Research Assistant

Part-Time (0.6FTE), 12-Month Contract

At the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), we are committed to achieving innovative, ground-breaking health and medical research that fundamentally improves the quality of life for all people.

The Aboriginal Communities and Families Health Research Alliance (ACRA) brings together researchers, Aboriginal community members, policymakers and service providers to facilitate community-driven, culturally respectful research to benefit Aboriginal families and communities.

An exciting opportunity is now available for
Research Assistant
to join ACRA, primarily supporting the ICARE Research Program as part of the Coolamon Team, in addition to supporting research activities within the ACRA team. The role will be based at SAHMRI Women and Kids, and will work across a number of health services that provide antenatal care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, such as the Women's and Childrens Hospital, Lyell McEwin and Flinders Medical Centre.

The aim of the Coolamon Team is to enrol pregnant women and their key support person into a wraparound care model to support transition into early parenthood.

SAHMRI considers that being Aboriginal or a Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under sub-s 56(2) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (SA). To be eligible to apply for this position, applicants must identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and proof of Aboriginality will be required.

About the Role

Key responsibilities include:

• Research support to the ICARE Program and any ongoing research activities within the ACRA team
• Undertake research activities as directed, including organising, and following up potential research participant consents, referring and supporting participants for the care package, attending, and supporting consultation workshops and data collection.
• Ability to work successfully within a hospital setting, liaising with stakeholders, health care professionals, researchers, study investigators and colleagues.
• Undertaking informed consent and enrolling participants into the ICARE program.
• Accurate data collection and data milestone completion.
• Participate in Aboriginal and team cultural activities.

About You

The successful candidate will possess the following key attributes:

• Extensive experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health/ Health Research, specifically maternal and child health
• Experience working in Aboriginal research projects.
• Experience in accurate data collection and record keeping.
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
• Experience using research digital tools and databases.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a focus and commitment to assisting staff and meeting deadlines.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as an effective team member.
• Excellent organisational skills, with ability to manage time and priorities effectively and use initiative.
• A 'can do' attitude, friendly and motivated team member.
• Support SAHMRI's commitment to reconciliation

Special Requirements

• Identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
• Some out of hours' work may be required.
• DCSI Working with Children Check employment screening is required.
• Primarily located at SAHMRI North Terrace and will be expected to work at one or two maternity hospital sites as directed including (but not limited to) The Women and Children's Hospital, Lyell McEwin Hospital, Flinders Medical Centre. Some Travel is required amongst locations and the community.
• SAHMRI is required to implement the Addressing vaccine preventable disease: Occupational assessment, screening and vaccination policy for SAHMRI employees carrying out work in any SA Health Facility.
• Immunisation Risk for this position is Category C (minimal patient contact)

Everything we do is underpinned by our core values and our institute is dedicated to grow a culture that pursues, enables and demands research excellence. We are proud of the work we do and work hard as a team to make a positive difference to the community. Our values of excellence, innovation, courage, integrity and teamwork are what help us achieve our goals. If these are also your values and goals, apply today.

As a not-for-profit organisation, SAHMRI employees can access salary packaging options up to $15,900. Salary packaging lets you pay for things like the everyday costs of living with money from your salary before tax. This reduces your taxable income, meaning you could pay less tax and take home more of what you earn. For more information on salary packaging please see the Maxxia website.

For a copy of the position description, please click here.

For more information, please contact Di Jans at

Applications close: Thursday 16th October 2025

Applications may close earlier than advertised if a suitable candidate is found prior to the close date.