Clinical/Medical Research (Healthcare & Medical) Full time

- Are you committed in pursuing a career in research governance?
- If you hold an honours or master’s degree in science, healthcare, business or arts? Advance your career with SKILLED.
- Apply now for a 24-week internship in metro, outer metro or regional Victoria.

The VCCC Alliance is once again offering unique and highly sought-after internship opportunities for enthusiastic science/health/business/arts graduates looking to build a career in research governance and ethics. Running successfully since 2019, the SKILLED Clinical Trial Internship Program provides successful applicants with the opportunity to learn and gain valuable skills and practical experience in research offices at various participating sites across Victoria, commencing Monday 22 February 2027 (24-week program).

Both regional, metropolitan and outer metropolitan placements are available through this program. A stipend to contribute towards living expenses will be provided. Applicants currently living outside metropolitan Melbourne must be prepared to relocate or travel at your own expense for this opportunity. Regional interns not residing locally will also be responsible for relocation and travel costs related to attendance at placement, however travel costs will be reimbursed for regionally placed interns to attend mandatory training in Melbourne.

About the Internship

This internship opportunity is part of the VCCC Alliance’s SKILLED Clinical Trial Internship Program, located in Victorian-based research offices (RGO). Through the internship program, the VCCC Alliance is committed to developing a highly skilled 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 competent job-ready Research Office Associates at the conclusion of the 24-week program. As a Research Office Associate Intern, you will participate in a structured competency based learning program, including onsite supervision at a research office. There is a requirement to attend placement five days per week for the duration of the internship. 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.

The Opportunity

The Research Office intern will complete a series of required pre-orientation online learning modules and an initial one-week in-person orientation program in Melbourne. This is followed by a structured 23-week on-site placement that combines formal learning with practical experience underpinned by a competency framework and assessment.

During the internship, the intern will learn how a research office operates and will provide administrative and clerical support to help ensure efficient team and research study operations. Under supervision of their allocated supervisor/s, the intern will take responsibility for maintaining appropriate regulatory documents and supporting regulatory compliance in the conduct of research studies.



The role also serves as a liaison between investigators, committee members, sponsors and regulatory bodies.

Training will cover core research knowledge, skills and practical experience in areas such as:

- Ethical Review of Research, including the functions of the HREC and its administration
- Contracts and insurance review
- Budgets and finance
- Research Governance
- Accreditation readiness
- The National Clinical Trials Governance Framework (NCTGF)Generic Professional Skills
- Integrity, Compliance and Training
- Institution Risk Assessment

As part of the placement, the intern will complete a process or quality improvement project in consultation with the host site. They will monitor a research process, identify opportunities for improvement, and work with the host site to implement, report on and present the improvement activity.

Key Selection Criteria

The candidate will:

- Have completed an honours degree or above, in a scientific, healthcare, business or arts field
- Possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Exhibit flexibility to act collaboratively within a team and independently
- Illustrate an ability to take initiative and demonstrate self-motivation essential to learning and completing daily tasks
- Demonstrate excellent organisational skills, with the ability to multi-task and prioritise
- Display proven problem-solving skills
- Articulate examples of being able to complete tasks efficiently and deliver outcomes as required, with accuracy and attention to detail
- Demonstrates a strong enthusiasm for acquiring knowledge about clinical trials and exhibits a genuine interest in pursuing future career opportunities within the clinical trial sector.
- Confirm their available to complete pre-orientation requirements, commence on the 22nd of February 2027 for a one-week in-person orientation at the VCCC building (Melbourne CBD), and committed to the completion of the 23-week 5 days a week onsite training at one or more sites.
- Hold a current Australian Permanent Residency or Citizenship.

Living Expenses

As a part of the SKILLED Clinical Trial Internship Program, interns are provided a stipend to contribute toward cost-of-living expenses. Interns will be disbursed a stipend at scheduled time points over the program.

To Apply

Closing Date: All applications must be lodged via SEEK by 11.59 PM Sunday, 20 September 2026. VCCC Alliance reserves the right to close applications earlier due to high volume of suitable applications.

Successful candidates will be aligned to match the requirements of the site and cohort and must be available to commit to the full-time placement for the duration of the internship (24 weeks).

Applications to be addressed to the SKILLED Internship team.



Applications must include a resume and 1-2 page cover letter addressing the key selection criteria. ** Applications without these inclusions will not be progressed.

Interviews will be scheduled for early October 2026 with an in person group interview. Those candidates shortlisted from the group interview will be offered a one on one in person interview.

VCCC Alliance endeavours to review all applications submitted in a timely manner and communicate the outcome of shortlisting to all applicants via email. The SKILLED internship program receives a high volume of applications and appreciates your patience given the due diligence involved in this process.

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

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 regional intern: https://youtu.be/clxpMbZ5zPA?si=koOuFyFhlYty35AV

Please review this information prior to contacting VCCC Alliance directly. If your question is not covered in the available information and is critical to your application, please email the SKILLED team via ••••@vcccalliance.org.au

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

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-chance 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 2027 SKILLED Clinical Trial Internships program is supported by the Victorian Government.

📌 Victorian-based Research Office Associate Internship Opportunity (Parkville)
🏢 VCCC Alliance
📍 Parkville