Scientific Program Coordinator

Why Join Breakthrough T1D?

Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) is the leading organisation focused on funding and accelerating research to cure, prevent, and treat Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) globally and in Australia. By joining our Research Team, based at our St Leonards Office, you’ll be part of a mission-driven organisation making a tangible difference in the lives of people living with T1D. You’ll have the opportunity to lead and shape systems that support world-class research, working in a dynamic, collaborative, and outcome-focused environment.

Purpose of the Role

The Scientific Program Coordinator supports the delivery of Breakthrough T1D Australia’s research programs and strategic initiatives, including the Type 1 Diabetes Clinical Research Network (T1DCRN), by providing scientific and programmatic support to the wider Research team and its scientific leadership.

This role is designed for an early-career researcher with strong analytical, organisational, and communication skills who is motivated to transition from hands on research into research management, strategy and science operations. While entry-level, the role requires the ability to engage critically with scientific concepts, research strategy, and program logic, and to contribute to evidence-informed decision making.

Working under supervision, the role supports national scientific programs, contributes to pre- and post-award processes, tracks research progress and outcomes, and assists in shaping and preparing internal and external facing scientific materials. This includes contributing to how research programs, priorities, and strategy are articulated in reports, presentations, briefings, and stakeholder updates, ensuring scientific accuracy, clarity, and alignment with organisational objectives. The role also supports scientific meetings and engagement activities and provides structured development, with the expectation that the successful candidate will progressively take on greater responsibilities.  

Employee Benefits

• Access to not-for-profit salary packaging (FBT-exempt) to increase take-home pay.

• Additional Family and Renewal days during end-of-year holiday period (office closure between Christmas and New Year).

• Additional day of Wellness Leave.

• Flexible hybrid working model.

• Opportunities for professional development.
  

Key Responsibilities

A.   Program support and coordination

• Support the coordination and delivery of T1DCRN programs and related scientific initiatives, including meetings, workshops, and stakeholder engagement activities.

• Contribute to program planning, including development of work plans, timelines, documentation, and follow-up actions.

• Progressively take ownership of discrete program components or workstreams under supervision.
  

B.   Provide support for the CSO

• Assist with preparations for meetings, partnerships such as prepare scientific presentations, briefings, summaries, landscape briefs

• Assist with Agenda setting, follow up and stakeholder management across key partnerships
  

C.   Research landscape monitoring and analysis

• Monitor and synthesise emerging research, clinical trials, and global developments relevant to T1D.

• Prepare summaries, background briefs, and internal analyses to inform strategic discussions and program development.

• Support alignment of research insights with Breakthrough T1D Australia’s strategic priorities.
  

D.   Pre-award and post-award scientific program support

• Review and synthesise progress and milestone reports from funded researchers, preparing decision-ready summaries for internal review.

• Keeping a register and record of key performance indicators

• Coordination of career support grants

• Support relationship management with research institutions, clinical groups, and funded investigators to facilitate effective collaboration and communication.

E.   General Responsibilities

• Contribute to planning meetings, internal processes and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Perform other tasks and projects as directed to support the research portfolio.
  

Qualification, Skills and Experience

The successful candidate will bring a strong foundation in biomedical or health research, combined with the analytical, organisational, and communication skills required to support scientific programs and research strategy.

• PhD in biomedical sciences or medical sciences,

• Experience in research, clinical research, or research support environment (e.g. laboratory, clinical trials unit, university research office, research institute, or funding body).

• Demonstrated ability to understand, interpret, and synthesise scientific and clinical research literature and translate it into clear summaries or briefings.

• Strong analytical, organisational, and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work with complex information.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare scientific reports, presentations, and internal briefing materials.

• Ability to work collaboratively with researchers, clinicians, internal teams, and external stakeholders, demonstrating sound judgement, professionalism, and adaptability.  
  

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume along with a short one-page response addressing the following questions. Dot points or short paragraphs are welcome.

1. Why are you interested in this role at Breakthrough T1D?

2. What experience do you bring that makes you a strong fit?
   

Contact us

Please direct your queries regarding this role to Dr Elipsha Sharma (••••@breakthroughT1D.org.au).

Unsolicited contact from recruitment agencies will not be entertained.