Research Assistant (Physiotherapist)

Role Type: 6-month parental leave cover contract

Hours: Part time – 19 hours per week

Salary: $89,080 – $108,485 (pro rata) plus super

• Part-time, 6-month contract – 19 hrs/week, $89K–$108K pro rata + super
• Combine clinical physio with cutting-edge cancer research at a leading paediatric research institute
• Join Australia's largest child health research institute and make a real impact on kids' cancer care

The opportunity:

Join an exciting clinical trial (PROTECT) exploring sarcopenia and frailty risk in children with leukaemia. You'll deliver and evaluate exercise interventions, use wearable technology, and work closely with patients, families, and multidisciplinary teams. This is a unique chance to combine physiotherapy and research in a paediatric oncology setting. Become part of the Cancer Therapies Group within the MCRI Stem Cell Medicine Theme, a leading team focused on cancer therapeutics, adverse drug reactions, and translational stem cell research. Collaborate with experts in clinical care, genomics, and cutting-edge biomedical science. This is a 6-month parental leave cover opportunity, offering a great chance to step into a well-established research role and make an immediate impact on the team.

What you’ll do  

• Carry out physical assessment and exercise interventions in the acute paediatric oncology setting
• Use and evaluate novel digital technology strategies to evaluate physical activity and implement interventions
• Work directly with allied health and medical staff to implement interventions and trial processes
• Work directly with children with cancer and their families to undertake assessments and implement interventions
• Be available to work on-site at MCRI and RCH campuses as required for project implementation
• Conduct ethical research at the highest level of integrity and in line with the Australian Code for Responsible Conduct of Research and MCRI

What you’ll bring

• Qualification/s in Physiotherapy
• Professional Physiotherapy accreditation with AHPRA
• Clinical experience in paediatrics
• Clinical experience in the acute hospital setting
• Demonstrated capacity to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Excellent time management, organisational and analytical problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated computer skills, including spreadsheets, database programs, statistics and word processing
• Demonstrated understanding of a range of research methodologies and their application in empirical research

Please view the position description here.

Any questions? Reach out to Sarah Grimshaw Sarah.Grimshaw@mcri.edu.au.

What you’ll enjoy

• Maximise Your Pay: Benefit from salary packaging, including entertainment and novated leases
• Join a Reputable Organisation: Take advantage of a unique opportunity to be part of a respected research institute
• Make a Difference: Collaborate with a team passionate about making a positive impact
• Supportive Environment: Work in a dynamic and energetic setting with our expanding team

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.   

Apply now!

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: 15 September 2026 AUS Eastern Standard time

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