Casual Speech Pathologists – Early Communication Research Study

Melbourne | Brisbane | Perth working remotely for Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Institute

Casual - This role is perfect for someone already working full time or part time as the hours will depend on the number of study applicants at any point in time. CPA will strive to work alongside your other committments.

About the Role

We are seeking experienced Speech Pathologists based in Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth to join our research study team in a casual capacity.

In this role, you will:

• Conduct enrolment and follow-up assessments (in-person) with families, in collaboration with the central research team.
• Administer standardised communication and developmental assessments with infants (under 2 years) participating in the Early Comms study.
• Contribute to high-quality data collection to support this groundbreaking research.

The work will be ad hoc, depending on the timing of participant enrolment, and will occur intermittently over the next three years (2026–2028). All assessments will be scheduled flexibly around family and clinician availability.

About the Study

The Early Comms research study is the first clinical trial worldwide to investigate whether it is ever “too early” to provide communication intervention for infants at risk of cerebral palsy. The study is exploring how early communication intervention can support development of communication skills in infants under 12 months of age.

This national project is led by a multidisciplinary team of researchers and clinicians who are passionate about advancing early intervention and improving outcomes for families across Australia.

Essential Criteria

• Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) with Speech Pathology Australia.
• Experience administering the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 4th Edition (Bayley-4), and communication assessments with infants (under 2 years).
• Australian Business Number (ABN) - this is a contractor role (you will invoice for your time).
• Access to a reliable car and willingness to travel to and from home visits for participant assessments.
• NDIS, Working With Children checks, and any other relevent clearance checks required in your local area

Training and Support Provided

• Training and equipment to administer the Communication and Symbolic Behaviour Scales Developmental Profile; the Rossetti Infant-Toddler Language Scales; and the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 4th Edition.
• Ongoing support from the central research team.
• Reimbursement for travel as per ATO cents per kilometre rates plus tolls.

Why Join Us?

• This is a unique opportunity to contribute to world-first research shaping early communication intervention for infants at risk of cerebral palsy.
• You will work collaboratively with a highly skilled, supportive research team.
• A chance to gain experience in clinical research and early communication development.

How to Apply

To express your interest, please submit a brief cover letter outlining your experience relevant to the role and attach your current CV.

Send applications through the portal or email to Ashleigh Hines at AHines@cerebralpalsy.org.au with the subject line: “Speech Pathologist – Early Comms Study [City Name]”

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled.

Additional Information

CPA is committed to creating a safe and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from people with diverse lived experience and will happily accommodate reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.