Position overview

The Haematology Clinical Trials Unit provides coordinated support for the delivery of clinical research at Canberra Hospital and plays a vital role in improving care for patients with malignant and non-malignant haematological conditions. Through participation in national and international clinical trials, the Unit supports patients to access innovative therapies, emerging treatment pathways, and research-informed models of care, often in circumstances where standard treatment options may be limited. The Unit maintains an active and diverse clinical trials portfolio, with studies at varying stages of the trial lifecycle, ranging from ethics and governance submissions through to trial close-out. These studies include pharmaceutical-sponsored trials, registries, investigator-led research, and collaborative programs funded through organisations such as the Australasian Leukaemia and Lymphoma Group.

Clinical Trials Coordinators are central to this work, supporting patients through often complex treatment journeys while ensuring trials are conducted safely, ethically, and with compassion. As senior research officers, Clinical Trials Coordinators bring a strong research background and scientific foundation to clinical research, acting as advocates for patients and families and helping to navigate the complexity of trial participation within the broader context of haematology care. The projects supported by the role vary in scope and complexity and may include Phase I, II, and III clinical trials evaluating novel therapies across a wide range of haematological conditions. Working closely with Principal Investigators, Clinical Haematologists, clinical trials staff, and multidisciplinary teams, Clinical Trials Coordinators act as a key point of contact for patients, sponsors, and monitors. The role supports the achievement of trial milestones and ensures trial conduct remains compliant with Good Clinical Practice and relevant governance frameworks. All work is undertaken under the general direction of the Principal Investigator of Haematology Clinical Trials and the Clinical Trials Manager, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, communication, and the delivery of safe, high-quality, patient-centred care.

As part of an active national and international clinical trials portfolio, the role offers exposure to leading research initiatives in haematology. Depending on study requirements, there may be opportunities to attend investigator meetings and engage with national and international research collaborators, supporting professional development, knowledge exchange, and continuous learning within a global clinical research community.

This role is well suited to research professionals who excel at coordinating multiple concurrent projects, working across multidisciplinary teams, and contributing to innovation in patient care through structured, detail oriented work.

Key Responsibilities

Under the limited direction of the Clinical Trials Manager, and working closely with Principal Investigators, Clinical Haematologists, and multidisciplinary teams, the Clinical Trials Coordinator plays a central role in coordinating clinical trial activity within the Haematology Clinical Trials Unit. The role applies scientific knowledge, research expertise, and strong organisational skills to ensure trials are delivered safely, ethically, and in a patient-centred manner.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Coordinate the end-to-end planning, implementation, and ongoing conduct of multicentre Phase I, II, and III clinical trials, registries, and local research projects, ensuring study activities are delivered in line with approved protocols and governance requirements.
2. Coordinate ethics and governance submissions and approvals, including associated budgets and regulatory documentation, and support study start-up and maintenance processes in collaboration with investigators, sponsors, and internal stakeholders.
3. Act as a central point of coordination for clinical trial activity, supporting the integration of trial requirements into routine clinical workflows and providing clarity and consistency for patients, clinicians, and research partners.
4. Support patient identification, recruitment, enrolment, and follow-up processes by coordinating study schedules, assessments, and trial-related appointments, ensuring clear communication and a consistent experience for patients participating in clinical trials.
5. Maintain accurate and timely trial documentation, including clinical notes, electronic case report forms, and relevant databases, ensuring data integrity and compliance with Good Clinical Practice and organisational standards.
6. Liaise closely with clinical trial sponsors, monitors, and multidisciplinary stakeholders, including medical, nursing, pharmacy, imaging, pathology, and administrative teams, to facilitate effective communication and coordinated trial delivery.
7. Participate in professional development relevant to clinical trials coordination, including attendance at research and investigator meetings, supporting ongoing learning and engagement with national and international research activity.
8. Undertake other duties appropriate to this level of classification which contribute to the operation of the organisation.

