Role Type: Casual

Salary: $56.35 – $67.79 per hour plus super

Casual Research Assistant role paying $56.35 – $67.79 per hour plus super
Support the evidence reviews behind a national clinical guideline for extremely preterm infants
Join Australia’s largest child health research institute on the Melbourne Children’s Campus, with training provided in each method and platform

Help build the evidence behind national care guidelines for babies born extremely preterm.

The opportunity:
Join the team developing the Australian Living Guideline for the Management of Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Preterm Infants, a national initiative funded by the Extremely Preterm Infant Centre of Research Excellence (EPIC CRE). Respiratory distress syndrome affects over 90% of extremely preterm infants, and management practice varies considerably between centres. You’ll deliver structured evidence review work across eight clinical domains, with training and supervision provided in each method and platform.

About your new team

You’ll be part of the Victorian Infant Brain Studies (VIBeS) group, working closely with the Guideline Development Manager, the Research Officer and other research assistants.

What you’ll do

Run agreed search strategies across bibliographic databases and trial registries, and manage the EndNote reference library
Screen titles, abstracts and full texts in Covidence as one of two independent screeners
Extract data and assess risk of bias in duplicate with a second reviewer
Help prepare evidence packs and meeting materials for the Guideline Development Group
Keep complete, orderly records of review decisions in line with the protocol and NHMRC requirements

What you’ll bring

A degree in health sciences, public health, nursing, midwifery, psychology or a related discipline
Working knowledge of EndNote, Covidence or REDCap, or the ability to learn new research platforms quickly
Careful attention to detail, a methodical approach to record keeping and an understanding of research methodologies
Excellent communication, organisational and analytical skills, working independently and as part of a team
Desirable: experience contributing to a systematic review, or exposure to GRADE or neonatal care

Please view the position description here .

Any questions? Reach out to Evi Muggli Evi.Muggli@mcri.edu.au .

What you’ll enjoy

Contribute to a national clinical practice guideline that shapes care for extremely preterm infants
Build hands-on experience in systematic review methods, with training provided in each method and platform
Work alongside a team that’s dedicated to making a real difference
Play a key role in advancing work at Australia’s largest child health research institute
Work in a dynamic and energetic setting with our expanding team
Perk up with discounted coffee from Synapse, our vibrant onsite café
Enjoy discounted staff parking, public transport right at your doorstep, and great facilities for cyclists
Feel supported through our health and wellbeing program, which includes complimentary access to the Employee Assistance Program

Who we are

Murdoch Children’s Research Institute envisions a transformative future for child health. Our institute is a hub of impactful scientific breakthroughs, particularly in early interventions, enhanced diagnosis, prevention, and potential cures. We thrive on collaborative, multidisciplinary problem-solving to address challenging queries in child health. Committed to inclusivity and respect, we foster a positive working environment that values diverse backgrounds and experiences. As a proud member of the Australian Network on Disability and a dedicated supporter of Science Australia Gender Equity (SAGE), we uphold principles of equal opportunity and diverse representation.

We are committed to the safety of children and young people and takes a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of child abuse, exploitation and harm. Child safety is prioritised in our decision-making at all levels of the Institute.

If you believe this role is a good fit for you, please apply by submitting:

Your resume
A cover letter addressing the selection criteria

Ensure these documents are combined into a single PDF file.

We welcome individuals of diverse genders, ages, ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, abilities, religions, and sexual orientations in our workplace. We actively encourage talented individuals from all walks of life to apply for our job openings. Our commitment lies in fostering a workplace that is barrier-free and inclusive, aiming to attract the most skilled candidates.

For any questions related to the recruitment process, feel free to reach out to our Recruitment Team at recruitment@mcri.edu.au. Ensure that you include the position number and job title in the subject line. Please refrain from sharing your application to this email address.

Please note, we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.

No recruitment agencies please.

Applications close: Monday 26 October 2026, AUS Eastern Daylight time

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