Research And Engagement Officer

The Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia is committed to eliminating all forms of discrimination. We welcome and embrace diversity and strive to provide a culturally safe and inclusive workplace for all employees. We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants to apply.

Key Responsibilities

Assist with the development of culturally appropriate training materials and educational content

Provide support to Aboriginal community engagement specialists using digital platforms, social media, and other channels to centre Indigenous voices

Develop communication plans and strategies in alignment with Darak’s Culturally Adaptive Governance Framework to support collection of data for systematic evaluation of culturally appropriate practices 

Prepare updates and reports for the PARTNER Network, RFDS and Darak 

Prepare abstracts, manuscripts, papers, grant applications and other documents as needed

Travel across the NT to recruit 10-15 general practices into PARTNER and the associated processes including contributing to marketing materials, distribution of recruitment documents, coordination of tracking and follow-up of responses ensuring data integrity and monitoring recruitment against targets

Build and grow relationships with general practices and manage existing stakeholders, to develop new research and ensure a positive experience for practices participating in PARTNER supported clinical trials including Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, Aboriginal Liaison – Officers, and other Aboriginal and non-Indigenous health services

Develop and deliver education and training to practices that are part of the PARTNER network. Facilitate research opportunities for medical students and GP registrars

Support the development and operationalisation of strategic and engagement plans for the PARTNER network

Coordinate and support state-based and national activities that facilitate the development of new primary care clinical trials and research opportunities

Lead the local state component of the national program evaluation framework to measure and monitor PARTNER trials and activities

Support the regular reporting of progress and milestones to stakeholders as well as operational and steering committees guiding trials and research networks

 Reliably follow communications protocols and/or policies as appropriate

Present at conferences and internal meetings across RFDS, ASA and PARTNER

In a typical work week, you may:

Develop and build new relationships with general practice staff such as practice managers, Aboriginal Liaison Officers and general practitioners, researchers and industry representatives to build strong relationships with all stakeholders. 

Engage with communities about their health needs and identify what is and is not working well for them. 

Develop and deliver education and training activities to build capacity in primary care-based clinical trials, via the delivery of workshops, meetings, webinars or self-directed learning resources. 

Identify leads that can contribute to research outcomes and new primary care research-led clinical trials that meet the needs of the communities. 

Support the development of processes and documentation that guide the operations of primary care-based clinical trials and the CAGF framework.

Facilitate educational and research opportunities for medical students, GP registrars, or graduate research students.

Experience, knowledge and skills required

Motivated to improve the health of all Australians living in rural and remote areas and knowledge and/or experience of rural and remote health and/or stroke. 

Understand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture including contemporary issues such as Indigenous self-determination & governance in health and medical research.

Experienced working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous people. 

Highly organised with excellent time management skills, the ability to multi-task and, be flexible in your work activities.

Local language skills.

Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team to achieve project goals and meet agreed deadlines.

Experience with data collection and analysis and ethics.

 Strong computer skills with common applications, including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Teams.

Experience, knowledge and skills desired

Experience with Project management, research or Primary health networks

Understanding of data management systems (e.g. REDCap)

Special Requirements

Frequent travel to rural areas and occasional travel interstate.

Some out of standard hours work will be required when traveling and attending conferences and meetings. 

Current driver’s license and driving rental cars.

Work Benefits

supportive and flexible workplace including working from home

Not-For-Profit tax benefits & salary packaging

paid travel

flexible working hours and time off in lieu