Senior Research Sleep Scientist

We are seeking a full-time professional to become an integral part of the Centre for Chronic Diseases of Ageing. The recently established Centre for Chronic Diseases of Ageing is working to forge new ground in the understanding of chronic sleep and respiratory health conditions common in ageing, and how they relate to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia. Through our Centre, we will discover new approaches for early diagnosis and treatment of age-related sleep and respiratory disorders and translate those discoveries into world-class clinical practice.

Benefits

• Salary packaging options (up to $15,900 tax-free)
• Meals and entertainment allowance (up to $2,650)
• The opportunity to work for the leading respiratory and sleep research organisation in Australia
• Being part of a dedicated team with a culture of collaboration
• Easily accessible by public transport

About the role

Two-year contract.

We are seeking a full-time professional to become an integral part of the Centre for Chronic Diseases of Ageing. This opportunity will see you responsible for overseeing the efficient functioning of the Centre’s sleep research activities, implement multiple research protocols in the sleep laboratory in collaboration with the Centre’s research investigators and with clinical staff, and maintain research equipment to ensure the provision of quality sleep and respiratory research services.

Key responsibilities 

• Contribute and collaborate with researchers and the clinical team on research project design regarding laboratory and equipment capabilities and coordination.
• Perform staff training on research equipment as part of quality assurance procedures to maintain a high level of technical competence and high-quality data collection.
• Provide day-to-day technical supervision of the research functionality of the sleep laboratory, as it relates to Centre activities, in liaison with the Sleep Laboratory Manager and research team. 
• Manage the maintenance and record keeping for the sleep research equipment ensuring operability in accordance with the Centre’s research protocols.
• Communicate with researchers regarding the Centre’s research study protocols and sleep laboratory issues or changes.
• Assist with writing protocols and participant information sheets for investigator-initiated research undertaken by the Centre.
• Assist with the evaluation and implementation of new equipment for the sleep laboratory in collaboration with the principal investigators of research studies and the clinic team.
• Assist with the development and maintenance of accreditation and quality assurance processes for sleep research services.

Essential criteria

• Current registration as a Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) or other comparable credential and 3+ years’ experience in a sleep laboratory setting.
• Undergraduate science or health-related qualification.
• High level technical capabilities (research/lab equipment) including technical proficiency in the performance of diagnostic and treatment (CPAP and Bilevel) polysomnography.
• Demonstrated understanding of research principles and clinical research processes (e.g., ethical guidelines and approval processes, recruitment and consent, and the collection, use and management of data).
• Experience working in a research environment.
• Demonstrable experience in training new staff.
• Experience working in a collaborative environment and delivering a high level of customer service.
• Strong interpersonal, negotiating and influencing skills.
• Experience in taking initiative and ownership of processes and procedures to drive improvement.
• Proficiency with MS Office, statistical software, and database tools.

Desirable criteria

• Postgraduate research training.
• Proficiency in Compumedics Grael/Profusion/Nexus and working within a health care setting.
• Current ICH Good Clinical Practice training.
• Experience in conducting and/or managing investigator-initiated research projects in a sleep and respiratory laboratory setting.
• Familiarity with specialised research equipment (or willingness to learn) including high-density electroencephalography, functional near infra-red spectroscopy, transcranial electrical stimulation. 
• Management experience in a sleep laboratory.

Location

The role will be based at our current site in Glebe until early 2024 after which it will move to the Macquarie University Campus in Macquarie Park.

How to apply

If this sounds like something you would be interested in, please apply by sending your CV and Cover Letter (including responses to the selection criteria above and a summary demonstrating experience in all key responsibility areas) via Seek or via email to victoria.lightfoot@woolcock.org.au 

Closing date is 30 September 2023.

Questions about the role can be directed to Victoria Lightfoot, Research Centre Coordinator, Centre for Chronic Disease of Ageing, Woolcock Institute at the above email address.

Please note: The Woolcock Clinic is a private health facility that follows the Public Health (COVID-19 Vaccination of Health Care Workers) Order 2022: Health care workers will need to have received at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Residency requirements: Applicants must have valid working rights in Australia.

About us

Our Vision: Improved quality of life for individuals and families affected by sleep, breathing and lung disorders. 
Our Aspiration: To maintain our world-leading research impact by translating sleep, respiratory and lung cancer research into better clinical outcomes globally.
Our Values: Respect, Excellence, Partnership, Support and Opportunity.