Project Officer

**Role Type**: Full time 12 month contract
**Salary**: $91,432 - $95,133 per annum plus superannuation
**Location**: Melbourne/Sydney/Hybrid
**The opportunity**:
The Centre for Population Genomics (CPG) is looking for a dynamic Community Engagement Project Officer (CEPO) to join our OurDNA Community Engagement Team.
As a CEPO, you will play a vital role in connecting with diverse communities to support outreach, education, co-design, and recruitment for genomics research projects. Working closely with the Community Engagement & Partnership Manager and other team members, you will help shape and deliver culturally responsive community engagement strategies that align with CPG’s mission.
This Melbourne-based position offers a flexible hybrid work environment—blend working from home with collaborative onsite days at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) and regular team meetups. You’ll also have the opportunity to engage with our Sydney office at the Garvan Institute.
**Your responsibilities include**:
Build and nurture meaningful relationships with community members, groups, and organisations
Develop a community-focused approach to support effective research collaboration
Plan, coordinate, and deliver community events, workshops, and recruitment initiatives
Work closely with community partners and volunteers to ensure aligned engagement strategies
Support participant recruitment and assist with sample collection events
Maintain detailed engagement records to inform team decisions
Travel within Victoria or interstate as required for community project activities
**What we need from you**:
Strong knowledge of cultural competency, diversity & inclusion, and cross-cultural communication
Relevant tertiary qualification or at least 3 years’ experience in community development, public health, social sciences, or related fields
Proven commitment to working with CALD communities on social and health issues
Ability to build and trust navigate cultural and language barriers confidently
Excellent communication and facilitation skills
Experience managing community events and working alongside partners or volunteers
Basic understanding of community participatory research
Demonstrated lived experience especially with the South Sudanese diaspora in Australia will be highly regarded
Any specific questions related to this position should be directed to
What’s in it for you?
Flexible hybrid work model combining remote and onsite collaboration
Opportunity to work with diverse and under-represented communities
Meaningful impact in cutting-edge genomics research and public health
Supportive and inclusive team environment
Professional development and networking opportunities across Melbourne and Sydney
Travel opportunities to engage with communities within Victoria and interstate
Access to world-class research facilities at MCRI and the Garvan Institute
Contribution to culturally responsive and community-led health initiatives
Who we are
The Centre for Population Genomics is a leading non-profit research organisation at the cutting edge of genomic medicine, combining biomedicine and data science. A joint initiative between the Garvan Institute (Sydney) and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (Melbourne), it builds large-scale genomic and clinical data resources to drive real-world scientific and clinical outcomes. The Centre employs a diverse team—including software engineers, data scientists, and community engagement specialists—and operates a remote-first, flexible work model with staff across Australia and New Zealand. It offers clear career paths beyond academia and focuses on projects that prioritise meaningful community impact, especially through co-design with under-represented populations.
We are committed to the safety of children and young people and takes a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of child abuse, exploitation and harm. Child safety is prioritised in our decision-making at all levels of the Institute.
Join Us
Your resume
A cover letter addressing the selection criteria
Ensure these documents are combined into a single PDF file.
No recruitment agencies please.
Position Description
**Applications close**: 6 October AUS Eastern Daylight time