateway for potential further funding to move to the implementation phase and the further career opportunities this may represent.
This is your opportunity to join us from the ground up. We are recruiting four new, talented and innovative Leads to form the foundational team with individual expertise in Health Data, Digital Communications, Genomics and Consumer Partnerships. Lead by the VCCC’s Associate Head Research, who will oversee the timely and integrated development of the overall Proposal.
As the Digital Communications Lead, you will be responsible for developing the project branding, website and communication strategy aspects of the proposal, including use of social media for patient and community engagement and outreach.
As a member of the newly formed Patient-Partnered Research Development Team, you will work closely with the team to ensure a close-knit and integrated project management approach to the development of the proposal, providing expert communications advice and support throughout in liaison with and the support of the VCCC communications team when needed.
You will also work with an international study team to support the team in mapping, applying and adapting international study processes and solutions as relevant to the project’s digital communication needs for the ANZ region. Your responsibilities will include creating a detailed map of international study processes related to:
Your responsibilities will culminate in writing up of relevant areas of the proposal to address the purpose and audience in a concise and compelling way and the development of relevant sections of a Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) application, including participant information and consent forms, following acceptance of the proposal by the Funder.
As a motivated and creative individual, you will have highly proficient written and verbal communication skills, with experience working in a science, health or research communication environment.
You will enjoy working collaboratively to achieve project objectives and will be comfortable in and experienced at engaging with multidisciplinary stakeholders. You will pride yourself on your ability to write well and communicate clearly, with the ability to build connections and synthesise complex information into digestible and compelling content. You will have:
An understanding of health information privacy laws would be highly desirable as would experience working directly with consumers, patients and/or the public to optimise inclusive communications strategies. Any experience writing research protocols, funding applications, writing research ethics and or governance applications would also be looked upon favourably.
You will hold a tertiary degree in science communications or a degree in communications, public relations or similar with experience also working in health/medical/research communications.
The vision for the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC) is to save lives through the integration of consumer-engaged cancer research, education and patient care.
Founded in the holistic principles of the internationally-recognised Comprehensive Cancer Centre model, the VCCC alliance brings together 10 of Victoria’s leading research, academic, and clinical institutions to achieve what can only be done through state-wide collaboration. Together we will improve outcomes in cancer in metropolitan, regional and rural Victoria, and forge new approaches to cancer research, education, and patient care for all.
The VCCC’s multi-site, multidisciplinary model brings together the complementary strengths of Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne Health (including The Royal Melbourne Hospital), the University of Melbourne, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, The Royal Women’s Hospital, The Royal Children’s Hospital, Western Health, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne (including St Vincent's Institute), Austin Health (including the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute and Austin Lifesciences) and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.
VCCC is made up of a tight-knit team of staff who form the backbone working to facilitate the power of collective impact across the VCCC alliance and beyond.
Better Together – we connect and support to empower sustainable change
Integrity – we are respectful of the cancer community and accountable for our contribution
Bold – we cultivate ideas and dare to innovate
Patient-centred – we place patients with cancer at the centre of all we do
For All – we champion equity of cancer care for every Victorian
The Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive work environment, free from all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, bullying, vilification and victimisation.
For a confidential conversation regarding the role, please contact Dr Justine Ellis, Associate Head Research: +61 409 355 443.
Secondment: With the ongoing objective of enhancing relationships with our alliance and partners, this position may be able to be arranged as a secondment, dependent on the current employer’s approval. This can be discussed at the early stages of the application process and VCCC People & Culture will be happy to support the necessary arrangements. For queries regarding a possible secondment, please contact either Dr Justine Ellis (above) or Christine Morton, Head of People & Culture on 0411 955 215 (M to Th).
Download a copy of the job description.
Applications should consist of your CV and a covering letter outlining the key reasons for your interest in the role specifically addressing the key selection criteria in the position description.
Please lodge your application via Seek no later than COB Monday 21 June. Please note, applications have been extended a few days beyond the original response date of Wednesday 16 June.
