Clinical Research Assistant
MELBOURNE, VIC, AU, 3000
At Peter Mac we aim to continuously improve cancer care, research and education across all cancers and for all people affected by cancer: changing lives, breaking new ground. Everything we do is underpinned by our core values, Excellence, Compassion and Innovation. Welcoming people from a wide variety of different backgrounds and experiences is critical to fostering innovation, cultivating compassion, attracting and retaining top talent and providing the best possible cancer care for our patients.
YOUR ROLE IN OUR FUTURE
Qualitative Research Assistant - Medical Oncology
Casual role | Approx. 6–8 hours per week (hours may vary)
An exciting opportunity is available for an enthusiastic and motivated bilingual (Arabic/English) Qualitative Research Assistant to join our team under the direction of Dr Alesha Thai.
This role will support a Peter Mac–led study exploring access to symptom support services for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) patients across Peter Mac, Austin Health, Northern Health and Western Health. The project aims to co-design and pilot strategies to improve access to cancer services and develop health resources to support CALD patients and carers navigating diagnosis and treatment.
Key responsibilities include screening and consenting participants, conducting interviews, facilitating focus groups, and transcribing audio recordings into English.
Fluency in Arabic and English is essential.
Our benefits
We offer a range of benefits which support our people both personally and professionally, including:
· Up to $11,660 in salary packaging to increase your take-home pay
· Discounted health insurance and eye care
· A comprehensive health and wellbeing program
· Public transport options at our doorstep and end of trip facilities for cyclists
· Onsite eateries and coffee shops and inviting rooftop garden spaces
· Pathways for professional development and new career opportunities
· Five weeks annual leave, 17.5% leave loading, monthly ADOs and purchased leave options
· Flexible, hybrid working arrangements
Inclusion and belonging
Peter Mac celebrates, values and supports a diverse and inclusive environment which reflects our vibrant community. We encourage applications from anyone identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. We also welcome anyone who identifies as LGBTQIA+, linguistically, culturally and/or gender diverse, people with disability, and people of any age to apply for our roles.
Join us!
If you feel this role is right for you we warmly invite you to apply, and encourage your early application. All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory police check, and may require a valid Working with Children Check. Many staff are required to be vaccinated against, or demonstrate immunity to, influenza, and a range of other diseases.
Should you need assistance or require any adjustments or accommodations to fully participate in the application or interview process, you are welcome to reach out to the contact person listed.
For further information about this opportunity, click Apply to be redirected to the Peter Mac Careers page where you can review the position summary.
Alternatively, please contact us using the information below for a confidential discussion.
Hiring Manager: Alesha Thai
Email: Alesha.Thai@petermac.org
Applications Close: 11:59PM, Sunday 15 March 2026
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Position Summary
The research assistant role will be integral to the running of a multi-site qualitative, co-design research project with patients from a CALD background as well as healthcare professionals, carers and community representatives. You will assist with contacting and consenting study participants, some of whom will speak Mandarin, Vietnamese, Greek or Arabic as their primary language. You will facilitate focus groups and interviews and transcribe the audio recordings into English. Weekly hours will fluctuate but likely consist of 4-8 hrs/week.
Enterprise Agreement
Health and Allied Services, Managers and Administrative Workers
Classification or Salary Range
HS2
Immunisation Risk Category
Category C: Position within a non-clinical setting
Key Relationships
Internal
- Project team members including project officer
- Clinical services including tumor stream leads, doctors, specialist nurses and allied health
External
- People affected by cancer (patients, carers)
- Health care professionals at Austin Health (clinical nurse consultants, doctors)
- General practitioners
- Members of the Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria
Skills
Essential Requirements
- Fluent in speaking, reading and writing Mandarin, Vietnamese, Greek or Arabic
- Ability to hear and transcribe audio recordings in Mandarin, Vietnamese, Greek or Arabic into English
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Current drivers license to travel between sites if required
- Understanding of medical terminology
- Excellent organisational skills
- Sound knowledge and experience using Microsoft Office software and typing proficiency
Desirable Requirements
- Experience in medical clinical or qualitative research
- A relevant tertiary qualification (science, healthcare or a clinical research related field
- Knowledge and understanding of ICH-GCP and the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research
- Experience in co-design methodology
Key Accountabilities
Research
- Conducting qualitative research fieldwork (focus groups and interviews) including:
- Conducting focus groups and interviews in bilingual nature (in English/Mandarin, English/Vietnamese, English/Greek or English/Arabic)
- Preparation and note taking in focus groups
- Uphold standards of patient confidentiality
- Ability to work with limited supervision
- Work with a high level of integrity and ethics
Human Resource Management
- Complies with Peter Mac policies to maintain a safe workplace
- Follows established procedures and guidelines
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For further information about this opportunity, click Apply to be redirected to the Peter Mac Careers page where you can review the position profile. Alternatively, please contact us for a confidential discussion.
Peter Mac is a child safe organisation and has a commitment to child safety and wellbeing.
WHY WORK FOR PETER MAC
- Peter Mac offer a range of benefits which support our people both personally and professionally.
- Our staff benefits include award winning facilities, professional development and events, a health and wellbeing program, flexible work practices and policies and financial benefits such as salary packaging.
- We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, all members of the LGBTQI community and people with a disability.