Competencies

Specific competencies include but are not limited to the following.

• Sound research judgement and critical thinking, applying evidence-based reasoning to support safe, ethical, and high-quality trial coordination.
• Strong organisational and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities across a complex clinical trials portfolio in a structured and reliable manner.
• Clear and effective communication, engaging confidently with patients, clinicians, sponsors, and multidisciplinary stakeholders in a research environment.
• Adaptability in a dynamic environment, responding constructively to change while maintaining consistency, quality, and compliance.
• Attention to detail and commitment to data integrity, ensuring accurate documentation and adherence to governance and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborative approach to work, contributing positively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary clinical and research team.
• Professional accountability and integrity, demonstrating reliability, ownership, and a strong work ethic in a regulated research environment.
• Commitment to respectful and clear engagement with patients and families throughout the clinical trial journey, recognising the significance of research participation in the context of complex and often serious illness.
• Demonstrated commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace by complying with Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation, organisational policies and safety frameworks, and contributing to a culture that prioritises safety, quality and the wellbeing of staff, patients and research participants.to a culture that prioritises safety, quality and the wellbeing of staff, patients and research participants.

Qualifications

Specific qualifications include, but are not limited to, the following.

Essential

• A degree in a relevant field such as science, health sciences, medical science, or a related discipline, from a recognised university.

Desirable

• A postgraduate qualification in clinical research, project management, or a related field.
• Have an understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.

Experience

Specific experience includes but is not limited to the following.

Essential

• A minimum of 4 years relevant work experience in a clinical trials, research, or health-related environment.

Desirable

• Academic knowledge or practical experience of clinical trials coordination.
• Experience working in haematology, oncology, or a similarly complex clinical or research environment.
• Project Management experience.
• Experience or knowledge of the CHS Exceptional Care Framework, and all other related frameworks.

Prior to commencement

Appointment to this position is conditional on being granted and retaining appropriate clearances:

• Undergo a pre-employment National Police Check.
• Comply with Canberra Health Services Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination policy.

Important information

All employees are required to:

• Adhere to the Canberra Health Services Values and the ACT Public Service Code of Conduct.
• Act in accordance and comply with all relevant Safety and Quality policies and procedures.
• Comply with all relevant clinical and/or competency standards.

Be available for weekend and/or after-hours work. CHS is leading the drive to digitally transform health service delivery in Australia through the implementation of a territory wide Digital Health Record. Computer literacy skills are required, which are relevant to this role as you will be responsible for completing required documentation and becoming a proficient user of the Digital Health Record and/or other Information Technology systems; once proficient, you will need to remain current with changes, updates, and contingencies.

What you Require (Key Selection Criteria)

These are the key selection criteria for how you will be assessed in conjunction with your resumé and experience.

1. Demonstrated experience in clinical trials coordination or health research, with the ability to apply scientific knowledge and analytical judgement in a complex, regulated environment, and an understanding of the operational demands of coordinating clinical studies within a multidisciplinary healthcare setting.
2. Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with patients and families, clinicians, sponsors, monitors, and multidisciplinary teams, and to build productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
3. Demonstrated ability to coordinate complex workflows and manage competing priorities, including planning and tracking activities across multiple concurrent tasks or projects, meeting deadlines, and maintaining oversight in dynamic clinical or research environments.
4. Demonstrated digital literacy and attention to detail, including experience using electronic systems for documentation, data entry, scheduling, and communication, with proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook or similar systems.
5. Demonstrates understanding of, and adherence to, safety and quality standards, Work Health and Safety and the positive patient experience. Displays behaviour consistent with CHS’s values of reliable, progressive, respectful, and kind.

Work environment description

The following work environment description outlines the inherent requirements of the role and indicates how frequently each of these requirements would need to be performed. Please note that the ACT Public Service is committed to providing reasonable adjustments and ensuring all individuals have equal opportunities in the workplace.