Clinical Trial Internship – Study Coordinator-(Melbourne metro locations)

 Clinical Trial Internship – Study Coordinator-(Melbourne metro locations)

• Are you interested in pursuing a career in clinical trials?
• Leverage your PhD or master’s in science or healthcare to gain job-ready skills
• Apply now for a 40-week internship in the Melbourne metro area.

Highly sought-after internship opportunities are now open, commencing 24 February 2025.

VCCC Alliance is once again offering unique and highly sought-after internship opportunities for enthusiastic science/health PhD and masters graduates looking to build a career in clinical trials. Running successfully since 2019, this 40-week Study Coordinator internship program provides successful applicants with the opportunity to learn and gain valuable skills and practical experience in clinical trials at various participating sites across Victoria, commencing Monday 24 February 2025.

Both regional and metropolitan placements are available through this program and are advertised separately. This opportunity refers to Melbourne metropolitan placements for scientific PhD and masters graduates. A stipend to contribute towards living expenses will be provided. Applicants currently living outside metropolitan Melbourne must be prepared to relocate or travel at their own expense for this opportunity.

About the Internship

This internship opportunity is part of the VCCC Alliance’s SKILLED Internship Program, located in Victorian-based clinical trial units and/or office for research. Through the internship program, the VCCC Alliance is committed to developing a highly skilled clinical trial workforce with the aim of expanding clinical trial activity, access, and patient participation in clinical trials across Victoria. The program aims to develop successful applicant interns into job-ready Study Coordinators at the conclusion of the 40-week program.

This opportunity is suitable for PhD and masters science / health graduates interested in gaining the requisite knowledge and skills to become a Study Coordinator and contribute to the clinical trial workforce.

About the Placement and Internship Program

As an Intern, you will participate in a structured learning program, including onsite supervision at a clinical trial unit and/or office for research and a requirement to attend placement 5 days per week. You will be provided with comprehensive training and expert mentoring while completing practical, real-world tasks to develop your skills that are designed to competitively position you for an ongoing role in the clinical trial sector as a Study Coordinator.

As a Study Coordinator Intern, you will assist with the coordination of clinical trials under the supervision and guidance of the host site team to ensure that all clinical trials are managed according to the International Conference for Harmonization (ICH) guidelines for Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and maintain the safety and protection of trial participants and the integrity of trial data subsequently collected.

Training will include the development of core clinical trial knowledge, skills, and experience in the areas of:

• Good Clinical Practice
• Study Management
• Interaction with Participants
• Laboratory Operations
• Regulatory Management
• Professional Skills

During placement, the intern will undertake a process / quality improvement project in consultation with the host site. They will monitor a clinical trial process, identify areas for improvement, and in cooperation with the host site, implement, report and present on the ‘improvement’ activity.

Key Selection Criteria:

• Completed PhD or masters degree in a relevant scientific or healthcare discipline
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Personal confidence, empathy and initiative required to deal with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to prioritise effectively
• Meticulous and attentive to details
• Adept in following instructions, working independently, and contributing effectively to a team setting
• Cooperative and supportive collegiate approach, with the ability to gain the support of others
• Commitment to excellence in customer service and care
• Available to commence on the 24th February 2025, with a one-week in-person orientation at the VCCC building (Melbourne CBD), and committed to the completion of the 39-week 5 days a week onsite training at one or more sites
• Australian Permanent Residency or Citizenship.

Living Expenses

As a part of the SKILLED Study Coordinator Internship Program, Interns are provided a stipend to contribute towards cost-of-living expenses. SC interns will be disbursed a stipend at scheduled time points over the 40-week program.

The successful candidates will be aligned to match the requirements of the site and cohort.

About the VCCC Alliance

Despite having some of the best cancer outcomes in the world, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death and disease burden in Victoria. The VCCC Alliance is a joint venture of academic, research and clinical member institutions working together to change that.

We do this in alliance with our ten joint venture members who, to name a few, include Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, WEHI, The Royal Children’s Hospital and Western Health – for more detailed information: https://vcccalliance.org.au/about-us/what-is-the-vccc-alliance/alliance-members/ 

Through the VCCC alliance, we are collaborating and working to improve systems, educational offerings, equity and inclusion in cancer research and prevention to accelerate the translation of scientific evidence into better outcomes for all people affected by cancer across Victoria.

The SKILLED internship program involves not only alliance members but also other metropolitan and regional clinical trial units across Victoria.

Equity & Inclusion

The VCCC Alliance is an equal-opportunity employer committed to providing a workplace free from all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, bullying, vilification, and victimisation.

The VCCC Alliance makes decisions based on merit based on employment, engagement, promotion, and reward. We are committed to equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion throughout all of our operations. This commitment is set out in more detail in the VCCC Alliance Equal Opportunity Policy and Bullying Prevention Policy.

Acknowledgement

The 2025 SKILLED Clinical Trials Internships program is supported by the Victorian Government.

To Apply

Closing Date: All applications must be lodged via 11.59 PM SEEK by Sunday, 29 September 2024.

Applicants must be available to commit to the placement site for the duration of the internship (40 weeks).

Applications addressed to Ms. Victoria Mynard, Program Manager, SKILLED Internship, application must include a resume and cover letter addressing the key selection criteria. Applications without these inclusions will not be progressed.

Interviews will be scheduled for late October 2024.

VCCC Alliance endeavours to review all applications submitted in a timely manner and communicate the outcome to all applicants via email. The SKILLED internship program receives a high volume of applications, and we appreciate your patience while scheduling interviews.

Candidates recommended for interviews will be provided with a minimum of 48 hours' notice prior to the interview.

Further Information:

Further Applicant Information and a copy of the roles and responsibilities is available on the VCCC Alliance website: https://vcccalliance.org.au/opportunities/ 

FAQ document https://vcccalliance.org.au/our-work/education-and-training/skilled-internships/study-coordinator-internship/faqs/ 

To hear directly from a host site, the Royal Children’s Hospital, about the SKILLED internship program: https://youtu.be/2T1kLq3I8w4?si=WcwGbw7I6oYAfk3p 

To hear from a previous SC intern, Lisa Bell: https://youtu.be/wLlgMT-1-i0?si=pZk-C3h4yr-V2_oS 

Please review this information prior to contacting VCCC Alliance directly.

If your question is not covered in the available information, please email contact the SKILLED team via skilled@vcccalliance.org.au

(Please do not submit applications via email; only applications through SEEK will be accepted.)