Research Project 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.

The Ngangk Yira Institute for Change is one of the four key Murdoch University institutes that deliver world-class multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary translational research that benefits the Aboriginal community, government, and industry. 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 and promotion of cultural wisdom and data sovereignty, ensures Ngangk Yira is championing meaningful, co-designed research for the health and wellbeing and social equity and change for Aboriginal people, families, and communities.

The team at Yorga Maaman Koolanga Research and Advocacy Centre (within Ngangk Yira) focuses on supporting parents and children from pregnancy through the early years, building strong foundations for healthy, resilient families and communities. Our work brings together researchers, clinicians, Elders, community members, and policymakers to create evidence that strengthens and supports Aboriginal families every step of the way.

Your New Role!

The Research Project 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. The role will involve 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, and a cultural understanding of birthing for Aboriginal women and families.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Providing research and project support to the Research Program and working collaboratively as part of the wider Yorga Maaman Koolanga Team.
• Working effectively in diverse settings engaging with internal and external stakeholders including Aboriginal organisations, health services, community members and government agencies.
• Assisting with recruitment of participants and acting as a point of contact for arranging interviews in culturally safe environments.
• Coordinating and facilitating focus groups, workshops, and co-design activities with lived experience consultants and community members.
• Maintaining accurate records and databases for ethics and funding reporting and assisting with the preparation of reports and applications.
• Developing and distributing project materials, including posters, information sheets and consent forms.
• Creating project communications, including e-newsletters, website updates and stakeholder materials.
• Supporting cultural governance and 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 (ending 30/06/2029) | Part Time (30 hours per week) attracts a remuneration of $82,210 – $91,567 (pro rata) plus 17% employer superannuation contributions. You’ll join a dynamic and talented team where diversity and innovation thrive.

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:

• 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, welfare or health sector.
• Excellent professional communication, teamwork and interpersonal skills with a diversity of levels of staff within a university including senior/elder cultural stakeholders.
• Superior time management and workload management skills; with the ability to prioritise tasks, problem solve, use initiative and work with attention to detail.
• High level of computer literacy, including the ability to confidently navigate a variety of web-based and desktop applications, including MS Office.
• Strong commitment to the principles of self-determination, data sovereignty and improving social equity for diverse and marginalised cultures.
• Current ‘C’ Class 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. 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 at r.marriott@murdoch.edu.au and quote JR105929 as the reference. Applications Close on 08/11/2026 (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.