Principal Research Project Officer

• First Nations Cancer and Wellbeing Research Program

• Full-time fixed-term position through to December 2027

• Demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and an understanding of cultural protocols and community-led approaches will be highly regarded

• Base salary will be in the range $102, $111, % Superannuation (HEW Level 7)

• Based at our Herston Campus

The First Nations Cancer & Wellbeing Research (FNCWR) Program, led by Professor Gail Garvey within the School of Public Health, conducts innovative, community-driven research that supports and empowers Australia's First Nations people and communities to achieve optimal health and wellbeing.
 

As the Principal Research Project Officer, you will play a key role in coordinating the successful delivery of research projects that focus on improving cancer outcomes and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Working closely with the Program Leads and project teams, you will oversee planning, implementation, stakeholder engagement, and reporting for two key projects:

• CASE Project – Empowering Indigenous Communities: Strengthening Agency, Equity and Connections in Cancer Care and Prevention
• Miyil-Janay Yundu (MJY) – Looking After Yourself
   

This role provides the opportunity to contribute to culturally grounded, community-led research that makes a meaningful difference in health equity and cancer care for First Nations peoples.

Key responsibilities will include: 

• Coordinating and managing project plans, timelines, deliverables, and reporting to ensure outcomes are achieved on time and within budget.

• Supporting the design and delivery of research outputs, including literature reviews, data collection, analysis, and preparation of reports, manuscripts, and grant proposals.

• Managing project-related governance, compliance, ethics protocols, and stakeholder engagement activities.

• Building and maintaining effective relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, research collaborators, and health service partners to ensure culturally safe and responsive research practice.

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world.

Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you will have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.

Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:

• Up to 26 weeks paid parental leave/paid primary care leave

• 17% superannuation contributions + 17.5% annual leave loading

• Access to flexible working arrangements including hybrid working options, flexible start/finish times, purchased leave, and a condensed fortnight

• Health and wellness discounts – fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family

• Career development opportunities –access to exclusive internal-only vacancies and our Study for Staff program

• Salary packaging options

• Postgraduate qualifications in health services, public health, or a related field with subsequent relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or training.

• Demonstrated experience in managing complex research projects, including planning, prioritising tasks, meeting deadlines, and managing risks and budgets.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use sound judgement in interpreting and responding to project needs.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships and present research findings to diverse audiences.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities, and organisations, with an understanding of cultural protocols, priorities, and culturally safe research practices (highly desirable).

• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and maintain accurate research and administrative records.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia & mandatory immunisations

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Stella Boyd-Ford at  

For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at , stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line. 
 

We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:

• Resume

• A cover letter summarising how your background aligns with the 'About You' section

Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don't meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

Applications close Sunday 30 November 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R