Research Translation Lead - Clinician Associate to the Apex Chair

The Hospital:

The Royal Children’s Hospital’s (RCH) Vision is “A world where all kids thrive”.

RCH is a cornerstone member of the Melbourne Children’s Campus, partnering with Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, The University of Melbourne Department of Paediatrics and The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation.

RCH has cared for the children and young people of Victoria for more than 150 years since it was founded in 1870. A full range of paediatrics and adolescent health services are provided plus tertiary and quaternary care for the most critically ill and medically complex patients in Victoria, Tasmania, southern NSW and other states around Australia and overseas. The Hospital has more than 6,000 staff, a budget of $850M, 12 wards and 350 beds. Annually, the RCH has 300,000+ Specialist Clinic appointments, 90,000+ Emergency Department presentations and 20,000 elective surgeries.

The RCH is committed to the Child Safe Standards. 

RCH enjoys high employee engagement and is committed to staff safety and a positive culture through enactment of our Compact.

For further Information on RCH is available here.

The Role Context:

This role sits within the Department of Neurodevelopment and Disability. The department provides clinical services to children and young people living with disabilities many of our patients also have additional substantial social vulnerabilities.

Role Purpose:

This role is a senior clinical leadership position within the Department of Neurodevelopment and Disability (NDD), providing a link between clinical practices, research and service development. The role partners closely with the Apex Chair of Neurodevelopment and Disability, University of Melbourne, to ensure research priorities are informed by clinical context and to support the translation of research evidence into clinical practice. The role aims to strengthen the NDD department’s capacity for clinical innovation through research, education and multidisciplinary collaboration, with a focus on improving care, wellbeing and quality of life of children and young people with disabilities and their families.

About the role:

This is a part time fixed term position on offer for both Medical and non-medical applicants it is for a period of 4.25 years until 21/4/2030 - EFT 0.3/21 hours per fortnight

Classification:

Dependant on classification and craft group of appointees.

Medical                                         Staff Specialist Yr 1 to 9

Nursing                                         Level 3 Research Nurse (QRED 3- YX13)

Allied Health Professional         Grade 4 Yr 1 to 5

Psychologist                               Grade 4, Year 1 to Year 5 (PM1 – PM5)

What you will achieve:

• You will assist in collaborating in the development and implementation of a systematic approach to advocacy across The Melbourne Children’s Campus for children, young people living with disability and for their families.
• You will assist collaborating on the development and implementation of a clinical research strategic plan that bridges clinical need with the strategic directions of the Apex Chair.

Skills and experience:

Essential:

• Tertiary qualification in Medicine, Nursing, Psychology, Speech Pathology, Social Work, Physiotherapy or Occupational Therapy, meeting the Royal Children’s Hospital medical, nursing and allied health credentialling standards (see detailed description for each discipline under –Discipline Specific Qualifications details below)
• Eligibility for professional registration with AHPRA (where required) or membership of an appropriate professional body
• Uphold registry board’s codes of ethics and/or conduct
• Have the required clinical experience for the role
• Completed a research degree (Masters degree or equivalent) or working towards a PhD
• Demonstrated excellence in clinical skills in the care of children with disabilities and their families
• Experience in effective delivery of family centred care.
• Experience and expertise in research methodologies.
• Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team and ability to work well as a senior team member, including leading, mentoring and training others

Desirable:

• Experience with the translation of research to clinical practice
• Publication experience in peer reviewed journals and at relevant conferences
• Experience in design and delivery of research projects
• Experience in developing and delivering education to peers and others

If this sounds like you, click here for the position description.

About the department:

The department of Neurodevelopment and Disability is committed to the care of children with disabilities, aims to conduct and promote educational programs and research activity in the area of childhood disability, and strives to promote policies and principles that will best meet the needs of children and empower their families.

What we offer:

• Salaray Packaging
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounted on-site car parking

Other requirements:

• Employees are required to undertake a National Criminal Record Check and a Working with Children Check prior to commencing employment
• Employees are required to maintain a valid Working with Children Check throughout their employment
• A current, full driver’s licence for the State of Victoria which is appropriate for the type of vehicle being driven, and comply with any restrictions on their licence (e.g. wearing glasses) while undertaking hospital duties (If applicable)
• Employees are required to maintain compliance with RCHs “Staff Immunisation - Prevention of Vaccine Preventable Diseases” procedure.

Application process:

To apply, you will need a resume and a tailored cover letter outlining your skills, experience, and suitability for the position in line with the requirements of the position description. 

For SMS applicants only - you must attach certified credentials and a completed “SMS Application for Appointment Form” 

To view the position description please (Click here)

Applications will close: June 30th, 2026

Shortlisting for this position will commence immediately. We encourage you to apply promptly as the advertisement may close early should a suitable applicant be sourced. 

For more information about this position please contact Dr. Gordon Baikie Head of Neurodevelopment and Disability Dept.  Phone: 03 9345 5898 Email: Gordon.baikie@rch.org.au

Why work at the RCH?

RCH enjoys high employee engagement and is committed to staff safety and a positive culture through enactment of our Compact. We offer the opportunity to work in world-class facilities, surrounded by Royal Park and only a short tram trip from the heart of Melbourne city.

We also offer staff benefits such as discounted staff parking, salary packaging, and an award-winning health and wellbeing program.

The RCH is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and/or linguistically diverse background, all members of the LGBTQI community and people with disability.

It is a requirement of your employment that you be vaccinated against Influenza annually for Category A and B roles, in compliance with any public health orders in place at the relevant time, unless you have a medical exception in line with those public health orders, which has been accepted by The Royal Children’s Hospital.  Applicants will be required to provide their Australian Government Immunisation History Statement, it is a requirement of the RCH to collect, record and hold vaccination information.

It is also a requirement of your employment that you comply with any direction given by The Royal Children’s Hospital that you be vaccinated against, or prove immunity to, any other disease, unless you have a relevant exemption, and offers of employment are conditional on successful completion of background checks including reference checks. 

Are you ready to join our team?

Apply online by clicking on the “Apply” button

Applications close 26 June 2026