Research Trainee

About QIMR BerghoferQIMR Berghofer is a world-leading translational medical research institute focused on improving health by developing new diagnostics, better treatments and prevention strategies, specifically in the areas of Cancer, Infection and Inflammation, Mental Health and Neuroscience, and Population Health. Based in Herston, Brisbane and working in close collaboration with clinicians and other research institutes, QIMR Berghofer is home to more than 600 scientists, students and non-research staff.

About The Psychiatric Genetics GroupWith about half of all Australians experiencing poor mental health at some stage in their lives, our research group focuses on understanding factors that influence mental health and behaviour. We work on a range of mental health areas including anxiety, depression, ADHD, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and schizophrenia. Our team (has training in psychology, genetics and epidemiology) and is dedicated to improving our understanding of how mental health conditions develop and why different treatment approaches work for some people but not others.

About The RoleWork collectively with other interns and project members to design and conduct research on topics such as (but not limited to): The connection between genetics and the environment and their impact on mental health. Investigating individual patients’ responses to treatments for psychiatric disorders, such as side-effects and treatment outcomes. Optimising research participation protocol to improve participant understanding to improve overall research quality. Assist in gathering and summarizing relevant literature to form the basis of the research project. Working both independently and as part of a group.

Building expertise in research methodologySelected candidates will be expected to adhere to the highest quality and ethical standards, comply with the Institute’s Work Health & Safety policies and any relevant legislative requirements. We Are Looking For People Who AreInterested in and looking to gain experience in research2nd or 3rd-year undergrad in the fields of psychology, public health, science and related fieldsCurious and willing to engage in discussions and help make decisions on study protocolAvailable for 1-2 days a week with flexibility to allow for arrangement of weekly meetings with the rest of the team.

In your application please include a short statement (no more than 500 words) introducing yourself, explaining why you are interested in the position, and how you think this role might be helpful in your future career. If you have had any previous training or coursework on research methods or working with data or statistics please include a brief summary of this in your statement. Our team recognises the value brought by supporting diverse voices in the research process and within the research community.

We sincerely believe this improves the quality of research we conduct, to ensure our work helps the entire community. From this perspective, we would like to encourage applications from people of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent. We would also like to welcome applications from people with culturally- and linguistically-diverse backgrounds, people with lived experience of mental-health challenges and people with LGBTQIA+ identities.

Thank you very much for your applications!What we will be doing is bringing together a small group of people who are interested in gaining experience in research and helping support the group to collaboratively explore a research question and write a paper around this with the aim of submitting a manuscript for publication at the end of semester. Please keep in mind that as stated in the advertisement, these positions are aimed at undergraduate level students.

Please also note that candidates who submit applications are expected to have read, and fully understood, the information provided in the FAQs below. FAQsQ: What will the project be about?A: We have prepared some research areas for each group to work on and we will work with each group to develop research question(s) relating to these areas. It is likely to be focused on improving the experience of participating in a research study. Q: Will I get to create my own research project?A: Potentially.

This is a group-based research project, ideas will be presented to successful applicants, but decisions will be made collaboratively. But if you like working with us and want to create your own project, you are welcome to apply for an Honours project with us in the future!Q: Is this a lab-based position?A: No, sorry. This is an analysis based (dry lab) position. Q: How many people will I be working with?A: We aim to have 2 groups of 4 Trainees. Trainees will be working with a Research Facilitator and others from the group. Q:

Is this a full-time position?A: No. This will be a casual position, approximately one full day a week. Q: Can this position be done remotely?A: No. The position requires Trainees to be onsite at QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute in Herston (next to the Royal Brisbane Women's Hospital). Q: How long will this position last for?A: The traineeship will be for Semester 2 2025 (ending late November)Q: Will positions be available in the future?A:

Yes! We are planning to run similar programs in the second semester for the next few years (if this semester does not suit you, you are welcome to reapply next round). Before candidates can complete their applications, they must first answer the screening questions that appear as part of the recruitment process, to assess suitability for the role. Only those applications who have responded to all questions will be considered. Thank you again for taking the time to apply for the Traineeship, we look forward to reviewing your applications!Remuneration: Casual hourly rate is $39. 16 per hour.

This is a casual appointment with an expected commitment of approximately 16-32 hours a fortnight (1-2 days a week)For further information: please contact Dillen Jhala via email Dillensinh. Jhala@qimrb. edu. auClosing Date: 15 August 2025Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or holds a valid visa (or work permit) with work rights in Australia. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process. What We OfferState of the art facilitiesStimulating work setting focussed on cutting edge medical researchSupportive/collaborative team environment