Shape the Future of Neurosurgical Research - Academic Research Associate | SA Health

The Academic Research Associate forms part of a team with the primary purpose to provide directional oversight and access to all aspects of research and projects within Neurosurgery under direction of Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon. The Research projects being undertaken will encompass the design and execution of audit/ research projects, clinical trials, and unit workshops. The Academic Research Associate will provide professional advice and consultancy service to support the advancement of research in Neurosurgical and Spine surgery in collaboration with SA Neurological Tumour Bank. Will also act as primary liaison for sponsors and research investigators to progress the expansion of research trials within Neurosurgery for coordination and management.

About the role: 

Reporting to the Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon, this role will be involved in supporting all aspects of research in the FMC Neurosurgery and Spinal projects under the direction of Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon. The Research Associate will provide administration services for the Neurosurgery unit including managing charitable donations, finances for project resources, preparing agendas and taking minutes for research meetings, managing the process of gaining ethics committee approvals. The Research projects being undertaken will encompass the design and execution of audit/ research projects, clinical trials, unit workshops and provide support for unit research meetings and associated dinner/projects/seminars.

Duties for the role will include:

• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships, partnerships and networks with key stakeholders including clinicians, hospital executives and staff, tertiary executives’ departmental business units, clinical trial groups investigators, sponsors, and medical students,
• Influence, monitor and report on the expansion of research projects across broad clinical fields including acting as a primary support and liaison role for investigators,
• Provide consultancy advice on the preparation of ethics applications for health and medical research studies, guide and assist staff with research projects,
• Undertake key responsibilities or activities as directed by the Manager/ Project Lead,
• Coordinate and maintain administrative support relating to research and trials, including supporting investigators and the Office of Research as required

About you:

• Tertiary Qualification relevant to Clinical Research and post graduate qualification in Medical and Health sciences field,
• Demonstrated ability to apply a high degree of initiative, attentions to detail and a sound analytical skill, work with professional independence in undertaking research, identify performances and outcomes and review operations to determine their effectiveness and solve complex problems and recommend practical solutions,
• Proven experience in assessing, planning, executing, and evaluating support service for complex and novel research programs with professional direction including applying and reviewing appropriate research ethics governance and Clinical trial processes and procedures,
• Experience in interpreting legislation and guidelines, developing and implementing strategies that accelerate clinical trial activities,
• Proven experience in clinical/theatre setting, ability to formulate research ideas/questions and design projects, high level of computer skills, including email, spreadsheets. Databases word processing and reference management

Please see the attached Role Description for additional information.

Want To Know More? Contact: Paula Barrett, Unit Secretary - Neurosurgery, 8204 4355, paula.barrett@sa.gov.au

Application Closing Date: 11.55 pm Monday 28 July 2025

Attachments:

• 910495 Academic Research Associate - Neurosurgery Role Description
• Australian applicant guidelines
• International applicant guidelines

Applicant Information:

• We also offer salary sacrifice benefits which provide the opportunity to save money by paying for some of your everyday expenses from your salary before it is taxed. Click here to find out more about salary packaging.
• The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.
• Appointment will be subject to a satisfactory Criminal History Check and Immunisation compliance as indicated on the Role description.
• SA Health Services are required to implement the Addressing vaccine preventable disease: Occupational assessment, screening and vaccination policy in the workplace.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are encouraged to apply.  Job ref: 910495