Research Officer

Murdoch University is committed to improving employment opportunities and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. As a measure to achieve equity and support, Section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA) will apply to this position. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

About The Team

The Ngangk Yira Institute for Change (Ngangk Yira) is one of the four key Murdoch University institutes that bring together leading researchers from centres and across the University to deliver world class multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary translational research that benefits the Aboriginal community government and industry. Ngangk Yira brings together the disciplines that contribute to ensuring quality research evidence underpins Murdoch University's commitment to excellence in Aboriginal health and social equity research.

Ngangk Yira is founded on principles of meaningful community engagement, professional collaborations, and Aboriginal-led research. These, together with engagement of Aboriginal Elders, Aboriginal communities, and the preservation of cultural wisdom and data sovereignty, ensures Ngangk Yira is championing meaningful, co-designed research for the health and social equity of Aboriginal people, families, and communities.

Your New Role  

The Research Officer will support the implementation of the externally funded research program focused on improving practice and care coordination when child protection intervenes with pregnant mothers and newborns. This role involves supporting administrative and operational elements of the research in addition to Aboriginal-led components of the project.

Ideally an Aboriginal appointment, the role is highly suited to someone with healthcare and/or research experience, a cultural understanding of birthing for Aboriginal women and families, and a commitment to culturally safe research practices.

Your key responsibilities will include –

• Providing research support to the Research Program and working collaboratively as part of the wider Yorga Maaman Koolanga Team.
• Work effectively in diverse settings engaging with internal and external stakeholders including Aboriginal organisations, health services, community members and government agencies.
• Assist with recruitment of participants and act as a point of contact for arranging interviews in culturally safe environments.
• Coordinate and facilitate focus groups, workshops, and co-design activities with lived experience consultants and community members.
• Maintain accurate records and databases for ethics and funding reporting and assist with the preparation of reports and applications.
• Support creation and dissemination of project materials including posters, information sheets, and consent forms.
• Support cultural governance activities including engagement with Ngangk Yira Elders Group and Maaman Group.

Please refer to the Position Description for further details.

What We Offer You

This Fixed Term (4 Years) | Part time (30 hours per week) attracts a remuneration of $79,000 – $88,000 (pro rata) plus 17% employer superannuation contributions.

You'll join a dynamic and talented team where diversity and innovation thrive. Our Silver-tier status in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI), awarded in 2025, reflects our commitment to LGBTIQA+ inclusion, equity, and creating a safe, welcoming environment for all. We strive to be the university of choice for First Nations peoples, honouring Indigenous knowledge. Sustainability is central to our community and guided by clear, confident leadership, we are working toward an ambitious future with goals of net zero emissions and zero waste by 2030.

As well as the flexibility to maintain a work life balance, our staff enjoy a vibrant, natural campus with world-class facilities, along with a variety of benefits, including:

• Periodic salary increases between 1 January 2026 to 1 July 2026 totalling a 4% increase
• Flexible work arrangements
• Cultural Load and allowance - providing up to $8,944 per year to First Nations employees who are contributing cultural knowledge and perspectives beyond the scope of their role
• Indigenous Language Allowance
• Salary packaging options – such as purchasing leave, gym membership, car parking permit
• Employee Assistance Program
• On-campus services and facilities, such as a Childcare Centre, Gym, Vet Hospital, and Chiropractic Clinic

For further information, check out our benefits and services page

Join us

Please apply online via the Apply Now button, along with submitting the following documents to support your application -

• A cover letter including a statement addressing the selection criteria (with reference to the Position Description)
• Your most recent resume (CV)

What you'll bring to the role:

• Relevant undergraduate qualification or progress towards an undergraduate qualification and/or an equivalent combination of relevant work experience in a related area.
• Previous experience in a similar role, demonstrating the ability to work in an inclusive team with a diversity of cultures, ideally in an education of health sector.
• Excellent professional communication, teamwork and interpersonal skills with a diversity of people and levels of staff, including senior/elder cultural stakeholders.
• Great time management and workload management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks.
• High level of computer literacy, including all MS Office packages and the capability and willingness of learn new packages as appropriate.
• Strong commitment to the principles of self-determination data sovereignty and improving social equity for diverse and marginalised cultures.
• Current 'C' Class Driver's License.

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a criminal record check in accordance with the University's Criminal Record Screening Procedure and Employee Background Checks Procedure.

Applicants should refer to the Position Description for further details on the work requirements, duties, skills and experience required for this role. Applications sent by post or email will not be accepted.

Please note visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants are expected to have current and valid work rights in Australia.

Please see the Applicant Guide for more information. Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.

Contact Us

For enquiries about the opportunity on offer please reach out to Prof. Rhonda Marriott, Pro Vice Chancellor Ngangk Yira Institute for Change and quote JR104318 as the reference.

Applications Close on 15/10/2025 (11:59pm AWST)

The University reserves the right to withdraw this advertisement at any time.

Murdoch University acknowledges the different perspectives, skills and experience that people from different backgrounds bring to strengthen its workforce. Murdoch University is committed to enhancing diversity in all its forms and strongly encourages suitably qualified candidates from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with disability, people of CaLD background and people of diverse genders to apply for this important position.

Murdoch University values workplace diversity, promotes inclusion, and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, women, and individuals with disability. Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.