Research Assistant - Study Nutrition Support

Summary

Casual | 12-Month Contract

At the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), we are committed to achieving innovative, ground-breaking health and medical research that fundamentally improves the quality of life for all people.

About the role

SAHMRI Women and Kids is seeking a reliable and detail-focused Research Assistant – Study Nutrition Support to assist with the implementation of the GIFT trial and related human milk research projects. This is a practical, hands-on role supporting high-quality research that contributes to improved outcomes for babies and families.

Working closely with the Clinical Trials Research Officer , SAHMRI Women and Kids team members, hospital staff and external stakeholders, you will help ensure study nutrition processes are carried out safely, accurately and in line with research protocols, food safety requirements and hospital procedures.

As the Research Assistant – Study Nutrition Support, you will assist with the daily operational activities required for the GIFT trial and related human milk research projects. Most work will be based at Lyell McEwin Hospital, with some work potentially required at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital and Flinders Medical Centre.

This shared casual position will cover 3-hour shifts across each day of the week, including weekends, with a maximum of 21 hours per week.

This is a great opportunity if you are looking for a meaningful casual role where your attention to detail, reliability and care can directly support important neonatal and maternal health research.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the implementation of the GIFT trial and related human milk research projects
• Preparing GIFT trial feeds in accordance with research project parameters
• Ordering, receiving, checking, preparing and tracking Pasteurised Donor Human Milk
• Preparing expressed breast milk, infant formula, specialised feeds and fortification using approved recipes and individual prescriptions
• Monitoring and maintaining food safety, infection control and hygiene standards
• Keeping accurate records of milk orders, stock, supplies, samples and compliance requirements
• Monitoring fridges and freezers in line with Food Safety Plan standards
• Delivering and storing formula, expressed breast milk and donor human milk to nurseries
• Maintaining equipment, supplies, labels, PPE and chemicals required for trial activities
• Communicating clearly with nursing, midwifery, clinical, research and food services staff
• Maintaining confidentiality and sample control in accordance with trial requirements
• Participating in audits, stocktakes, incident reporting and continuous improvement activities

About You

The successful candidate will possess the following key attributes:

• A degree, or current study towards a degree, in a relevant field
• Experience in a healthcare, hospital, ward or food service environment
• Understanding of infection control, food safety and hygiene requirements
• Experience maintaining food safety compliance records and documentation
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Confidence using computer systems and electronic records
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently while remaining connected to a broader team
• A caring, empathetic and positive approach
• Understanding of confidentiality, privacy and appropriate communication in healthcare settings

Highly desirable experience includes:

• Training or knowledge of ICH-GCP / Good Clinical Practice
• Experience working within Australian hospital systems
• Experience supporting large-scale interventional studies involving women and children
• Ability to write clear, succinct and accurate reports

Special Requirements

• Some out of hours work may be required.
• DCSI Employment Screening, Working with Children Check and Police Checks will be required.
• SAHMRI is required to implement the Addressing vaccine preventable disease: Occupational assessment, screening and vaccination policy for SAHMRI employees carrying out work in any SA Health Facility.
  • Immunisation Risk for this position is - Category A

Everything we do is underpinned by our core values and our institute is dedicated to grow a culture that pursues, enables and demands research excellence. We are proud of the work we do and work hard as a team to make a positive difference to the community. Our values of excellence, innovation, courage, integrity and teamwork are what help us achieve our goals. If these are also your values and goals, apply today.

As a not-for-profit organisation, SAHMRI employees can access salary packaging options up to $15,900. Salary packaging lets you pay for things like the everyday costs of living with money from your salary before tax. This reduces your taxable income, meaning you could pay less tax and take home more of what you earn. For more information on salary packaging please see the Maxxia website.

To be considered for this position, applicants must hold relevant working rights within Australia at the time of application.

For more information, please contact Lisa Manocchio at lisa.manocchio@sahmri.com

Applications close: Sunday 16th August 2026

Applications may close earlier than advertised if a suitable candidate is identified.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply