The Team:

The Health Research Officer operates within the Health Research Office (HRO), which leads the Department of Health's research strategy and planning across Tasmania. This team plays a pivotal role in:

• Engaging with researchers, clinicians, and stakeholders to identify health research priorities.
• Supporting research development and increasing access to clinical research for Tasmanian researchers and patients.
• Managing research ethics and governance, including processing applications and ensuring compliance with ethical standards.
• Collaborating with partners such as the Tasmania Health Service and the University of Tasmania to foster a robust research environment.
• Providing administrative and analytical support, including preparing reports, managing data systems, and handling financial processes related to research activities.

The team is committed to enhancing the quality and safety of healthcare through evidence-based research and innovation, contributing to the broader goals of Tasmania’s public health system.

The Role:

The Health Research Officer is a key contributor to the Department of Health Tasmania’s strategic research initiatives. This role is responsible for:

• Supporting the implementation of the Department-wide health research strategy, ensuring alignment with clinical and policy priorities.
• Managing and reviewing applications for research ethics and governance, providing analytical insights and recommendations to ensure compliance with ethical standards and regulatory frameworks.
• Coordinating project and program activities within the Health Research Office, including preparing reports, briefing notes, and correspondence.
• Overseeing financial processes, such as invoicing and revenue tracking, to support the operational efficiency of research programs.
• Maintaining and administering research data systems, ensuring accurate and secure handling of sensitive information.
• Liaising with internal and external stakeholders, including researchers, clinicians, and academic institutions, to foster collaboration and streamline research processes.
• Contributing to quality and safety initiatives, including safeguarding practices and continuous improvement efforts in research governance.

You will need to:

• Support research governance and ethics processes, including reviewing applications and ensuring compliance with ethical standards.
• Provide analytical and administrative support, such as preparing reports, managing data systems, and coordinating financial tasks.
• Engage with stakeholders—including researchers, clinicians, and institutions—to identify priorities and foster collaborative research development.
• Provide research policy, development and project support to the HRO to lead the development of Tasmania-wide health research strategy and plan.
• Provide direct support to the Hospitals and Primary Care –Directors of Research to manage research governance approval requests and coordinate the Research Navigation Office.
• Research, analyse and provide high-level analysis and recommendations to the Director of Research on applications received for research ethics and governance approval.

Note: - Please refer to the Statement of Duties for all the selection criteria of this position to address in your application.

Details of appointment:

Multiple permanent full time, and part time*, day worker positions, working 76 hours per fortnight, commencing as soon as possible.

One fixed term full time, day worker position, working 76 hours per fortnight, commencing as soon as soon as possible until
30 June 2026.

*notwithstanding hours to be negotiated with the successful applicants.

Applicants should note that, for a period of twelve months from the date of publication, this selection process may be used to fill subsequent or similar full time, part time, and casual vacancies.

Salary: $107,899 to $122,292 per annum. Our Employer 11.5% superannuation contribution is on top of this amount.

• Salary range is in accordance with Public Sector Unions Wages Agreement 2022.

Benefits available to eligible candidates:

• A range of leave entitlements, including study leave and Professional Development Support.
• Fitness Passport – You, and your family can access 40+ fitness facilities across Tasmania for just $13.95 per week per person, or $25.95 for a family.

More information about our Employee Benefits can be found here

Eligibility:

Applicants should note the following criteria are desirable:

• Working knowledge of research and contemporary knowledge of the National Statement on Ethical conduct in Human Research 2007 (Updated 2018); the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC), National Clinical Trials Governance Framework and other relevant Commonwealth and State legislation, regulations and guidelines related to the regulation of research involving humans; or the ability to quickly gain that knowledge.

Position Features:

The positions are based across the state, with an expectation that the occupant travel to various intrastate locations. Interstate travel may be required.

*notwithstanding location to be negotiated with the successful applicants.

Note: - Please refer to the Application Guide for more information of pre-employment check.

Download the Statement of Duties and any Associated Documents

We encourage you to review the Statement of Duties, Applicant Guide, prior to applying for an overview of the duties, program, selection process and application guidance.

Statement of Duties: 

• Health Research Officer Band 6 (WORD)

Application Guide:  

• Department of Health - Applicant Guide (WORD)

How to apply:

Apply Online. Please click the "Apply" button on this screen to ensure that important questions about you are answered.

You will be prompted to complete a 1-2 page application detailing your experience, skills and knowledge as they relate to the attached Statement of Duties. A separate statement addressing the selection criteria in the Statement of Duties is not required.

*Applications from Recruitment agencies will not be accepted for this role 

For more information:

Applicants who require further information are encouraged to contact the Contact person for detailed information about the vacancy.

Name: Elizabeth Deards
Position: Deputy Chief Medical Officer
Phone number: 0457 007 869
Email address: elizabeth.deards@health.tas.gov.au

What it is like working at the Department of Health? 

Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellent are the key values to work in Department of Health. Listen to some of the lived experiences from within the department through some of our wonderful staff and hear about their journey in relocating to Tasmania!

Make It Tasmania | Move for a great lifestyle

One Health Podcast - Spotify 

One Health Podcast - Apple 

Tasmanian Health Careers | Tasmanian 

Respecting diversity is the foundation of everything that Department of Health do. This allows us to instil trust and collaborate through honest and fair communication and helps cultivate an environment of growth and innovation. We strongly encourage applicants from key communities including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, LGBTIQA+ people, and people living with disabilities.