Project Officer: Clinical Trials Innovations

As an alliance of 10 research, academic and clinical organisations, the VCCC Alliance supported by funding from the Victorian Government, continues its ground-breaking work developing and implementing innovative programs aimed to improve outcomes for patients with cancer. 

This position is being offered as a part time (0.8FTE), maximum term contract to Mid-2024, linked to current program funding. 

About the Opportunity 

The Project Officer, Clinical Trial Innovation will be responsible for coordinating the implementation of projects within the VCCC Alliance SPP Program 4: Drive an innovative high-performance clinical trial sector through capacity building (known internally as the Clinical Trial Innovation program). This program has the dual aims of: 

1. Strengthening clinical trial participation through the adoption and conduct of new clinical trial methodologies, and 
2. Supporting high performance clinical trial units through harmonising performance. 

The role of Project Officer, Clinical Trial Innovation will work closely with the Senior Manager, Clinical Research and key stakeholders from within the VCCC alliance and with internal colleagues to prioritise and drive the execution of multiple complimentary projects within the Clinical Trial Innovation program.

Key Responsibilities 

The Project Officer will be responsible for creating and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including consumers, coordinating delivery of research and educational programs related to clinical trials to clinicians, clinical trials unit staff (including managers) across the VCCC Alliance. Key responsibilities will include:  

• Liaising with Program Chairs, steering groups and working groups, along with other key stakeholders to provide project support, communication and coordinate requirements under the guidance of the Senior Manager, Clinical Research.
• Organising and attending key stakeholder meetings, supporting the administration of agendas and minutes, and following up on meeting minutes and actions as required.
• Identifying and initiating any strategic project opportunities that may arise as projects progress.
• Involving VCCC Alliance cancer consumer representatives for the benefit of informing project development, including the development of educational material.
• Providing administrative support for the prioritised coordination and ongoing development of project plans across the Clinical Trial Innovation program, in collaboration with the Program Steering Group, Senior Manager Clinical Research, Project Working Groups, the Head of Research and relevant colleagues.
• Contributing to the development and implementation of appropriate frameworks and metrics to assess the progress and success of projects against their goals and agreed milestones.

About You

You will use your highly developed communication and organizational skills to bring together key stakeholders and colleagues. You will bring a highly organised, proactive and energetic approach to everything you do. You will work collaboratively with a variety of healthcare stakeholders, including consumers, to drive forward projects under the Clinical Trial Innovations program.

You will have:

• A tertiary degree and postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline such as science, biomedical or clinical research, project management or health service management.
• Solid understanding of project management frameworks and methodologies, with enough experience and skill to adjust processes to problem solve and remove unnecessary complexity.
• Demonstrated clinical trial/clinical research experience, working in health research projects or in a similar Project Officer capacity. 
• Experience in the use of project management frameworks, including tracking milestones, risks and timelines and evaluation with the ability to work with agility to meet evolving project needs.
• An understanding of the clinical trial system in Australia, with experience in and/or knowledge of clinical trial operations, governance and regulatory requirements, ethics and approval processes. 
• Administrative experience including the coordination of meetings, agendas and events – hybrid meeting experience an advantage.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills appropriate for a range of audiences. 

 What’s on Offer

• Flexible work arrangements, a hybrid model with laptop and ergonomic reimbursements for your home set up
• Family friendly workplace with flexible hours available along with 48/52 options
• 15 days personal / carer’s leave
• Personal development plan and opportunities for stretch and learning both on the job and via structured course
• Work with a close-knit, fun, friendly and passionate team, with opportunities to continue your own development in health education from and with a team of highly talented educators 
• Solid market salary boosted by NFP salary packaging and tax-free meals/accommodation card
• Supportive team environment and inclusive culture with clear vision and inspiring strategic direction

Our 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

About the VCCC Alliance

The vision for the VCCC Alliance 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 Alliance’s multi-site, multi-disciplinary 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 Alliance’s tight-knit staff team form a backbone working to enable collaborative efforts across the VCCC Alliance and beyond. 

Equity & Inclusion

The VCCC Alliance 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.

We welcome people of all backgrounds and identities to apply to this position and we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates. In the spirit of reconciliation, the VCCC Alliance acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of the lands on which we carry out our work across Victoria and we recognise and value their continuing cultural heritage, beliefs and deep connection with the land and waters. 

Contact for Enquiries

For further information regarding the role, please contact Duncan Colyer, Senior Manager - Clinical Research at [email protected].

If you require any adjustments to participate in our recruitment process, please let us know in your application.

Secondment: With the ongoing objective of enhancing relationships with our alliance partners, this position may be able to be arranged as a secondment within a VCCC Alliance partner organisation. Employees within the VCCC Alliance are also encouraged to contact Nell Keenan, People and Development Advisor, E: [email protected] to explore the possibility of a suitable arrangement.

To Apply

Applicants must have permanent residency to be considered. As VCCC Alliance is located within a hospital, triple vaccination is required prior to commencement, unless exempt.

To be considered for this role please send your CV and a covering letter addressing the key selection criteria covered in the Position Description. 

All applications must be lodged via SEEK by midnight Wednesday 17 August 2022.  The closing date may be brought forward if applications meeting the key selection criteria are received in advance of this date.