Board Members (General) or Secretary

The Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI) is committed to making a difference to parent well-being and infant development (conception to 2 years) through research and the development of evidence-based treatments for mothers, fathers and babies.

Perinatal depression and anxiety are the leading cause of maternal death and disability. They affect the development of many infants and unborn children and disrupt the relationship between mother and child. The long-term impacts on educational attainment and health incur enormous costs into adulthood. Meanwhile, the stigma associated with perinatal mental health problems means that women and men are frequently forced to hide their symptoms and avoid seeking treatment and care. Fewer than 50% of women seek or accept help, even when identified as depressed and only 10% receive adequate, effective treatment.

PIRI has an international reputation as a leader in perinatal mental health research and new treatments. Our areas of specialty include antenatal depression, postnatal depression, prematurity and fostering parent-infant relationships and attachment. PIRI has an international reputation as a leader in perinatal mental health research and new treatments.

We are passionate about tackling perinatal depression and anxiety.

We are looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our Board to build on our research reputation and to assist us in a new phase of our development as we roll out our programs, commercialize, look for new prospects and develop entrepreneurial activities in the current climate of funding constraints. Start date April 2017.

Essential skills/ Interest/experience in:

Relevant backgrounds and expertise are: Public Health, Business and entrepreneurial activities, Government, Fundraising/Marketing, Law, Primary Care and Community Maternal Health, Research and academia.

Other relevant knowledge or experience:
i. Innovation
ii. Perinatal mental health and policy and practices
iii. Experience in e-technology
iv. Marketing and fundraising
v. A positive, pro-active approach to problem solving

Salary type
Volunteer

For further details please contact: Professor Jeannette Milgrom, Executive Director, Parent-Infant Research Institute