Position overview

The Research Support Officer (Data and Analytics) provides practical data analysis, research data management and research systems support to clinical and health services researchers across Canberra Health Services.

Working under the guidance of the Biostatistician and in collaboration with the Research Support and Navigation Manager, other teams within Research Operations and Clinical Trials, and CHS researchers, the position assists with statistical analysis, research database administration, data governance and the delivery of research support services.

The position requires strong quantitative and organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to provide responsive, service-focused support across multiple research projects.

Key Responsibilities

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

Data analysis and reporting

1. Under the guidance of the Biostatistician, assist CHS researchers with data preparation, cleaning, manipulation, linking and statistical analysis.
2. Undertake statistical analyses using R and Jamovi  within the scope of assigned work and established analytical methods.
3. Assist with interpreting and presenting analytical results in appropriate formats, including tables, charts, data visualisations and written reports.
4. Contribute to research publications, presentations and other outputs where appropriate, including assisting with methods sections, presentation of results and interpretation of findings.

Research databases and statistical software support

5. Provide user support for statistical software, including responding to enquiries, troubleshooting basic issues and assisting users to use the software effectively.
6. Assist researchers with the design, development and maintenance of research databases and surveys using REDCap.
7. Support the management of user access, permissions and routine technical issues in accordance with established policies, procedures and approval processes.
8. Assist with data security, privacy and governance activities, including maintaining access controls, data management documentation, data dictionaries and other supporting records.
9. Perform routine system administration and database maintenance activities to support research and operational requirements.

Research service and administrative support

10. Maintain accurate records of research consultations, actions, follow-up activities and outcomes, and assist with systems used to monitor service activity and performance.
11. Support the design, distribution, analysis and reporting of consultation and service feedback surveys to inform service evaluation and improvement.
12. Assist with developing, maintaining and updating research support materials, including guides, tutorials, templates, presentations and instructional videos.

Collaboration, organisation and improvement

13. Work collaboratively with the Biostatistician, CHS researchers and teams within Research Operations and Clinical Trials to support coordinated and timely research activities.
14. Manage assigned tasks, competing priorities and deadlines with appropriate supervision, and identify opportunities to improve processes, automation, reporting and research support resources.
15. 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.

• Applies critical thinking and quantitative reasoning to analyse information and form defensible conclusions based on evidence.
• Demonstrates strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to data handling, analysis, documentation and quality checking.
• Uses relevant statistical, database and digital systems confidently and learns new applications and processes as required.
• Communicates technical information clearly and appropriately to people with different levels of statistical and research knowledge.
• Builds productive working relationships and contributes effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Provides responsive, respectful and service-focused support to researchers and other stakeholders.
• Plans and prioritises work effectively, manages competing tasks and meets agreed deadlines with appropriate supervision.
• Demonstrates initiative, adaptability and sound judgement when resolving routine issues and identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Handles research information responsibly and complies with applicable privacy, confidentiality, security and data governance requirements.

Qualifications

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

Essential

• A tertiary qualification in a quantitative discipline such as biostatistics, epidemiology, health sciences, statistics, economics or a related field, or demonstrated equivalent professional experience in data analysis and statistical methods.

Desirable

• Progress towards a higher degree by research.
• Coursework, short-course training or other formal education in research data management, database design or research data systems.
• An understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) and associated indicators relate to research, data management and health service improvement activities.

Experience

Specific experience includes but is not limited to the following.

Essential

• Demonstrated experience preparing, cleaning, manipulating and analysing data in a research, health, academic or comparable environment.
• Experience using programming-based software, such as R, Stata, SAS, Python or a comparable application, for data preparation and statistical analysis.
• Experience presenting analytical outputs through tables, charts, data visualisations and written reports.
• Experience designing and building surveys or databases using research data management or survey platforms, such as REDCap, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey or a comparable platform.

Desirable

• Experience working with clinical, health service or other sensitive research data.
• Experience with data linking and the analysis of longitudinal or clustered data.
• Experience contributing to health or clinical research publications, presentations or reports.
• 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 data preparation, manipulation and statistical analysis within a research or comparable environment using programming-based software, such as R, Stata, SAS, Python or a comparable application, and the ability to present analytical results through tables, charts, data visualisations and written reports.
2. Demonstrated experience designing and building surveys or databases using a research data management or survey platform, such as REDCap, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey or a comparable platform, including an understanding of data quality, documentation, privacy and appropriate data handling requirements.
3. Well-developed written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical information to non-technical audiences and work collaboratively with researchers and multidisciplinary teams.
4. Demonstrated ability to organise and prioritise assigned work, manage competing tasks, meet deadlines and use initiative and sound judgement to resolve routine issues with appropriate supervision.
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.