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Health Data Lead: Patient-partnered Cancer Research Development - part-time

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.

We are seeking four new, talented and innovative part-time Leads to form the foundational team with individual expertise in Health Data, Digital Communications, Genomics and Consumer Partnerships.

04 Jun 2021

Part-time 2 to 2.5 days per week (15.2 – 19 hours per week), 6-month maximum term contract.

  • Join us at the exciting beginning of this just approved patient-partnered cancer research development project, scoping and developing the project plan
  • Be supported by the expertise and wide network of connections of the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre
  • Flexible options available: work directly for VCCC or on secondment, dependent on approval from your current organisation. Working from home options also available.

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.

About the role

As the Health Data Lead, your role will encompass two key areas of responsibility:

  • developing the Health Informatics aspects of the Proposal, and
  • developing relevant sections of a Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) application for submission following acceptance of the proposal.

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. You will also work with an international study team to map, apply and adapt international study processes and solutions, as relevant to the ANZ region, for use in the study. Your responsibilities will include:

  • Effectively gathering and analysing complex information and synthesising findings and recommendations toward targeted solutions
  • Contributing to the identification of opportunities and detailed resourcing, budgeting and risk assessments that will benefit the proposal
  • Writing up of relevant areas of the proposal to address the purpose and audience in a concise and compelling way
  • Developing relevant sections of a Human Research Ethics and Governance application, including participant information and consent forms

About you

As a highly motivated, lateral-thinking individual, you will be an excellent communicator, experienced in working collaboratively to achieve well-communicated objectives. You will be comfortable in and experienced at engaging with multi-disciplinary stakeholders with the proven ability to build connections and synthesise complex information.

You will have a strong understanding of project management frameworks and methodologies, with solid project management skills, particularly with an understanding of research/project budgeting and resourcing.  Your experience will include:

  • accessing health data (especially hospital medical records) for research, including secure data storage and an understanding of applicable ethics and governance requirements
  • effectively managing the requirements of multiple stakeholders including senior academics, clinicians and researchers and senior stakeholders in industry and philanthropy
  • developing and writing research protocols and/or funding applications

You will have a good understanding of Australian health information privacy laws and you will hold a tertiary or postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline such as public health, science, or research.

About the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre

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. 

Team Values

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

Equity & Inclusion

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. 

Contact for Enquiries

For a confidential conversation regarding the role, please contact Dr Justine Ellis, Associate Head Research: +61 409 355 443.

Secondment

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).

To Apply

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. 

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